FASHION

HEELS ARE SO BACK – AND THEY'RE NOT JUST HERE TO PARTY

By Emma Strawbridge, 12 October 2026

I love a heel. Now, I don't know whether that’s because I’ve watched far too many Sex and the City re-runs over the years, or I’m just in need of a change because ballet flats and flip flops monopolised my feet all summer. What I do know is that AW26 is the season of the heel.

I’m not just talking about nights out either (although, the answer is yes, I will be wearing them then). People everywhere are swapping their office flats for heeled boots and mules this autumn, from fashion-week-goers to commuters. In the last month alone, searches for heels have gone up 40%. So I’m going to romanticise wearing chocolate brown suede boots to the office, clip-clopping around the streets of London living my Carrie Bradshaw fantasy all season – minus the Manolo price tag.

A Woman Wearing Red Heels During London Fashion Week September 2026

Picture: Getty

Heels were everywhere during London Fashion Week.

Elsa Hosk Wearing a Heeled Flip Flop, Windbreaker and Capri Pants

Picture: Getty

Model Elsa Hosk dresses up her casual look with heels.

WHY THE HEEL RESURGENCE?

We’ve been living in trainers since 2020, when comfort was our highest priority. Since then, trending styles have evolved from chunky silhouettes to low-profile designs and now ballet-flat/Mary-Jane hybrids. When you look at that change in the trend cycle, it’s a gradual move into more dressed-up styles – and heels are the natural next step.

I love a trainer as much as the next person, but they can’t do what a heel can for an outfit. A heel will always make you look more put-together, like you’ve made an effort. If I see someone wearing heels to work on the tube, I immediately assume they’ve got their shit together. Maybe they don’t, maybe it’s just the heel effect.

Picture: Getty

The runways are feeling the heel effect too. The SS27 shows saw iconic new shapes like Loewe's cone heel, T-strap silhouettes at Dior and Givenchy and plenty of classic pumps – searches for 'high-shine metallic pumps' specifically are up 81% according to Trendalytics (signs of party season approaching, no doubt).

If you need any more convincing that heels are back for the better, let me show you how I'll be styling them.

HOW TO STYLE HEELS FOR AW26:

#1: TO ELEVATE CASUAL LOOKS

A Casual Outfit With Heels: Cargo Pants, Shirt, Heels, Sunglasses

In my opinion, one of the best ways to style heels is with an outfit you usually wouldn’t – it’s called the ‘wrong shoe’ theory. Adding something unexpected to your look to spice things up. Casual trousers like cargos look more elevated with a heel, and the angular silhouette of this Topshop pair will give extra visual interest when you peep them under the cuffs. Wear a cinched shirt to give smart-casual balance or tie it around your waist to lean more off-duty.

BEST FOR: Coffee dates, small plates, casual Fridays in the office.

GET THE LOOK:

01. ASOS DESIGN cargo trouser with knee seams in mocha, £42

02. ASOS DESIGN cinched waist shirt in blue check, £36

03. Bershka Plastic sunglasses in brown, £15.99

04. Topshop Alessio angular heel pointed court shoe in chocolate mesh, £46

#2: CONSIDER AN AUTUMNAL PALETTE

Model Wearing a Brown Skirt, Mules, Windbreaker

If you’re struggling to think of styling ideas for your heels, look to the colour palette. Invest in a seasonally appropriate chocolate brown pair that will be a versatile addition to your wardrobe, and use them as inspiration to form the rest of your look. Colour drenching is still as prevalent as ever, but adding in touches of cream or burgundy will freshen things up.

BEST FOR: Date nights, shopping trips, wine bars.

GET THE LOOK:

01. & Other Stories 90s satin slip skirt in dark brown, £67

02. Mango slingback pointed heeled shoe in brown, £45.99

03. Topshop Co Ord colour block funnel neck jacket in ecru, £75

#3: ADD PRINTS INTO THE MIX

Model Wearing Zebra Print Heels, Blue Top, Jeans

Zebra print has everyone under its spell right now. Yes, there are other prints you could invest in this season, but this is my pick for a statement heel. When styling such a maximalist shoe, I tend to keep the rest of the look pretty minimal. However, I can’t resist a pop of colour. Cobalt is another big trend right now, and it just so happens to go perfectly with the monochrome nature of zebra print.

BEST FOR: Dinner parties, hen dos, nights out.

GET THE LOOK:

01. ARRANGE Tova barrel tapered curved leg Jean with roll hem in blue black, £65

02. ASOS DESIGN Pannie high heeled court shoes in zebra, £30

03. Topshop sleeveless organza scoop vest in cobalt blue, £26

#4: GO ALL-OUT FOR PARTY SEASON

Model Wearing Sequin Skirt, White Shirt, Clutch and Heels

Let’s not forget party season is approaching, which is the perfect excuse to wear a heel if casual styling isn’t in your future. I say more is more in this instance. Everyone loves mixed metals in their jewellery, so how about in your party looks too? This sequin skirt from ARRANGE is about as maximalist as it gets, and works well with the silver mules and clutch. Add in some pared-back pieces, like a classic white shirt, to make the look feel effortlessly cool.

BEST FOR: Work parties, a fancy dinner, girls' night.

GET THE LOOK:

01. ARRANGE futurist sequin fringe hem midi skirt in gold, £150

02. Azalea Wang Giah heeled mule sandals in silver sequins, £59

03. ASOS DESIGN abstract hardbox clutch bag with cross body strap in silver, £32

04. ARRANGE premium oversized shirt in white, £85

#5: OFFICE-APPROPRIATE (BUT STILL COOL)

Model Wearing Maxi Skirt, Boots and Jumper

Pictures: ASOS

To me, nothing says autumn in the office like a pair of suede knee-high boots. They just make you feel like you own the place – there’s no other way to describe it. I’ll be pairing mine with a maxi skirt to show them off, adding in some cosy knitwear and finishing things off with a leather tote in the same espresso hue as the boots (and your morning coffee).

BEST FOR: Your 9-5, desk-to-dinner plans, a Sunday roast.

GET THE LOOK:

01. Topshop drape detail maxi skirt in green check, £38

02. Gina Tricot fold detail tote bag in mole brown, £50

03. NA-KD Knee high suede boots in khaki brown, £119.95

04. Topshop knitted rib yoke funnel neck top in grey, £28