Iconic heels and footwears from the past are making a comeback this year, and who better to take inspiration from than our favourite celebrities? Let's rock those heels.
Have you ever felt that fast fashion is snatching away the feeling of originality and is not adding much to your personality? You're not alone. Millennials are digging the past for those classic vintage shoes which deserve a comeback and a place on your shoe rack. What's special about these vintage shoe styles you ask? Well, it's not just nostalgia, but their inimitable panache, sustainability, and charisma.
So, without further ado, let's dive into 5 retro footwears that are making a comeback, and learn how you can rock them Indian style.
Remember the vibe? Chunky soles, sky-high heels, with a flair of confidence. 70s classic platform heels are all about elegance, drama, and individuality.
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At a promotional event for the 2018 film “Simmba”, Sara Ali Khan showed up in a cute black and white polka-dot mini dress. Complementing her look were the classic pair of solid black platform heels, adding a dash of sophistication to her style.
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The pink Vallentino Garavani collection features a pair of classy, chunky and elegant barbie-pink, sky-high platform heels. They look absolutely stunning. International celebrities like Dua Lipa, Gigi Hadid, and Zendaya have all been spotted rocking this giant.
Pair your platform heels with a breezy, flared cotton or linen maxi dress or skirt. The ensemble reflects pure boho chic. You can also go for your favourite high-waisted jeans and a simple kurta/top, or even a bandhani crop top to pair with. Thinking about sarees? Switch your traditional heels with a bold platform and wear them with a contemporary linen or georgette saree for a cool and modern look.
Purely nostalgic, the 90s chunky clogs with wooden and synthetic soles, often featuring an open-back, are super comfortable to wear, slightly quirky and extremely versatile.
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In this picture taken in 2024, American model and a recurring face on Vogue cover, Bella Hadid is seen sporting a granny-style 90s garden clog. These clogs are extremely comfortable to wear, relatively affordable and look unexpectedly humble.
Wear a long, flowy kurta with a straight-cut pair of cotton pants. Team your favourite clog shoe with this ensemble – effortlessly stylish. You can also pair them with cropped flared jeans or mom jeans and a plain tee or kurti – extremely comfortable. Alternatively, clogs look amazing with slip midi or A-line dresses.
Picture these pumps: they have sharp lines, geometric straps, and often metallic finishes including gunmetal, silver and gold. Art Deco Pumps are reminiscent of Gatsby-era glamour – they are amazingly sophisticated with an edge.
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Janhvi Kapoor was photoshooted at a pickleball tournament in Juhu back in 2024, where she rocked a pair of Celine blush pink V-shaped art deco pumps.
You know what the ultimate desi pairing looks like? A sleek silk, satin or any modern printed saree complemented by the elegance of pumps. Want a sharper look? Pair your favourite pair of pumps with a tailored pantsuit or even a chic kurta-pant made with luxe fabrics. You can even wear these pumps with a classy, mini black dress or a kurta.
Recall those shoes from your school days? Mary Janes are a better and chic version of those ballerinas. They're playful, incredibly versatile and feminine.
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‘Wednesday’ star Jenna Ortega absolutely nailed her look in a classic pair of polished-black Mary Jane heels with a pair of white socks. Pure school girl vibes with a touch of groove and elegance.
Mary Janes perfectly complement skirts – be it flirty mini ones, midi skirts, or even a long, breezy skirt, paired with a crop top. If you love wearing jeans with cuts like cropped flares, or even straight legs, these retro shoes will surely add a tinge of cuteness to your outfit.
No matter the era, slingbacks are always in vogue. They have an open heel structure secured by a strap, and often feature a pointed toe. They are classy, elegant, vintage yet perpetually modern.
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American model and entrepreneur Kendall Jenner was seen attending a party hosted by Miley Cyrus and Gucci back in 2024, in an all-black, luxe Gucci dress. The supermodel wore pointy black slingbacks with a golden chain strap accessorized with a skinny leather belt. The look screamed timeless elegance and effortless glamour.
Slingbacks would perfectly go well with tailored trousers, cigarette pants, or a sleek pencil skirt with a blouse or kurta on top. Want to pair it with a saree? A fancy and modern alternative to regular pumps, slingbacks can be worn with cotton or silk sarees - utterly gorgeous. Additionally, you can turn your favourite silk skirt and a plain knit top into sophistication with slingbacks.
Experiment, mix and match these vintage shoes with your modern wardrobe to create unique style statements. So, go ahead, raid your mother's closet, explore a vintage store, and grab the perfect pair of shoes for you. Give those heritage heels a modern makeover and strut in style.
