Just when I thought we were officially exiting the beauty-is-pain fashion phase, Gen Z reminds me that I’m merely an aging millennial who knows nothing. Right now, the purveyors of what’s in and what’s out are making a strong case for the return of the stiletto.
This time, it’s not about teeter-tottering for the male gaze. Instead, the resurgence is centered on a confidence-boosting power move — one that’s making wearers feel empowered to stand tall and take up more space. A TikToker captioned her shoe selfie, “Because being 6’3″ is actually that fun,” while another wrote, “2026 is the year I step up to the plate and casually wear heels everywhere.”
Even with the ebbs and flows of trends, there are some brands who have consistently championed stilettos. Labels like Paris Texas — a constant go-to for Camila Morrone — and Saint Laurent have continued to churn out seductively spiky heels, even during peak ballet flat mania. From the Babylone slingbacks to the Kirat mules, the Parisian house always makes room for the sultry shoes.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 06: Camila Morrone seen at ‘LIVE with Kelly and Mark’ in Hudson Square on April 06, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Aeon/GC Images)
Beyond the runways and celebrity sightings, the trend is being democratized everywhere. On the other side of the spectrum, Gen Z’s obsession with all things nostalgic continues with a love for mall brands, too, especially Jessica Simpson’s heels. Yes, the “I Wanna Love You” singer’s eponymous line is still going strong to this day, and the TikTok girlies are obsessing over the reliable department store heels. I mean, those were some of the most comfortable pumps I owned circa 2011.
If you’re feeling like Gen Z and craving a bit of height, of course, there are plenty of playful stilettos to shop. Some of our editors’ favorite finds are waiting for you below.
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From a sneaker takeover to trending tech jackets, the sporty aesthetic has officially hit the ground running for Spring 2026. One person who’s already channeling the athleisure look? Two-time Olympic gold medalist and FIFA Women’s World Cup champion Carli Lloyd.
The former professional U.S. soccer player (and one of the GOATs) has partnered with Tek Gear by Kohl’s, an activewear line “designed for every age, body, and budget,” including plus sizes and adaptive styles that feature moisture-wicking, breathable, and stretchy fabrics to “support movement,” for its spring campaign, according to a press release.
“I don’t typically go to a nine-to-five job every day or have to get dressed up for an office, so I obviously love the Tek Gear activewear pieces. Tek Gear, and Kohl’s in general, offers affordable, quality pieces for everybody,” Lloyd tells Refinery29, adding: “My mom has shopped at Kohl’s for me and my siblings growing up, and now we have our daughter, so it’s kind of a one-stop shop for the whole family.”
Instead of a typical nine-to-five job, Lloyd is busy being a mom and preparing to serve as a correspondence for the 2026 men’s World Cup with Fox Sports this summer. “The 26th World Cup is going to be the biggest and best. So, I think for me to be part of the talent and the group of people that will be on the desk in studio… to be a female…. It’s pretty awesome to be covering a men’s World Cup. I’m very grateful to be able to have this opportunity,” Lloyd says.
In the meantime, Lloyd is getting active this spring with Tek Gear. “It’s been a rough winter, so I cannot wait to just get outside on the golf course, go for some runs, and even just take walks with our daughter,” she says. Wondering what her favorite Tek Gear pieces are? “I love the Tek Gear Ultrastretch High-Waisted Leggings. I feel like I’m in leggings constantly,” she says, explaining that they’re versatile and her go-to style for outdoor activities.
Lloyd also called out the Tek Gear Essential Core Tee, run shorts, and sports bras, saying that she likes to mix and match them for different looks, which she completes with her favorite Nike Jordans or Dunks.
“I definitely think there’s a lot more options and athleisure styles that women feel comfortable wearing today. And they’re not only comfortable, but they also look good as well,” Lloyd explains, adding: “And obviously on the soccer field, things have evolved as well. [Women’s uniforms] have less of the boxy cut and more tapered looks. That stuff is always evolving.”
In addition to women’s activewear evolving, women’s soccer has evolved too throughout Lloyd’s 17-year professional soccer career. “When I first was on the national team in 2005, we were barely pushing 5,000 fans at our games. And now, obviously, we’re selling out stadiums,” says Lloyd. “From a financial standpoint, players are getting paid more. Facilities and standards and treatment and care — all of those things matter, and they’ve gotten a lot better.”
Lloyd has also seen a dramatic growth in hype and support behind female athletes, as we’ve thankfully seen in the last few years, especially surrounding the Olympics and WNBA. “Women’s sports, I feel like in general, are just on this trajectory and continuing to take off, which is really cool. It’s no longer just a charity to get involved with women’s sports. Maybe you have a daughter, and you want to own a team. It’s like a business now. People are investing, and it’s great to see.”
