How To Wear Chunky Heels

When chunky heels were popular in the 90’s, we wore them with everything. Now, the general rule of thumb is to wear chunky heels as a contrast to a slim-fitting outfit.

Pants

Chunky heels under boot-cut jeans is just too clunky. When you wear chunky heels, your pants should stop at your ankle or slimly cover only the top edge of your heel.
Wear chunky heels with skinny jeans, leggings or cropped pants.

Dresses

As we saw this Spring, chunky heels look great with bare legs. Again, it’s the contrast of the chunkiness combined with the thinness of the leg that makes these heels work. For Fall, wear chunky heels with a full skirt for a super feminine look. Or, for something more sophisticated, wear chunky heels with a pencil or tulip skirt. Just make sure your hemline is no longer than knee length. To keep warm, wear a pair of tights.

Types of Chunky Heels

You can find chunky heels in other varieties, but the following are the most popular and stylish.

Chunky Heeled Oxfords

Shown: DKNYC Oxfords


Wear chunky heeled oxfords with leggings, skinnies or cropped pants. For a great menswear look, wear a boyfriend blazer and a simple tunic tee with leggings and oxfords.

Chunky Heeled Mary-Janes

Shown: Not Rated Mary-Janes


Chunky heeled mary-janes are best paired with full dresses or skirts. You can also wear with cropped pants for a more progressive retro look.

Chunky Heeled Sandals

Shown: Vince Camuto Chunky Heeled Sandals


Chunky heeled sandals, especially in a natural leather, can be worn year-round. This Fall, wear a pair like the one shown with skinny jeans, pencil skirts or tulip skirts (really, they can be worn with everything!!).

Chunky Heeled Ankle Boots

Shown: Not Rated Ankle Boots


Chunky heeled ankle boots are the way to go when it comes to the ankle boot trend. Wear chunky heeled ankle boots with leggings, full dresses, tulip skirts and even pencil skirts.

Chunky Heeled Tall Boots

Shown: Chelsea Crew Tall Boots


With chunky heeled tall boots, it’s most important to remember to balance the look with a slim-fitting outfit. The shaft of the boot makes the heel look even chunkier, so creating contrast is key. Wear chunky heeled tall boots with leggings or dresses. They can be worn with skinny jeans, but know that the chunky heel can have a widening rather than a lengthening effect on your leg if there is not enough contrast. Denim leggings are a better option.

Your thoughts?

Are you a fan of chunky heels? Do you have a pair you’ve saved from when they were last popular or will you be buying a pair this Fall?