Do you think women need to wear heels anymore? - YouLookFab Forum

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Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice

Do you think women need to wear heels anymore?

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

Just thinking about how often I've worn heeled pumps in the last couple years, and it's been very very rarely. There have been occasions where I did, but would have been fine with a pair of nice flats. Going out to dinner - anything other than jeans is dressed up. Funeral - sober casual outfit would have been fine. Wedding - flats ok. Business meetings - don't think anyone even noticed. Conferences - again, nice jeans and a top that's not a graphic tee is pretty high end.

It seems like trend-wise they are even not very current, although they will always be popular in some looks.

Obviously there's a lot of stuff bound up (heh) in the history of heels, but it seems like they are finally not an expectation for the majority of women. Do you think that's true? Do you feel like you need to wear heels at work or church or somewhere else?

It just seems like, unless you're a national politician or a banker, or maybe work for the UN, heels aren't expected anymore, and maybe not even in those rarefied circles.

Dressing

52 replies

Latest reply was from Stagiaire Fash

carter

Veteran

Ha! In my first meeting with the foot surgeon, his opening line was, "you're not a lawyer, are you?" Why? "Because I've found lawyers to be the only ones who just can't give up heels for career reasons." So happy I took a pass on law school! I'll leave the legal heels to MsMary.

Joyce B

Veteran

I wear both, flats and heels. At meetings I wear flats because they are comfortable and they alow me to move around faster and with less fuss.
I generally wear heels for special occasions.
I also don't think heels are required any longer but you are asking this question in Winter which is when I want to feel warm, cozy and wear shoes with good traction so my opinion may be a little biased.

Sharon

Veteran

Hmm, I've never felt like heels were expected. But most of my shoes have heels and I love them and will continue to wear them. I think pumps in general are a little less common - some of the other shoe styles have become more popular. Most men I know aren't fashion savvy enough to even notice.

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

Carter, ah yes, lawyers. Maybe that is the last bastion of formality. I used to read the comments section at Corporette, and be amazed at some of the dress codes / cultural expectations the lawyers at big firms would mention. Slingbacks being too racy for the office and skirt suits necessary for court, never pantsuits - and trust me, this was in this century, although I wondered a few times.

DonnaF

Veteran

Perhaps heels for brides?

unfrumped

Veteran

Well, I think the orthopedists think high heels cause a lot of foot problems and maybe back probs as well Not the only shoe type to do so, but a big one. It's hard to say that about most other clothing items. So ideally they'd be like a fun accessory for occasional wear.

It's hard for me to know the difference between a true cultural shift vs a fashion cycle. But I think ( and hope)?overall there has been more of a true shift, to more pragmatism and independence, that features more comfortable shoes, even if there's still fashion pressure to wear the RIGHT ones!

Anonymous

I don't think that high heels were ever an expectation - they were just what was worn by working women in many sectors, and what "we" liked to wear to feel dressed up. I certainly wore high heels for many many years, until there were more choices available in lower heeled shoes . I think they were considered the height of fashion and sophistication, whereas now, they aren't. There are so many other options. It's interesting though - I really can't tolerate them anymore, aging feet are the culprit, but I still remain a fan of the stilletto as a sexy and powerful look.

deb

Veteran

Not here. I think age has a lot to do with the decision to wear heels or not

unfrumped

Veteran

Deb, I agree, and think the demographics are helping set the trends. Though still not enough to make it easy to find sleeves and length in dresses!

Anonymous

I totally agree. I wore heels one time in 2014. It was a wedding. I doubted anything other than heels would be appropriate. I spent $140 on them. Wore them once.

rachylou

Veteran

I didn't know women needed to wear heels. My first encounter with this idea was a few years ago, from my dog walking friend. She was returning to work after a few years' hiatus and was bemoaning wearing heels again. I thought maybe it was a height thing, because I'm a lot taller, but then she said something along the lines of "How do you deal with it?"

But I must say, I don't like seeing ballet flats in the office. They look like house shoes to me. I tend to wear low, block-heeled court shoes because everything these days is a hike... hike for lunch, hike across campus, etc.

I take all my fashion cues from Queen Elizabeth...

columbine(erin)

Veteran

Haha. Rachylou makes me chuckle. Anyway, I never see heels anymore except at weddings or church and even then, many are choosing another option, wedges or boots or sandals, depending on weather. I wore heels for a retirement ceremony last year. I don't think anything else would have been formal enough.

Anonymous

I like heels, and all of my shoes have 1.5- to 2-inch heels. I'm petite, and like the extra height I get from them. I also like the way they look with certain outfits. That said, I don't wear higher heels, and don't think they're necessary. I think (hope) that heels are no longer required or expected, but agree with Rachylou that certain types of shoes don't look right at most offices and other places/events. I could wear ballet flats to my office, but only because it's rather casual.