With the spring weather finally making its much-awaited appearance, and bringing with it the promise of sunny baseball games, sweaty pickleball tournaments, and World Cup watch parties, it’s a great time to update your activewear drawer, perhaps with some of Lloyd’s top Tek Gear picks (many of which are on sale through April 12!).
COPENHAGEN, DENMARK – AUGUST 7: a guest (left) is seen wearing a striped white button-down shirt, worn underneath an oversized light blue shirt; a colorful knit top underneath the shirt; high-waisted, knee-length wide denim shorts; white heeled sandals with a colorful monogram from Louis Vuitton; a bright yellow leather handbag with silver hardware, black-red details and violet shoulder straps; large gold hoop earrings; her blonde hair is worn loose, parted in the middle; a guest (right) is seen wearing a cropped brown leather jacket, layered over a pink graphic t-shirt; a white slip-style skirt with lace trim; brown leather clogs with metallic studs; the Graduate Jokes, classic brown monogram handbag with gold hardware from Louis Vuitton x Richard Prince; her blonde hair is worn loose with a middle part during the Filippa K show during Copenhagen Fashion Week day four on August 7, 2025 in Copenhagen, Denmark. (Photo by Moritz Scholz/Getty Images)
I’ll admit it. There was once a time when I felt like every special outfit had to be paired with a stiletto. Thankfully, the fashion cycle has entered an era where teetering on stilettos is out. I’m finally fully embracing the functional-meets-sexy era and doing so in — dare I say it — clogs. Yes, the once orthopedic-recommended shoe is at the top of my shopping list.
Of course, Chloé’s last couple of shows with Chemena Kamali at the helm certainly piqued my interest, making me fall in love with the delicious combination of frilly dresses paired with chunky shoes. But it was Louise Trotter’s sculptural take that made me finally hit add to cart.
And it’s not just a runway moment. The street style scene is flooded with the chunky-sole shoe. Zendaya was recently spotted out and about with Tom Holland wearing slip-on clogs. Anne Hathaway also was photographed by paparazzi in a studded pair — the true star of the clog comeback.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 15: A guest is seen wearing a brown Coach jacket, black top, white shorts, black shoes and black sunglasses outside the Coach show during womenswear NYFW Spring 2026 on September 15, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Daniel Zuchnik/Getty Images)
We can’t talk clogs without mentioning the OGs, Dr. Scholl’s. Not only have they been at it since 1924, they continue to find ways to make the click-clack wooden shoes feel more relevant than ever, most recently with a limited-edition collaboration with Wrangler.
Between the dirt-kicking heritage of Wrangler and the orthopedic-chic legacy of Dr. Scholl’s, the latest crop of clogs feel both utilitarian and wildly cool. While the collection features the iconic open-toe Original Sandal in new colorways (including a striking red and a speckled, cow-print motif), the standout is the studded perforated suede and leather designs.
I like to think of the hardware-adorned clogs as shoe candy, especially since they instantly dress up a simple outfit like a jeans-and-T-shirt combo. And what’s even better? Most designs offer the height and formality of a heel with the stability of a wedge or chunky kitten heel. That’s a win-win for all of spring and summer outfits.
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When it comes to shopping for a new handbag, there are a lot of little details worth considering beyond pure aesthetics and asking yourself if it’s “cute” or not. From size and shape, to its material and intended use, this is not a purchase that should be taken too lightly, regardless of price point. So it makes sense why designers and brands are so particular about their pieces. Case in point, functionality seems to be the name of the game for this season’s handbag trends, to ensure it has the power to work hard in every shopper’s wardrobe. (The fact that they’re aesthetically pleasing is just icing on the cake.)
Like most things in fashion right now, this season’s it bags fall into one of two categories. On one hand, following the popularity of slouchy silhouettes from last season, you have structure-less bags that are surprisingly spacious inside. On the other hand, you have trends of pure novelty with fruit-shaped clutches replacing the bird bags of yesteryear and viral vintage-inspired purses as seen on everyone’s favorite TV fashionista, Carrie Bradshaw. Although they’re two very different sides of the same coin, both deserve a spot in your spring wardrobe.
Not yet convinced? Keep scrolling for a breakdown of the popular handbag trends of the season, along with the key pieces you’ll need to recreate the looks yourself.
Soft Shoulder Bags
PARIS, FRANCE – OCTOBER 06: (EDITORIAL USE ONLY – For Non-Editorial use please seek approval from Fashion House) A model, bag detail, walks the runway during the Miu Miu Womenswear Spring/Summer 2026 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on October 06, 2025 in Paris, France. (Photo by Peter White/Getty Images)
If you are a fan of the bowler bags, then you’ll love the structure-less shape for 2026 just as much. Seoul-based brand and certified cool-girl label Margesherwood led the way with its slouchy dumpling bag, while Miu Miu and Loewe offered up styles made with supple suede and textured leather. The key is finding a style that’s spacious and malleable enough to fit all your essentials. Bonus points if you find one in one of the standout shades of the season like persimmon or turquoise.
