Modern Day Cinderella: The Clear Heel Trend

Thank you to Holly Kapp Photography for these photos!

I’m not sure when I first spotted this trend, but I wasn’t exactly sure how I felt about it at first. I mean, clear shoes? I’m not a Kardashian, this isn’t my thing. However, when I found these clear shoes on sale at Urban Outfitters, my mind quickly changed. Maybe I can pull these off. In fact, after this pair of shoes, I have a new love for clear heels. But, there is a fine line between classy and trashy when it comes to this style of shoes.

The styles I’m loving:

First thing is first, you have to choose the right pair of clear heels for you.

The first thing that drew me to this pair of shoes was the black cap toe and little kitten heel. Although I haven’t worn many kitten heels outside of work and orchestra concerts back in high school, this pair would change all that. I’ve worn this pair of shoes to work and out to drinks with friends. They look adorable with jeans, dresses, and skirts, and make my legs look awesome. Sorry, I’m selling you guys on this pair of shoes and they’re unfortunately sold out. But don’t worry – I found some similar styles for you.

The other style of clear shoes I’ve been loving is the simple mule style with one or two straps across the front. I think that’s the key to this clear shoe trend – minimalistic. I love the shoes that actually look like they’re not there. As an added bonus with the mule style – when your feet inevitably start sweating, they can still breathe when you’re wearing mules and the shoes won’t fog up.

Part of the reason I didn’t initially like this trend was the lucite heel. For whatever reason, they felt fake and attention-grabbing. I definitely prefer my clear shoes with a nude or black heel. Every pair of clear shoes I’ve lusted over have all had solid heels. However, if you’re more of a loud-style person than I am, you might absolutely love the lucite trend! (I have seen some colored heels on sock boots that have looked adorable!)

How I’m wearing them:

I think there is one of two ways you can go with clear shoes. You either go minimalistic or all out. Clear heels go with just about anything and if you’re smart, you can make them just as cute for work as you can for a night out.

For work:

If you work in a conservative environment, opt for a low heel style. This should honestly go without saying. If you work in a more fashion-conscious office, you can go with something a little higher.

When I’ve worn these shoes to the office, I’ve paired them with skinny jeans or crop flare jeans with a button down or sweater featuring a french tuck, of course. Because of this shoe’s low heel and little cap toe, they actually work really well in the office.

For a night out:

I actually wore this exact outfit photographed in this post out for drinks with a friend. (Drinks that turned into late night drinks that turned into bagel bites on the couch, but that’s a story for another time.)

Clear shoes have a way of making the legs look a lot longer. It’s basically an invisible lift. When I go out, I usually operate by the rule: the higher the heel, the longer the hem. It’s not because I’m a prude (ok, maybe I am a little bit), but just because I dress a little more modestly. Maybe in college I could have pulled it off, but I’m a mature woman now. (Hold the jokes, please.) But, because this shoe has a low heel, I have no problem pairing them with a short dress or skirt. In fact, I have a feeling I’ll be pairing these heels with a suede mini skirt and graphic tee, very soon. (Drinks this weekend, anyone?)

Overall, I went from “meh” to obsessed with this trend very quickly. I already have a few clear mule outfits in mind that I hope I can share with you soon!

What do you think? Is this a trend you’re going to try? Or – is it a trend you’ve already tried? Let me know and show me pics – I’d love to see what you’re rocking!