25 Simple Rules For a Life Spent in Heels in 2018

If heels have always been and will always be your go-to shoe of choice, we admire you. There's an undeniable wave of confidence that comes with slipping into a power pump for any occasion. While that won't change throughout the years, trends come and go: new heel shapes are introduced, and there are always fresh ideas for styling your footwear. We came up with 25 important rules for wearing heels "the 2018 way." Taking all popular silhouettes into consideration, we're offering you the following advice this season, along with the hottest designs to shop.

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Rule 1: Heels Add Polish

Rule 1: Heels Add Polish

Polish off your slouchy pants by bunching them up and tucking them into your sleek heeled boots.

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Rule 2: Play With Proportion

Rule 2: Play With Proportion

Play with proportion and wear knee-high heeled boots with midi skirts. This trick will elongate your frame, especially when you stick to neutral tones that tend to "flow" into one another.

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Rule 3: Open-Toed Heels Work For Any Season

Rule 3: Open-Toed Heels Work For Any Season

Pair open-toed heels with socks whenever you can to really make a statement on the street.

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Rule 4: When You Shopped a Trendy Shoe, Flaunt It

Rule 4: When You Shopped a Trendy Shoe, Flaunt It

Kitten heels are one of 2018's most popular silhouettes, so draw attention to the pair you picked by coordinating your accessories around your footwear.

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Rule 5: There's No Height Limit

Rule 5: There's No Height Limit

Thigh-high boots with a stiletto heel are the number one heel for making legs appear miles long. Lucky you, they're all over the place for 2018. Ground out your look by choosing a pair in a dark shade that will complement so many of the prints in your closet.

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Rule 6: Metallics Should Surprise

Rule 6: Metallics Should Surprise

Don't second guess wearing your shiny shoes to the office if you've got a more laidback dress code. You'll look completely professional, and actually, completely confident, when you decide to pair your pencil skirt and modest blouse with something standout.

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Rule 7: Don't Knock the Classics

Rule 7: Don't Knock the Classics

Just because there's a whole list of new heel trends to shop, doesn't mean you should retire the shoes you invested in that you know will always be classic. When in doubt (and wearing a flashier look), neutralize from the ground up with your Chanel slingbacks or classic Christian Louboutin pump.

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Rule 8: Stay Print Conscious

Rule 8: Stay Print Conscious

The resurgence of polka dots doesn't only apply to clothes, but accessories too. Don't forget that a pair of heels, no matter how tall, command attention, so wear the patterns everyone's crazy about on your feet.

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Rule 9: Buckle Up

Rule 9: Buckle Up

Look for buckled details when shopping for neutral colorways. This takes a classic pump to the next level this season, classifying your look as "very 2018."

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Rule 10: Get Girlie

Rule 10: Get Girlie

Your embellished heels — whether they're adorned with pearls, gemstones, or sequins — should add a playful, girlie twist to your look. Shop an elegant mule in a simple color for something that'll go with everything from animal print pants to jeans and a tee.

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Rule 11: The Bootie Heel Is a Comfortable Alternative

Rule 11: The Bootie Heel Is a Comfortable Alternative

If you're looking for something that adds just a bit of height to your outfit, trust a bootie to provide you with full coverage and support. When you're rocking a simple outfit like jeans and a blazer, there's no reason to feel as if you're pulling off a balancing act.

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Rule 12: Artsy Is In

Rule 12: Artsy Is In

Mismatched heels, like this pair from Jacquemus (also worn on the red carpet by Emily Ratajkowski), are popping up everywhere. If you're the type of gal who likes to make a heel the focal point of her look, geometric pumps in bright colors are for you.

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Rule 13: The Power Pump Is Red Hot

Rule 13: The Power Pump Is Red Hot

Any type of heel in cherry red suggests you want passersby to stop and stare. To really make your footwear pop, reveal a sliver of skin between the hemline of your pants or dress and the top of your shoe. This helps to break up your look and draw attention to the statement on your feet.

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Rule 14: It's All About Texture

Rule 14: It's All About Texture

Glitter shoes are definitely in, but the options don't end there. Add dimension to your outfit by choosing a pair of satin heels or ones finished with furry details. This is a very easy way to get playful with your look.

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Rule 15: Wear Your Heart on Your Heels

Rule 15: Wear Your Heart on Your Heels

Show big love for your favorite designers this season by shopping heels with prominent logos. Whether it's a fabric pump splashed with "Balenciaga" or YSL's branded stiletto, think of these as a team uniform — for your feet.

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Rule 16: Remember Heels Are the Finishing Touch

Rule 16: Remember Heels Are the Finishing Touch

If you're trying to bring together a handful of boldly colored separates, make sure you own a shoe that can do the hard work for you. Stand tall in floral booties or rainbow stilettos that complement your entire palette all at once.

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Rule 17: Rely on the Slingback

Rule 17: Rely on the Slingback

Dior's slingback is so popular for a reason. While there are so many bold options to choose from, the slingback is trustworthy based on design and fit alone. It's a supportive silhouette made for women on the go, so if a classic pump's not for you, you're in luck this year.

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Rule 18: Heels Can Be Jewelry For Your Feet

Rule 18: Heels Can Be Jewelry For Your Feet

If you've yet to pick up a new anklet, why not try a wraparound pump with shimmering details that adds an ornamental touch to your outfit?

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Rule 19: Glamour Mules Are the New Power Pump

Rule 19: Glamour Mules Are the New Power Pump

You wore your power suit before with your black power pump, but in 2018, trade that sophisticated shoe for something elegant and trend-focused.

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Rule 20: Go From Basic to Over-the-Top

Rule 20: Go From Basic to Over-the-Top

The easiest way to construct an outfit that focuses on your heels is to pile on neutral, effortless layers and add eye-opening shoes that are one level shy of costume-like.

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Rule 21: Heels Take Your Outfit From Basic to Boring

Rule 21: Heels Take Your Outfit From Basic to Boring

You shouldn't have to retire your trustworthy workwear staples, but you can easily jazz them up with the addition of a really fancy heel.

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Rule 22: Stilettos = Sex Appeal

Rule 22: Stilettos = Sex Appeal

Try pairing your sophisticated heels with slitted pants that draw attention to your feet and elongate your legs.

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Rule 24: Stilettos Make Tapered Pants "Going Out" Worthy

Rule 24: Stilettos Make Tapered Pants "Going Out" Worthy

Finish a baggy pant with a heeled sandal and your look will instantly be evening appropriate. Of course, the combination works for daytime too, if you're wearing a super simple tee up top.

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Rule 25: Make "Borrow From the Boys" Look Ladylike

Rule 25: Make "Borrow From the Boys" Look Ladylike

When you finally invest in the perfect utilitarian jumpsuit, you can easily make it stand out with the addition of a heel. Chances are, your throw-on-and-go outfit will be neutral in color and super structured, so glamorize the effect with added height and electrifying color.

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Rule 25: Heels and Sweats Are a Good Bet

Rule 25: Heels and Sweats Are a Good Bet

Try the unexpected combination of a t-shirt, blazer, cropped sweats, and heels, and you won't believe how chic you look and comfortable you feel all at once.