Winter’s trendiest shoe got a spring update.
The transition from winter to spring footwear has been slow for me. I started easing my way in with loafers — which can easily be warmed up with a pair of socks — before recently breaking out my ballet flats. But Kaia Gerber just reminded me that I’m not done testing new styles just yet; there’s still one more spring shoe my wardrobe needs, and I might need to book a pedicure for it.
When the supermodel stepped out in New York City ahead of the solar eclipse, she opted for an outfit 2000s rom-coms had convinced kid me I would one day wear to an office: a tiny top, body-hugging pencil skirt, and pumps. The look was sexy and sophisticated yet surprisingly fun — and not just because of the glasses. Her long-sleeve crop top and metallic heeled sandals toned-down the seriousness of the straight skirt. And while the entire look was worthy of recreation, it was her open-toe pumps I can’t stop thinking about.
Schutz Dethalia Pumps
Buy on Zappos $118
Tory Burch Ruched Sandals
Buy Now $348
Kittens heels are the surprising but practical — well, practical in the world of heels — shoe that’s taken over 2024. In the winter, stars including Katie Holmes and Julia Roberts were wearing pointed-toe styles with tights, and while the obvious next step might be just to ditch the pantyhose, Gerber proved we’re not stopping there. Her heeled sandals might be the final form of the kitten heel — at least for spring and summer. The shoes featured a single strap, satin-like finish, and silver hue that continues to trend in the footwear world; it was a look that felt both timeless and fresh. Plus, I could immediately picture myself wearing it with just about everything in my closet.
White sneakers have become the standard goes-with-everything shoe, but I’m convinced this simple but chic heel is the elevated version of that. The low-heeled sandals add a fun touch to otherwise stuffy pieces — say, a pencil skirt — complement formal dresses, and can even elevate a pair of trousers or jeans. Give it a month and I guarantee you will start to see this shoe everywhere — and with everything.
Gerber’s kitten heel sandals are the shoes I plan to wear all spring and summer long. Shop more styles, below.
Get the Look:
Coach Niomie Sandals
Shop now: $119 (Originally $228); coachoutlet.com
Dolce Vita Meeza Kitten Heel Slide Sandals
Shop now: $125; nordstrom.com
Reformation Clementine Heeled Mule Sandals
Shop now: $248; thereformation.com
Nine West Luvlie Kitten Heel Slide Sandal
Shop now: $79; nordstrom.com
Staud Brigitte Mules
Shop now: $251 with code STYLE (Originally $295); shopbop.com
Guess Dista Slide Sandals
Shop now: $89; nordstrom.com
By Anthropologie Kitten Heels
Shop now: $130; anthropologie.com