One of the most creative and unconventional accessories trend this summer is the return of the beautiful and somewhat quirky sculptural heel. In fashion, details matter and it often takes something as minor as a shoe heel to completely transform a look.
Ever since Anthony Vaccarello debuted the now iconic Opyum stilettos in 2016, and then several months later Simon Porte Jacquemus sent his models down the runway in shoes with mismatching heels, architectural heels were meant to become the next big thing in footwear.
But don’t worry––if you’re not a fan of sky-high stilettos, you can still find an artsy pair of sandals to don this summer. And this is exactly why we are so excited about this trend: whether it’s sexy five-inch stilettos you are looking for or a comfortable two-inch pair of mules that you can wear all day long, there is something for you on the market.
Here, we rounded up the most stylish summer shoes that feature sculptural heels that will make even Carrie Bradshaw jealous.
Cult Gaia Alia Leather Mules
We’re not sure what we like better––the gorgeous spherical carved heel of these mules or the beautiful upper made from smooth leather strips. One thing is sure though: these shoes are a stunning day-to-night footwear option.
To buy: $320, net-a-porter.com
Gucci Mid-heel Pump
There is nothing wrong with donning a little sparkle (or a lot) now and then. These 70s-inspired Gucci pumps sport a square G heel adorned with crystals, a metallic silver upper, and a delicate ankle strap with crystal drops.
To buy: $1,980, gucci.com
Yuul Yie Lowell Leather Mules
A chic everyday mule in smooth leather and a striking sculptural heel will add an extravagant touch to your summer outfits.
To buy: $365, modaoperandi.com
Saint Laurent Opyum YSL Ankle Strap Sandal
Saint Laurent quite literally takes the "logo mania" trend to new heights. This gorgeous pair of sandals features the signature YSL logo reimagined as a heel that is about four inches high.
To buy: $995, nordstrom.com
Rosie Assoulin Exclusive Plexi Printed Cotton-faille Pumps
At first sight, Rosie Assoulin’s vibrant-hued pumps look like a classic pair of pointy-toe shoes. But look closer and you will see that the slim stiletto heel is actually inside a chunkier cylindrical plexiglass heel.
To buy: $695, modaoperandi.com
BY FAR Brigette Snake-effect Leather Slingback Sandals
Celebrity-favorite brand By Far has created a trendy pair of snakeskin slingbacks that feature elegant and modern faceted heels. They're perfect for those who like the trend but don’t want to go all out.
To buy: $425, net-a-porter.com
Dolce & Gabbana Lurex Sandals with Sculpted Heels
Another contender for most original logo placement? This timeless pair of black sandals sports Baroque-inspired heels shaped as the letters D and G.
To buy: $1,195, dolcegabbana.com
Dear Frances Luna Sandals
The curved tortoise plexiglass heel of these Italian-made sandals elevates them to statement pieces that will earn you a lot of compliments.
To buy: $425, dearfrances.com
Jacquemus Castana Mules
This pair of gorgeous sandals is part of Jacquemus’s summer 2019 collection: La Riviera. They feature mismatched heels that only measure about 1.3 inches. If you’re headed to the Mediterranean coast this summer, these sandals are the perfect daytime footwear option––elegant and comfortable.
To buy: $780, jacquemus.com
Givenchy Triangle Open-toe Leather Mules
Givenchy’s open-toe leather mules are another stylish option that will add an unexpected element to your look. They flaunt a gilded triangular heel with a cutout in the shape of the letter G.
To buy: $875, modaoperandi.com
Neous Phippium Leather Sandals
We love everything about these sandals––from the bright yellow hue and feminine ankle-strap silhouette to the architectural wooden heels.
To buy: $790, modaoperandi.com
