One of the best Eighties/ Nineties fashion trends, slingback shoes are again all the rage at the moment, often described as the real deal among (real) fashionistas. Since not everyone enjoys the unconventional structure and style of slingback heels, finding someone who wears them because they genuinely like them and not just in the name of fashion is actually hard.
We are here to discuss the ‘80s slingback trend and, ultimately, give you some tips, tricks, and 15 shopping ideas that will change your viewpoint, helping you (learn how to) love slingback heels and get your (maybe new?) own pair of slingback pumps for spring and summer!
Slingback Heels Trend: Contents
- 15 Pairs of the Best Slingback Heels for 2021
- What’s the Trend of Slingback Shoes All About?
- How to Wear Slingback Heels: OOTD Ideas
15 Pairs of the Best Slingback Heels
You are now more than in love with slingbacks and can’t wait to take the trend to the streets – we already know that! Our top picks of slingback heels will inspire you to find that perfect pair you can wear from day to night, with a cute polka-dot dress or a pair of ripped vintage jeans! Let’s dive in!
1. Portrait of a Lady in Slingbacks
Meant to blow the spring fashions away, Saint Laurent’s slingback pumps are as elegant and practical as simply minimalist. With their cute silver-toned stud embellishments on the back of the straps and a bow detail, Saint Laurent’s slingback heels are perfect for literally any occasion! Pair them especially with contrasting blue jeans and a plain black top. Find them at Farfetch!
2. Carrie-Approved Slingback Heels
Manolo Blahnik’s Allura slingbacks, available online on Forward, are any Nineties fashion lover’s dream. Sleek and minimalist, they’ll elevate any outfit from casual to ultra-chic. Try wearing them with a balloon skirt à la Carrie Bradshaw!
3. Logo Slingback Heels
This pair of Fendi slingback heels has all things trendy for sure, as it features structural heels, logo prints and a color-blocked bright design with sporty accents. Find them at Nordstrom and get ready to wear them at any night out with friends!
4. Go-To Metallic Slingback Pumps
Available at My Theresa, this pair of Marc Jacobs silver slingback pumps personifies any style savior, indeed. If you are about to attend a gazillion of weddings or any other type of ceremony during the upcoming 6 months, this pair of slingbacks will become your next BFF!
5. Blush Pink Slingbacks
If you already own a pair of black, white, or blue slingbacks, it is about time to get a pink one! Prada just got us covered with the perfect pair of pink slingback heels to exclusively wear on Wednesdays. Get them from Farfetch!
6. Go-with-Everything Slingback Heels
Although we know that slingback heels go with everything, this pair is doubly versatile! More delicate and, if possible, elegant, these Ganni premium leather slingbacks come in an effortless tan color, and feature a comfortable low tortoiseshell block heel that you can wear from office to the bar. You can find them at Farfetch!
7. Disco Glitter Slingback Heels
Since slingbacks are not just for weddings, we decided to add a little bit of excitement with Miu Miu’s glitter slingback pumps, available for purchase at My Theresa. A kitten-heel structure makes this pair the cutest around, while the glimmering blue and silver tones promise to go with everything easily. Who’s ready to take the dance floor with these glitter shoes?
8. Sixties-Inspired Slingback Pumps
Conceptual and structural, Yuul Yie’s slingback pumps are the epitome of high-end craftsmanship and will make anyone turn head and ask you where you got them. The answer, in any case, is “at Shopbop”!
9. Conceptual Slingbacks
We love a good pair of haute couture-esque slingback heels, like these by Cult Gaia! Their unconventional heels might look uncomfortable at first glance, but are 100% cozy and, more than anything, eye-catching! Get your conceptually chic new pair of slingback pumps in chocolate brown from Net-a-Porter.
10. ‘90s Glamour Slingback Heels
For a classier side of the Nineties, head to Shopbop to find this speechlessly gorgeous pair of suede slingbacks dubbed Erika! These are mandatory for your spring cocktail parties! While the black suede is minimalist and delicate, a decorative tiny bow on the back makes it something cute, definitely not for the faint of heart!
11. Fuchsia, Yet Eccentric Slingbacks
Victoria Beckham is known for her visionary takes on fashions, as proven by this haute couture-inspired pair of slingback pumps available at My Theresa. Since these shoes are both chic and urban, we recommend donning them everywhere, anywhere, especially if you are always on the go and need something to wear from 9 A.M. up to 10 P.M.
