9 dress and kitten heel outfit ideas that nail this summer's most versatile shoe

Cosmopolitan

4 hours ago

The days of wearing sky scraper heels (except with your wedding guest dress) may be long behind us – and our feet are certainly thankful for it – but it'll take a lot for us to part with our kitten heels. Especially in 2025, when a lower heel has been embraced across the spring summer runways at the likes of Chloé, Miu Miu and Versace.
Yep, kitten heels are having a major moment right now and it all comes down to their versatility. Beyond the heeled flip flop emerging as a frontrunner for 'shoe of the summer' block heeled silhouette, multi-strap designs and mule styles are all proving popular. From brunch with the girls to summer date nights, it's not just where you can wear kitten heels, but *how*.
Despite their ability to elevate any outfit to workwear status, even barrel leg jeans and capris, our favourite way to wear kitten heels is with a summer dress. A classic combo that is eternally chic. So, for days or hemlines that require a small but significant boost, keep scrolling for dress and kitten heel outfit inspiration.
Sure, a kitten heel is helpful for stopping long dresses from trailing on the floor, but more than that, they instantly dress up a jersey halterneck maxi dress. Ditch your flat sandals for strappy kitten heels to take you from beach to bar on holiday without taking up precious packing room in your luggage. The look works just as well in the city, so no need to wait to try this 'fit out.
Lean into the grounded feel of the natural fibres of a crochet dress with a pair of kitten heels featuring a solid and sturdy block heel. A thong flip flop silhouette will stop it feeling heavy.
When it comes to tailored shirt dresses featuring details such as collars, buttons and belts, keep your accessories simple and stick to a pair of minimal mule sandals.
Balance the naked-ness of your see-through dress with a slingback kitten heel. Don't underestimate how much a thin heel strap can change a shoe's silhouette, not to mention providing extra security so there's less chance of a Cinderella moment and leaving a kitten heel behind.
Heading to work? A closed-toe kitten heel adds extra formality, pairing well with a professional high-neck dress.
Deciphering wedding dress codes can be tricky, so stick to our style rules to simplify the whole process. Black tie calls for formal, long gowns which pair perfectly with elegant kitten heels. Look for a pair with closed, pointed toes and delicate strappy detailing.
There's nothing more ladylike than kitten heel Mary Janes, making them ideal footwear for a mini shift dress. Add a pearl necklace and you're good to go!
Midi and maxi dresses with long floaty skirts or billowing sleeves – AKA boho detailing – look great when paired with knee-high boots to contrast the feminine, romantic aesthetic. Opt for a low, kitten heel and a pointed toe to keep the outfit feeling polished.
Following Wimbledon, we're embracing preppy fashion with fresh aplomb. We love the idea of pairing a super cute mini polo or tennis dress with slingback kitten heels and socks.
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Alexandria Dale is the Digital Fashion Writer at Cosmopolitan UK. Covering everything from the celebrity style moments worth knowing about to the latest fashion news, there's nothing she loves more than finding a high street dupe of a must-have designer item. As well as discovering new brands, she's passionate about sustainable fashion and establishing the trends that are actually worth investing in. Having worked in fashion journalism for six years, she has experience at both digital and print publications including Glamour and Ok!