With winter now in full force, it’s freezing cold temperatures are disrupting our outfit plans and we’re not happy about it! How? With brisk breezes and rainy days pouring in, winter is stopping us from excitedly wearing high heels, saddening fashion lovers this Christmas. Instead, whilst we want to wear high heels, we’re having to opt for sensible alternatives – leaving us feeling warm but slightly less than sassy
Thankfully, you needn’t ditch high heels this winter! Instead, by embracing a few tips and tricks, you can keep your feet warmer whilst embracing your favourite high heel looks. Phew!
Of course, understanding exactly how to keep your feet warm in heels can be daunting… whilst lots of suggestions are thrown our way – including socks for example – we’re often not sure how to make them look great. Thankfully, we have an expert on hand to help you not only keep your feet warm in heels this winter, but look amazing while you do. Emjee Smit is the Founder of luxury high heel brand Kaya Capriole and to help you perfect your winter high heel style this year, he’s sharing his expertise.
Prioritise the Right Materials
‘When it comes to wearing high heels in the winter, there are specific do’s and don’ts you need to consider. First and foremost; find heels that are made from durable, winter-friendly materials. Instead of purchasing cheap high heels made from synthetic plastics, invest in long-lasting pieces made from genuine leather – or other insulating materials. You might not think this will make a difference but it really will! At Kaya Capriole, we use sustainable leathers for this very reason; they’ll last and make your heel-wearing experience that much better.’
Know When You Need to Shake Things Up
‘If you’re a lover of peep-toe stilettos, you might be hesitant to try new styles… However, if you’re prone to being cold in the winter and you know you’ll be freezing, it could be time to admit defeat! This doesn’t mean you need to ditch high heels entirely; you’ll simply need to style-up some different looks. Instead of barely-there stilettos, try heeled ankle boots or classic court heels – anything that boasts more coverage. This way, you can still wear high heels but you won’t be quite as nippy.
You also needn’t worry about this style change meaning you have to sacrifice looks altogether – going for something different doesn’t mean these heels won’t look sensational! At Kaya Capriole for example our Ereganto range comes in a wide range of colours, whilst their inner lings have lovely designs. Style and substance can come hand in hand!’
Be Bold and Wear Socks
‘This might sound intimidating but trust us, socks can look great with high heels. If you need proof, look no further than style icons Kendall Jenner and Bella Hadid – they’ve looked incredible in sock and heel combos before, proving it really is achievable. You simply need to understand what socks pair well with which heels, nailing this trend.
We would suggest pairing sporty ankle socks with thinly-heeled stilettos; this can make any look edgier! Meanwhile, sparkly ankle socks pair well with thick, glittery platform heels for your upcoming Christmas party and knee-high socks look great with ankle boots (when done right). Ultimately, you need to be bold! As it turns out, stepping out of your comfort zone – and right into a great pair of socks – can be the key to styling heels this winter!’
Socks Aren't for You? Try Tights
‘Don’t worry, if socks aren’t for you, tights can tick every box this winter! By being a little adventurous with the colours and patterns you go for, you can stay warm whilst feeling confident and bold in your seasonal ensemble. For example, spotty tights look great under over-the-knee boots, coloured tights can add a splash of colour to neutral outfits, sparkly tights will leave you feeling party-ready and cosy, knitted tights will certainly fill you with Christmas spirit!
If you’d rather keep things simple and just want tights that promise to keep you warm, find some thermal tights that’ll keep any cold winds out! Meanwhile, opt for something that’s 50+ denier (the higher the better!).’
Be Sneaky and Wear Sock Liners
‘A huge benefit to wearing court heels is that you can sneakily wear sock liners underneath! No one will see them but your toes will remain snug – win win!’.
Go Prepared
‘If all else fails and you want to wear your favourite pair of peep-toe stilettoes this Christmas, the important thing is that you go prepared. Pack some socks in your handbag for the taxi ride home (thank me later), carry some flats with you if you have the room and ensure you have some gloves to massage your feet back to warmth post-party! Sometimes you just have to go back to basics…
There’s no right or wrong when it comes to styling winter outfits; fashion is something lots of us use to express ourselves so if you want to wear high heels, wear the heels! The most important thing is that you wear shoes which make you feel comfortable and confident. This winter, don’t be afraid to try new things. Be bold and smart with your styling!’