Drawstring Pouches
PARIS, FRANCE – OCTOBER 02: (EDITORIAL USE ONLY – For Non-Editorial use please seek approval from Fashion House) A model, bag detail, walks the runway during the Isabel Marant Womenswear Spring/Summer 2026 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on October 02, 2025 in Paris, France. (Photo by Peter White/Getty Images)
Drawstring pouches à la the Chloé runway are starting to replace the classic everyday crossbody, and these are the definition of cool yet functional. Whether it’s a slouchy pouch from Prada and Alessandro Michele’s embroidered design for Valentino or more structured silhouettes like the quilted Chanel 25 bag that shoppers can’t get enough of, these drawstring details are everywhere. Chloé even took a more artful approach with a pleated crossbody that looks just like a bouquet of flowers.
Utility Belt Bags
Whether you’re looking for hands-free options that work hard in your closet or are hoping to take your accessory game to the next level, a utility-style belt bag with multiple compartments is an absolute must and the spring 2026 runways are proof. London-based designer Johanna Parv took a more technical approach with “gorpcore” inspired designs, whereas Coperni and Julie Kegels leaned into utilitarian aesthetics. Pro tip: Find a style that will fit just the essentials — think keys, wallets, lip gloss, etc.
Artisanal Seashells
PARIS, FRANCE – OCTOBER 01: (EDITORIAL USE ONLY – For Non-Editorial use please seek approval from Fashion House) A model, bag detail, walks the runway during the Balmain Womenswear Spring/Summer 2026 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on October 01, 2025 in Paris, France. (Photo by Peter White/Getty Images)
The change in the season (and weather) is your chance to experiment with different textures, which makes the timing of the seashell trend on the runways at Balmain and Ulla Johnson, among others, just so perfect. Whether you’re going to the beach or not, Simon Miller’s raffia tote is a great accompaniment for the months ahead and will add a little extra oomph to the most basic outfit. Simkhai offers a more literal take for minimalists hoping to embrace the trend with a shell-shaped clutch that oozes spring.
Metal Handles
PARIS, FRANCE – MARCH 09: (EDITORIAL USE ONLY – For Non-Editorial use please seek approval from Fashion House) A model, bag detail, walks the runway during the Chanel Womenswear Fall/Winter 2026-2027 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on March 09, 2026 in Paris, France. (Photo by Stephane Cardinale – Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images)
Every so often there’s a vintage silhouette that inspires the next generation of designs. The resurgence of the YSL ‘Mamba’ bag –– in line with all the metal handles on the market –– is a prime example. Thankfully, that means you can participate in the trend with a style that has similar vibes. Consider adding top-handle bags with artful shapes to your cart for occasions, like spring weddings, that call for a little extra flair.
Fancy Fruit Clutches
PARIS, FRANCE – OCTOBER 03: (EDITORIAL USE ONLY – For Non-Editorial use please seek approval from Fashion House) A model, bag detail, walks the runway during the Giambattista Valli Womenswear Spring/Summer 2026 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on October 03, 2025 in Paris, France. (Photo by Peter White/Getty Images)
It’s almost as if every season, fashion picks a random everyday thing to create novelty bags around –– birds, vegetables, electronic devices. And this season, according to Giambattista Valli, Moschino, and Chanel, it’s all about fancy fruit clutches. If you’re looking to get in on the trend, Cult Gaia is known for its cheeky accessories, including a “bunch of grapes” bag, while the Maison de Sabre coin purse is a great way to dip your toe in before fully committing.
Buckled Details
PARIS, FRANCE – OCTOBER 04: A model walks the runway during the Hermès Ready to Wear Spring/Summer 2026 fashion show as part of the Paris Fashion Week on October 4, 2025 in Paris, France. (Photo by Victor VIRGILE/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images)
In line with the utilitarian theme for spring, there are so many bags with statement buckles and they all look a little different, which means you’re bound to find one that works well for you. From dainty east-west satchels and slouchy shoulder bags, there are a slew of options that will get you through the season with your belongings intact.
Kisslock Frames
PARIS, FRANCE – OCTOBER 03: (EDITORIAL USE ONLY – For Non-Editorial use please seek approval from Fashion House) A model, bag detail, walks the runway during the Loewe Womenswear Spring/Summer 2026 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on October 03, 2025 in Paris, France. (Photo by Peter White/Getty Images)
There have been rumblings of a kisslock resurgence for the last few seasons. Coach’s archival silhouette made a viral comeback on the runway, and then again on Sarah Jessica Parker in And Just Like That on Season 3. The vintage-inspired detail has been on the rise ever since. Off the runway, Edie Parker released an undie-inspired kisslock clutch that is an instant conversation starter a night out.
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