I'm someone who looks at and thinks about designer shoes a lot. There are approximately five to 10 pairs (at least) on my wish list at any given time. While I do splurge sometimes, I obviously can't have every pair that my heart desires, by any means. But luckily, I take solace in the fact that there are tons of affordable alternatives to my dream designer shoes out there.
I'm focusing specifically on pretty heels at the moment. It's safe to say that the predictions of heels being "over" (when we all stopped wearing them during 2020 and much of 2021) were false. I think that people missed them, and there's really no replacement for a beautiful pair of heels.
Many designer brands have really been prioritizing pretty heels lately (which is often the case in the summer), but they're not cheap, with most pairs averaging between $500 and $1000. If you choose to go the (much) more affordable route, I've paired them with similar heels that you'll truly wear just as much. Scroll for all the shopping.
Designer Butterfly Heels
One word: butterflies.
Affordable Butterfly Heels
Designer Crystal Mules
Either of these pairs will make your after-dark looks 100 times more interesting.
Affordable Crystal Mules
Designer Lavender Heels
If you're into pretty shoes, you're probably into lavender shoes.
Affordable Lavender Heels
Designer Pink Crystal Kitten Heels
Statement-making fuchsia shoes only get better with crystals (and feathers).
Affordable Pink Crystal Kitten Heels
Designer Chain Sandals
Like jewelry for your feet.
Affordable Chain Sandals
Designer Chunky Chain Sandals
A chunky chain brings a bold version of pretty to any shoe it adorns.
Affordable Chunky Chain Sandals
Designer Pastel Crystal Sandals
I think about these Prada sandals a lot, but the Mango pair is also a feast for the eyes.
Affordable Pastel Crystal Sandals
Designer PVC heels
As long as PVC shoes continue to be a trend, brands will continue to design pretty pairs.
Affordable PVC Heels
Designer Mesh Heels
The beauty of these nude mesh sandals is that they go with literally everything.
Affordable Mesh Heels
Designer Embellished Pumps
Mach & Mach makes some of the prettiest shoes on the planet, but it's possible that the Schutz pair below will get just as many compliments.
Affordable Embellished Pumps
Designer Pearl Mules
Proof that putting some pearls on anything makes it instantly prettier.
Affordable Pearl Mules
Designer Satin Sandals
These Gucci heels are the goal, but the Sam Edelman pair is also dreamy.
Affordable Satin Sandals
Designer Crystal PVC Mules
The only thing better than PVC sandals is sparkly PVC sandals.
Affordable Crystal PVC Mules
Designer Braided Sandals
Braided natural materials give a low-key feel to summer outfits.
Affordable Braided Sandals
Designer Metallic Heels
Both of these pairs of gold heels could be worn for fancy or casual occasions.
Affordable Metallic Heels
Next up, 33 pretty flat sandals you can wear day or night.
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Keep This Between You and Me: I Just Found a $165 Alt for The Row's Viral and Sold-Out $1300 HeelsYou're welcome.
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If You Want to Look Like a Chic Fashion Person, Wear This Shoe Trend With Cropped PantsSelena Gomez is on board.
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Yeah, You *Have* Been Wearing Athletic Shorts With the Wrong Shoes This Whole TimeHere's the *right* way.
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I Swear By Elegant Outfits—35 Standout Items That Would Fit Right Into My ClosetHere's to a chicer outfit rotation.
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Forget Wimbledon Whites—at Centre Court, *This* Was the Summer Shoe Color to Wear With DressesIt's not black either.
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Flat Mary Janes Are Cute, But If You Want to Look More Sophisticated, Wear These InsteadAs seen on Anne Hathaway in Manhattan.
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Sorry, Flats—These Anti-Trend Heels Are Every French Woman's Quiet Go-To for a Night Out in ParisA classic choice.
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Black Heels Are Fine, But in France, Everyone Knows This Shoe Color Looks Better With White DressesSpotted at Versailles.
