fashion

The Art Of The Statement Heel: Choosing Designer Shoes With Presence

Written by Jimmy Rustling

A great pair of heels can transform an outfit.

They can sharpen tailoring, elevate an evening dress or bring a sense of occasion to an otherwise understated look. In luxury fashion, however, the appeal of a heel extends beyond height. Silhouette, material, proportion and detailing all contribute to the character of a shoe.

This is partly why Versace designer heels for women remain such a coveted choice. Everyday, comfortable basics are reimagined in a fashion-forward context. The pumps and slingbacks that make it into the women’s designer shoes line-up come in different heel heights, colourways and finishes, meaning there’s a pair befitting any daytime look or evening event.

Why The Right Heel Matters

Heels are often left until last as the final touch to an outfit but they also have the ability to dramatically shift the proportions of your whole look. Stilettos will lend precision to your tailoring or trouser suit where an equal part of leg balances on either side of the shoe. On the other hand, a slingback will lighten the look for a dress or skirt.

Heel height underscores the shoe’s personality. A high heel adds ceremony to an evening silhouette, while a block heel offers a more measured take on luxury. Naturally, the dress code, outfit and desired level of formality will determine when one works in favour of the other.

Materials Make The Difference

But luxury shoes aren’t defined by shape alone. Material and finish can also radically alter the vibe they give off.

Smooth leather is both very clean-looking and incredibly versatile and a finish that aligns naturally with workwear and formal attire. Patent leather gives a crisper and more reflective finish. Satin, meanwhile, is the perfect gateway to a soft and undeniably great evening.

Colour works in much the same way. Black is a timeless place to start when building up a workable shoe cupboard, but metallics and more saturated hues can become the standout element of a look. Decide based on whether you want your shoes to blend seamlessly with an outfit or stand on their own as more than the sum of their parts.

Pumps And Slingbacks

Pumps have been promoted to luxury status not just because of their versatility, but because they work with pants, skirts, and dresses. And either a striking surface or a little embellishment can give a streamlined shape a character that feels contemporary.

Slingbacks are a little different. They don’t have the streamlined sole pumps wear; instead, they feature an open heel and a microphone strap. Hence, in profile, they take on a more relaxed character. But they typically have a heel, so they still read as most appropriate for occasions that require formal dress.

The current Versace selection includes a range of pump and slingback styles, with variations in heel height, colour and material.

Styling A Statement Pair

When you’re stepping out in statement shoes, your other fashion choices remain complementary rather than combative. A sleek dress or pared-back trousers allows all the attention to be on the feat.

For daytime, a polished blazer and matching pants will offer a more grown-up context for high-octane heels. When the sun goes down, a simple dress will offer a similar contrast.

Of course, choosing a luxury heel is more complicated than just keeping up with the latest trends. A slick pair will tick the occasion, proportion and sartorial boxes while injecting a little personality into any ensemble.

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About the author

Jimmy Rustling

Born at an early age, Jimmy Rustling has found solace and comfort knowing that his humble actions have made this multiverse a better place for every man, woman and child ever known to exist. Dr. Jimmy Rustling has won many awards for excellence in writing including fourteen Peabody awards and a handful of Pulitzer Prizes. When Jimmies are not being Rustled the kind Dr. enjoys being an amazing husband to his beautiful, soulmate; Anastasia, a Russian mail order bride of almost 2 months. Dr. Rustling also spends 12-15 hours each day teaching their adopted 8-year-old Syrian refugee daughter how to read and write.