’90s Heels Are Making a Big Comeback This Season

Heel styles from the 1990s are once again dominating street style and runway looks, with mules, kitten heels, and platforms leading the charge. The era’s original supermodels are being credited as the blueprint for this revival, as designers reinterpret their signature silhouettes for a new generation of shoppers chasing ’90s nostalgia.

Supermodel-Inspired Silhouettes Take Center Stage

Cindy Crawford’s minimalist black mules, once paired with cigarette jeans and satin shirts, have resurfaced in current collections from labels like Khaite, The Row, and Toteme. Naomi Campbell’s square-toed heels, a carryover from ’70s style, are getting elegant updates from Italian houses such as Bottega Veneta and Prada. Suede mules with a boho edge, another Crawford staple, are being styled with floral midi skirts for warmer months, while Kate Moss and Campbell’s daring platform heels are inspiring modern versions from Marc Jacobs and Naked Wolfe, often worn with miniskirts and sheer tights.

Kitten Heels and Ankle Straps Round Out the Trend

Gwyneth Paltrow’s polished ankle-strap pumps are being echoed in patent leather styles from accessible brands like Mango, ideal for both office and evening wear when paired with a little black dress. Meanwhile, kitten heels, popularized by Winona Ryder, continue their streak as a favorite among fashion influencers, with fresh takes from Miu Miu, Gucci, Chanel, and Dior featuring triple straps and glossy finishes.

Common threads across the trend include square toes, minimalist detailing, and versatile neutral tones that pair easily with jeans, skirts, and dresses. As fashion continues to look backward for inspiration, these silhouettes offer an easy way to update a wardrobe while nodding to an iconic decade of style.