Heels Are Officially Back—7 Ways Fashion Girls Are Wearing Them This Autumn

If the recent 7 For All Mankind show at New York Fashion Week, which saw models dressed in platform heels and skinny jeans, is any indication, it’s that heels are officially back. I had personally given up on heels for quite a few years, only occasionally playing with a heeled shoe here and there where I had previously clocking 10,000 steps in them. However, this year’s autumn heeled shoe trends may have finally convinced me to open up my shoe rack to them once more.

Indeed, heels are on the rise once more this season, ranging from Dalmatian-patterned vamps to shoes that sound slightly hodgepodge-ish but work so well (ahem, heeled loafers).

Whilst they may not bring the effortless appeal of trainers or loafers, let alone the same levels of comfort, heels exude a level of polish and sophistication that flat shoes simply don’t possess.

There is no stronger proof of this than the fact that ballet flats have shapeshifted into ballet heels for autumn 2026. With a foot-hugging gathered edge, they’re an actual step up from the ground-level shoes currently in the mainstream.

The same can be said for heeled loafers. Though the original is classic and elegant, adding a taller heel gives it an edge. Even the beloved YSL loafer has a high-heeled counterpart.

These aren’t the only interesting heels sneaking into our shoe collections either. Funky sculptural heels are jazzing up the shoe racks of anyone who’s easily bored by basic pumps. Dalmatian print shoes are offering us yet another gorgeous way to wear animal print for autumn.

Cone heels and wedges are demanding attention once more in both tall and short variations. In essence, there is a lot to behold in terms of heel trends.

Even if you feel satiated with the large selection of other autumn shoe trends, look this way, and I guarantee there will be a heel, if not a few, you’ll be tempted to wear.

7 Autumn Heeled Shoe Trends for 2026

1. Dalmatian Print Heels

Style Notes: It’s clear that animal print trends commanded not just our clothes in 2026, but our shoes, too. Dalmatian, in particular, has stepped in as a softer, less perfect and modish take on polka dots. Dalmatian, and its cousin deer print, are eye-catching but also a touch more minimal than the leopard and cheetah prints that came before it. It’s just the right level of colour and pattern, but one that doesn’t dominate the rest of your outfit. But that’s what shoes are great for, providing just a pinch of something good. Try pairing yours with tailored trousers or knee-length skirts in a similar hue, or use them as the pop of colour in your look.

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2. Buckle Heels

Style Notes: In spring of 2024, the buckle shoe trend appeared on our radars. Now it’s back for autumn 2026, and I’d argue, better placed in this season. Already, when this time of the year arrives, I think of buckled loafers and boots, but the buckle heel trend makes this feel less clunky and maximalist and more refined. Buckles have been minimised and moved from just the ankle to belts over top of razor-sharp pointed toes. Just look to Gucci, Simone Rocha, Marie Adam-Leenaerdt, Marco Rambaldi and others for the return of the shoe belt and buckle.

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3. Gathered Ballet Pumps

Style Notes: The gathered flats of yesteryear have been elevated—literally. Though ballerinas are still trickling in as a popular flat shoe, their heeled evolution is taking the driver’s seat this autumn. Ballerina pumps are a French girl and celeb favourite, but are very quickly becoming a global sensation for this season’s wardrobe. The cinched sock perfectly hugs your foot and provides a gentle touch of texture, whereas the block heel gives you a shoe that can be worn for truly any occasion. With satin trousers and skirts, this shoe shines, but just as equally helps dress up your favourite autumn jeans.

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4. Cone Heels

Style Notes: The cone heel never needed to disappear to be appreciated, but there has been a notable period of its absence as flats and heels with thicker widths and more symmetrical shapes have reigned over the last few years. But the iconic cone is nothing if not resistant to trends. It’s a classic silhouette and one that was celebrated on autumn/winter 2026 runways, whether it was Fendi’s cartoonish, more exaggerated homage to the shape, Chanel‘s classic approach or Miu Miu‘s micro heel. Cone heels are a spectrum, and you’ll have no trouble finding a pair that works with your existing autumn basics.

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5. Artistic Heels

Style Notes: Part of being a writer is subjectivity, but when you cover fashion, playing favourites happens too. The freaky footwear trend stands tall as my personal obsession this autumn. Though Margiela’s Tabis are the first thing many think of when it comes to weird shoes, this category spans so much more than a big-toe-separated toe box. In fact, this season is spotlighting the actual heel itself. Chanel’s pea pod-inspired, cracking egg and butterfly-adorned heels from the haute couture collection speak to this. As do Jean Paul Gaultier’s wavy heels that look like they’re almost hovering off the ground, or the funky, bendy heels at Ashi Studio and their dangling bell detail that’s reminiscent of an anglerfish.

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6. Heeled Loafers

Style Notes: Loafers inherently have a heel, albeit a short one. However, this autumn, the height of said heel has risen to the point where it’s not just a loafer but an actual heeled loafer. Though there are plenty of classic options featuring sleek black leather and familiar silhouettes, the runways expanded the style this season. For instance, Zimmermann’s wide-set loafer heel proves that this trend can fit neatly into bohemian autumn dressing, not just more polished wardrobes. These shoes serve as an excellent replacement for boots or more traditional high heels and are a great go-to for autumn work outfits.

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7. Wedge Mules

Style Notes: Replacing our sculptural wedge sandals are more vintage-inspired wedge heels with autumn-ready closed toes. Khaite and Alaïa’s wedges are perfect starting points if you want dependable and sophisticated. But if the artistic/freaky shoe trend has grabbed your heart, Balenciaga‘s glass-like wedges and Ferragamo’s, not quite a heel, not quite a wedge shoes are exceptionally unique. Wedge mules are useful in that they feel as elegant as a kitten heel but provide a more interesting visual element with the connected heel and slightly more coverage. Not to mention, they’re an undeniably versatile choice, as you can pair them with anything, from Bermuda shorts to dresses to wool trousers.

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