Staysfit

Veteran

I never really wore heels until I stopped running as much. My runners feet feet didn't like them, but now that I'm not logging marathon training miles anymore, I love them. They balance my proportions. My legs are short in comparison to the rest of me, even though I am fairly tall. I love the extra inches, although I never go higher than 3", and even then, it's often with a platform, so the net effect is more like 2".

I live in a casual community, but somehow people wear heels around here. Jeans, sweatshirts, tee shirts, and heels. Yes.

I don't worry too much about the feminist perspective when it comes to how I dress. I went through medical school and my residency when things were very male dominated. I can hold my own. I am not worried that heels are going to send any messages other than this is my particular style choice at the moment. I'm also not overly worried about orthopedic issues from the shoes. I only purchase heels with plenty of room in the toe box, and they must feel comfortable. I also don't do much walking in my heels. I still use sneakers to log my miles, just not as many.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I didn't know they ever did need to wear them! Shows you how out of it I am. Or shows you how differently different communities interpret fashion "rules."

I don't think I've ever been anywhere where it would be an absolute expectation that I wear a heeled shoe. A shoe of a certain formality, maybe, but shoes can be dressy without having high heels. I also can't remember any occasion I've attended around here where all the women wore the same type of footwear (i.e. heeled or flats). People seem to wear what they like/ what fits/ what is comfortable/ what is fun for them personally. Taller women often opt for flats (but not always). Shorter women sometimes opt for heels or wedges (but not invariably).

As for me, I've always liked a heel between 3/4 inch and 2.5 inches -- if I can find it. Over 3" and it is too high for me to stride in. Under 3/4 of an inch and it inevitably leads to pain. Funny how we vary in this...I know that flats are super comfortable to some.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Ha I knew I was not cut out to be a lawyer! It never dawned on me that I was supposed to wear heels, and always saw them as something women did for the look of them. And some do look good on me and others - which is why they will never totally go away imho. Actually the most heel oriented women I know are my very religious in-laws, who were completely baffled that I always wore flats. One of my (grown up) nieces is never seen in less than 3 inch heels. And she can run in them. But flats are becoming more fashionable, even if you don't like my old standbys loafers and oxfords.

K.M.

Veteran

I also hadn't thought about the expectation of heel wearing, but my professional and personal circles are very casual and/or artsy and therefore do not demand conventional dress codes.
My impression, however, from watching people on the streets, or on reality TV, or fashion bloggers, or fashion magazine styling, is that heels had become more widespread now than perhaps a decade ago--more people wearing them for everyday occasions. And here's one of my biggest pet peeves--people who wear them but can't walk in them (you know, the ones who stomp and teeter?). I find it more elegant to see someone walking gracefully in flats than stomping on heels.
As for me, I used to wear mid-heels all the time because of the extra lift to my petite stature, but I stopped during pregnancy and didn't go back. I have extra flexible ankles and it's very easy for me to overextend them and hurt my ligaments, so I only wear a heel for a special occasion and if I know I won't have to walk or stand on them very long.

UmmLila (Lisa)

Veteran

I like the look of heels and always have. I moved from city (Philadelphia) to country (New England) about 16 years ago and found that I was one of few who like heels. That still remains true. I feel slightly conspicuous If I wear more than a two inch heel anymore. I still will do it if it's a shoe I like.

In my Philadelphia lawyer days I did wear heels to court. Once it was heeled off white hiking boots and a light blue silk pantsuit that got compliments from the judge and opposing counsel. But they were heels and I wouldn't have worn flats.

Now I practice strictly from my home office and wear only what I like. No shoes in the house. And heels if I lIke the look and weather permits.

Catnip

Veteran

I rarely see anyone wearing heels here in New York City, even at fairly dressy events. I do see lots of dressy shoes, just not with high heels. The only exception was a lawyer I encountered recently when I was on jury duty. She was beautifully dressed in the most conservative but expensive suits I've seen in years, and she always wore 4-inch heels. Ouch! Everyone here is wearing boots with flat or very low (1 or 1 1/2 inches) heels.

fuzzylogic

Veteran

Need to wear heels?- nah.....

But I do love a pretty pump....

I enjoy wearing heels or flats depending upon my mood and the impression I want to impart.

Jeanie

Veteran

I would love to hear what Ms.Mary has to say about this. I suppose there is a certain power to them that may be advantageous in court but certainly not all lawyers can do high heels. I do think there is a bit of an expectation to wear heels for dressy occasions.

Sal

Veteran

I don't think there is a need to wear heels, there are so many great dressy flat options now for all occasions including work or formal.

I do enjoy heels, and they allow me to wear certain looks that I would struggle to wear with flats. Part of that is vanity - I feel heels make my calves look better and overall make me look slimmer, so wearing a sheath dress with flats is not such a good combination.

If I chose not to wear heels, or could not for health reasons, I would choose different silhouettes.