12. A Pop of Color
Get your trendiest slingbacks in a zesty color from Forward and make heads turn wherever you go! With Area’s bright neon slingback heels with crystal fringe embellishments, you will easily achieve the perfect color-blocked spring outfit. These are the best party-ready slingback heels!
13. Kitty Slingback Pumps
Inspired by ’80s fashions, Sergio Rossi’s denim slingback pumps are destined to become this spring’s must-have items, as they flawlessly combine glam rock attitudes with urban-chic accents. They feature a comfortable kitten heel, pointy toes, and a delicate bow detail with rhinestone embellishments reading the brand’s name. You can find them on Farfetch!
14. Urban Love
For the ultimate taste of the big city life-inspired fashions, head to Forward, grab this pair of By Far blue snake-print leather slingback pumps, and dare to combine it with your best athleisure look. This is the pair to wear with practically anything!
15. Slingbacks with Sculptural Heels
Have you ever wondered what it means to walk on eggshells? Well, you can get a glimpse of this idiomatic face with Rejina Pyo’s sculptural slingback heels, available for purchase in three color options at Net-a-Porter. This is perhaps the most artistic pair of slingback pumps for 2021!
What’s the Trend of Slingback Shoes All About?
First things first, where did the slingback trend come from? And what is it all about?
Characterized by a closed (or open) toe and an open back, slingback shoes feature a strap that crosses behind the heel or ankle. They are perfect transitional footwear options standing somewhere in between classic pumps and summer heeled sandals. Slingbacks are ideal for wearing (almost) year round, if you live in a warmer climate, since they are great spring and summer shoes that can be proudly donned in the first fall months as well.
With the Chanel two-tone slingbacks being the epitome of elegance since 1957 when they were first introduced, these shoes quickly started to gain fame to be later revived in 2015 by Karl Lagerfeld. More specifically, slingback heels are one of the best styles from the late ‘90s, Sex and the City-flavored era, even though they were nowhere to be seen during the first decade of the ‘00s.
Their versatility is well expressed in the styles of slingback shoes available as well, as you can find slingback flats and heels, with the heel types ranging from tiny kitten heels to towering stilettos to sculptural and chunky options. Small embellishments used often just elevate the shoes from normal footwear items to deal-breakers.
Of course, closed-toe slingbacks with kitten heels are the most graceful and comfortable options among the heeled ones, since they are practical enough to wear throughout the day and feature the right amount of pizzazz to take your day-to-day outfits to a whole new level. Moreover, slingback heels are the best footwear options to wear both on a daily basis and for special events, as you can easily pair them with a cocktail dress or plain blue jeans.
With the anti-fashion movement and individuality prevailing over everything in fashion recently, the slingback trend is all about freedom of (fashion) expression and creativity. Slingback heels take us out of our comfort zones, making us surprisingly cozy with their comfortable structures (just opt for wider slingback shoes if you have wide feet!).
How to Wear Slingback Heels: OOTD Ideas
If you are still unsure about wearing slingback heels, since you still doubt their wearability, just rest assured that slingbacks are actually all about wearability and versatility. Giving outfit ideas with slingback heels is actually quite complicated, given the fact that they go hand in hand with literally everything (even with sportswear! Go check Kim Kardashian West’s latest looks!).
However, for those who need guidance, here are the three golden rules to keep in mind when trying to style a pair of slingback heels.
Wear Your Slingback Heels with Casual Wear
Since their structure is effortlessly elegant, slingback heels are just the perfect shoes for any casual style admirer who wants to subtly elevate her outfits. Try to combine a pair of simple casual jeans (especially low-waisted), a plain white or black top with a pair of leather slingback heels – you’ll completely change your opinion of these ‘90s shoes.
Bring Along Your Trench Coat
Although casual and wedding-ready outfits get their best with slingback shoes, there’s a single item that is absolutely meant to be with them, namely the trench coat. If you don’t own it already, invest in a classic beige/ dark green trench coat and a pair of white slingbacks, and you’ll basically grant yourself the most majestic spring outfit of all time!
Wear Your Slingbacks with Pride
Whether you love simple, casual-chic outfits or more eccentric ones, the key rule here is to wear slingback heels fiercely. Don’t be afraid to combine them with a killer red vinyl skirt, tracksuit pants, color-blocked clothing items or even a denim overall. As stated above, slingbacks are so sophisticated that nothing could make you or them look bad or shabby.
Photos via Instagram
