Back to Basics: 7 Types of High Heels Every Shoe Collection Should Contain

high heels for women
Photo: Courtesy of Net-A-Porter

We may earn a commission if you buy something from any affiliate links on our site.

Out of all the finishing touches to add to an outfit, nothing brings joy like a beautiful shoe, especially the best high heels for women. Whether you’re reaching for a sky-high platform à la D’Accori’s trendy towering sandals or going the pared-back route in Gucci’s timeless slingback kittens, high heels have the ability to elevate any outfit.

Something as simple as a pair of wide-leg jeans and a tank top instantly turns into a polished work of art with a little added height. Follow Peter Mulier of Alaïa’s lead and elevate your favorite denim pants with sharp pointed-toe pumps. Or go the Bottega Veneta route with a tall, sharp pair of boots styled with denim this fall.

On the other side of the spectrum, the best high heels for women are, of course, always fitting for dressier moments too. It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for a dance floor-worthy mule for the next wedding you attend or a party pump to dazzle in while on vacation. You’ll find those head-turning options and so much more below.

The Slingback Heel

An elegant slingback instantly elevates your look, whether you’re headed to the office in Aeyede’s cap-toe version or to a formal event in Gucci’s logo-emblazoned design.

Gucci GG slingback

Image may contain: Clothing, Apparel, Shoe, and Footwear

Aeyde Alessia two-tone leather slingback pumps

Image may contain: Clothing, Apparel, Footwear, Shoe, and High Heel

Saint Laurent Frinda pointed toe slingback

M.Gemi The Mia gold pump

The Mule Heel

Turn to these beautiful yet easy-to-slip-on-and-go mules for the moments you need to wow. There isn’t a cool girl who doesn’t own a pair of Mach & Mach or D’Accori’s beloved mules.

Image may contain: Clothing, Apparel, Footwear, Shoe, Sandal, Tool, Axe, and Clogs

Porte & Paire woven raffia platform mules

Image may contain: Clothing, Apparel, Footwear, Sandal, and Shoe

D'Accori Sienna 130 satin platform sandals

The Attico Devon patent leather mules

Image may contain: Clothing, Apparel, Footwear, Sandal, and Shoe

Mach & Mach double bow 95 mules

The Sandal Heel

Whether you’re a minimalist who loves barely-there silhouettes or a maximalist who prefers lace-up styles, show off your pedicure in a sleek strappy sandal.

Image may contain: Clothing, Apparel, Footwear, and Shoe

Chelsea Paris Sasha heel

Gianvito Rossi Bijoux 105 leather sandals

Image may contain: Clothing, Apparel, Footwear, Sandal, and Shoe

Hill House Home The Party Platform heel

Image may contain: Clothing, Apparel, Footwear, and Sandal

Everlane The Italian Leather Tourist heel

The Pointed-Toe Heel

Out of all of the types of heels, nothing is as timeless as a classic pump. Here you can choose between classic black and beige hues or have fun with eye-catching red and silver tones.

Bottega Veneta Almond pump

Mango pointed toe pumps

Image may contain: Clothing, Apparel, Shoe, Footwear, and High Heel

Salvatore Ferragamo pump shoe

Image may contain: Clothing, Apparel, Shoe, Footwear, and High Heel

Balenciaga square knife leather pumps

The Boot Heel

Stay cozy and look your best throughout the fall and winter in a boot that offers extra height. Tall calf-hugging silhouettes pair perfectly over leggings. While roomier western styles add a cool touch to dresses.

Image may contain: Clothing, Apparel, Footwear, Cowboy Boot, and Boot

Larroude Louise boot

Khaite The Admiral over-the-knee boot

By Far Stevie boot

Gia Borghini x RHW knee-high boot

The Wedge Heel

A chunky wedge will be your best friend on days you want to add a few inches without sacrificing comfort. Serena Uziyel and Reformation make timeless styles. While Alaïa and Amina Muaddi modernize the wedge silhouette.

Serena Uziyel Melita wedge sandal

Image may contain: Clothing, Footwear, Sandal, Apparel, and Wedge

Amina Muaddi Lupita glass wedge sandals

Reformation Alessa linen wedge espadrilles

Image may contain: Clothing, Apparel, Footwear, Shoe, Tool, Axe, and Clogs

Alaïa 110 leather wedge mules

The Loafer Heel

From The Row’s high-heel style to Tory Burch’s expertly crafted silhouette, add a prim and proper business chic touch to outfits with help from a high heel loafer.

Image may contain: Clothing, Apparel, Footwear, and Shoe

Tory Burch Perrine heel loafer

Image may contain: Clothing, Apparel, Shoe, Footwear, and Heel

The Row Lady Loafer embellished leather pumps

Image may contain: Clothing, Apparel, Footwear, and Shoe

Roger Vivier Preppy Viv embellished patent-leather loafers

Stuart Weitzman Owen buckle 60 loafer