For years, wedge heels have taken a backseat – often associated with Noughties holiday wardrobes or summer weddings.
This season, however, they’ve stepped back into the trend scene, thanks to recent runways like Victoria Beckham, Chloe and Isabel Marant, who has revived its infamous Bekett wedge sneaker.
While designers have offered a twist on the classic wedge – such as cut-outs or textural finishes, the heel hasn’t lost its wearability in making height comfortable.
According to British retailer Marks & Spencer’s head of womenswear design Lisa Illis, the comeback is part of the wider trend towards nostalgic dressing.
"Many current trends are all about throwback appeal,” she explains. "Although their history begins in the 1930s, wedge heels are closely associated with bold Y2K fashion.”
Early-2000s style is one of the biggest decades to return to the trend cycle this season, alongside reinterpretations of the 1990s.
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A modern take on a retro silhouette
While the wedge itself hasn’t changed dramatically, the way it’s being designed has.
"I’m enjoying seeing the classic silhouette reimagined with unexpected (and) fresh touches such as animal prints, metallics, suede and buckle detailing,” says Illis.
Where early-2000s wedges were often dominated by rope soles and overtly casual espadrille styles, today’s versions feel more elevated, with a noticeable shift towards cleaner lines and richer textures.
"We’ve moved away from the espadrille wedge of the early 2000s to something more sophisticated.”
That doesn’t mean the style has lost its versatility, however, as Illis says, "I’m loving seeing wedges on heeled fashion flip-flops. It elevates the beach-friendly thong sandal silhouette into a new realm of stylishness.”
Having a wedge doesn’t mean it has to have the sky-high height it once did in the 2000s – small wedged heels are trending alongside kitten heels this season, meaning you can add height without sacrificing comfort.
How to style wedges now
The key to making any trend work lies in how they’re styled – and that’s particularly true of wedges.
While the classic pairing of a floaty dress and wedge heel still works, Illis suggests something more updated.
"Flowy floral dresses and chunky wedges are a classic summer pairing, but for a [more up-to-date] take, try a floaty co-ord instead of a dress,” she says.
Co-ordinated sets in lightweight fabrics like linen or seersucker bring a more refined feel to the look.
For something more casual, Illis recommends leaning into tailored separates.
"When the weather is warm, tailored shorts and a simple tank top make for an easy office-ready duo.”
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"Jeans and wedges are the ultimate in laidback chic,” she says, suggesting wide-leg or bootcut styles, rather than anything too fitted.
A longer hem that grazes the top of the wedge creates a more streamlined silhouette, which elongates the leg, as opposed to going with ankle-grazers which can cut off your silhouette.
If your wide-leg jeans are too long, "you can turn up the cuffs to create a turn-up-style jean”, she says.
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The small details to focus on
As with many returning trends, it’s often the finer details that determine whether wedges feel cool or a bit outdated.
One of the most important things to consider is the strap.
"Wide-ankle straps can shorten the leg,” Illis explains, "They’re best balanced with trousers or mini hemlines.”
If you’re opting for this style of wedge, which can also offer more support, going for a Seventies-inspired look with long flared jeans and a floaty blouse can be one of the best ways to style them.
On the other hand, more minimalist designs such as slingbacks or delicate straps tend to be more versatile.
"These work beautifully with maxi or midi dresses,” she says, as they don’t visually cut across the leg in the same way.
It’s a subtle shift, but one that can significantly change the overall look and feel of an outfit.
How to bring them back into your wardrobe
For those hesitant to revisit wedges, the good news is that they’re easy to come back to.
"Start simple,” says Illis, suggesting "a pair of wide-leg jeans and a simple top (which) is an easy way to introduce wedges without overthinking it”.
From there, the look can be built up gradually whether that’s through texture, colour or layering.
Jewellery can also make a big difference. Matching gold or silver accessories to the matching hardware on your wedge can tie the whole look together with minimal effort. – dpa
