Elle Fanning Declares Kitten Heels the Must-Have Shoe of the Season
From the Upper East Side to the streets of NYC, a new wave of posh grandma-inspired fashion is taking over, and Elle Fanning is leading the charge. The stylish starlet recently stepped out in a look that was equal parts opulent and nostalgic, singlehandedly reviving the often-overlooked kitten heel.
While attending Netflix’s Ripley NY Tastemaker event to support sister Dakota Fanning, Elle turned heads in an ensemble that was a masterclass in elevated grandma dressing. The showstopping piece? A sumptuous red satin trench coat that billowed around her like a luxurious robe. Belting the waist created an ultra-feminine silhouette on the oversized topper.
But it was her footwear choice that truly stole the spotlight and served as the pièce de résistance of the rich grandma-inspired look – a pair of classic kitten heels in jet black. The modest but mighty heel elongated Elle’s leg while still remaining delightfully pragmatic.
The closed-back pumps with a heel no higher than an inch exuded a retro, ladylike charm that feels spectacularly fresh for 2024. While fellow trendsetters are gravitating towards strappy slingback and mule styles, Elle’s choice felt distinctly more wearable and accessible for all.
By grounding her lavish trench coat with the dainty vintage-tinged kitten heels and sheer black tights, the actress created an unexpectedly modern moment. The look strikes the perfect balance between sophisticated and playful, much like the irreverent, bold spirit of today’s grandmillennial style sect.
This isn’t the first time Elle has embraced a more is more aesthetic inspired by eras past. The trendsetter has consistently proven her love for vintage-inspired fashions, having sported everything from corseted twillies to gothic maxi dresses on recent red carpets.
However, her latest grandma glam era is arguably her most relevant and attainable yet. After all, what could be more timeless and disarmingly chic than slipping on a pair of refined kitten heels with your favorite sundress or suit this season?
The pared-down statement maker strikes the ideal middle ground in our quest for uncompromising comfort and style. With designers like The Row, Khaite and Miu Miu leading the kitten heel renaissance, expect to see more vintage-inspired takes on this throwback favorite in the months to come.
But for now, we’re taking direct inspiration from the always-fashionable Elle Fanning. The young trendsetter has proven once again that rules were made to be broken – or at the very least, reimagined with a delightfully retro twist. Grandma’s favorite footwear just received the ultimate stylemaker’s stamp of approval.