A couple of years ago the heels were all extremely high but we seem to have great choices now, with high, medium, low heels and flats as well as wedges, lugs, flatforms all readily available! I love this.

Deborah

Veteran

Heels have never been an expectation in my mind, but as a short person I don't see myself giving up heels any time soon:) I make sure all my heels are comfortable but I like being a little taller at work and I like the longer line a heel gives me. I wear flats too, but mostly for casual.

Staysfit

Veteran

Suz, I'm not sure about the tall girls don't wear heels thing? I think that's a dying stereotype. Why wouldn't they? Is it so they can be shorter than men or their partner (whatever gender)?

It's interesting that in NYC people are wearing flats. People walk more there than they do here. I live in a commuter city. We also have one of the highest rates of obesity in the country. I have heard that trends start on the coasts and drift inland.

Astrid

Veteran

The only pair of heels I own are an old pair of dancing shoes with a small heel. And they aren't very comfortable to me. I only wear flats and I'm 5'3''. I don't think I need heels to look good or make my clothes or outfits look good. I know a lot of people who only wear flats. I think wearing heels so often is much less common in Germany. A lot of women wear them going out or maybe for a special occasion, but most wear flats in everyday life. And I know quite a few more who never wear them. Oh and a good friend of mine is 6ft and has an US shoe size 14 and she wears heels from time to time... I don't think shoe size or height should decide whether you should wear heels or not.

froggiebecky

Veteran

I never saw a need to wear one or the other, but I have worn flats almost exclusively here in Edinburgh. I finally bought some wedge-heeled booties, and have been very happy with them. Overall, though, my reasons for not wearing heels have had to do more with location: it's cold, it's wet/slick roads, and the streets are several hundred years old-with bricks and uneven walkways to match. When I get back to Oz, the heels will come back out again! (though I should make myself a challenge to wear some of these heels before I go..

Summer

Veteran

When I was younger, heels - 3 inch or over - were the norm for practically every part of life. They were worn for work, for shopping in the city, for going out in the day or at night. Even the adverts portrayed women vacuuming the house in 3 inch heels! It seemed that only the very young and the very old wore flat shoes. Thank goodness that we now have the choice of what we put on our feet. Thank goodness, too, that future generations may be spared the crippling effects of bunions and bad backs!

Personally, I still like to wear heels for dressy events like weddings, but for everyday life I stick with a lowish heel or a flat. If I had super-long legs I might even wear flats all the time, but I find a low (1-2 inches) heel is more flattering for my leg length and my style.

I think heels are fun and undoubtedly glamorous, and I'm sure they'll be around for a long time yet, but I love that we now have the freedom to wear just what we want, and that we are dressing to suit ourselves and our life-styles rather than what the fashion industry (or man?) dictates.

Ann in New England

I'm laughing so hard because I just bought two pairs of black leather pumps, intending to keep only one. But now I'm leaning towards keeping both, as they have slightly different heel heights and I can't choose.

I haven't really worn heels for years, except for the occasional wedding. The other occasion is when I am doing some type of presentation or am "onstage" in some way. It is likely socialization, but I only feel "powerful" and "in command" if I wear heels in that situation. Possibly because I'm 5'3".

But I find that most flats make me feel frumpy in work pants and pencil skirts. Pumps appear to be a solution to quite a few of my wardrobe frustrations. I don't want a wardrobe of different heels for different occasions, so I'm hoping the black pumps (and maybe nude in spring/summer) will work.

Diana

Veteran

I do think you're right that heels have become far less common these days. In boston I rarely see women wearing very high heels any more, even among the lawyer types, although I do still see commuting shoes (which i have other issues with, mostly involving ppl) so it's possible that heels are still prevalent inside the office. I also don't often encounter people who work in offices and drive there, so I could be biased. I *do* see very high, teetering, spiky stilettos sometimes at night though, mostly among college age women who don't know how to walk in them. The fact that they can't walk in them suggests to me that even they don't wear them often. My mom wore heels every day (she was a scientist like me by the way, and then a stay at home mom) for many years and could literally hike in them.

Anyway I feel in most big cities I've bern in recently (NYC, sf, la, London, etc) there are many people obviously going to work and wearing flats. The huge exception to ribs was tokyo. There, it almost seemed de rigeur for women to wear skirts, tights, and some kind of heels. Now they weren't always sky high but definitely classic heels (as opposed to, say, my combat boots which technically have a 2" chunky block heel but read as flat). It was December so I mostly saw pumps and heeled booties. Even in Osaka and kyoto , which were a lot more casual, heels were common. And I saw all these women on the subway and walking, not driving.

Personally, I don't wear what I think of as heels (although I do often wear shoes that actually have 1-2" heels but read as flat) but I work in a field where it would look totally out of place anyway. Good thing for my fussy feet!

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