We're no more than mere days into 2024, and already, the year's first footwear phenomenon has taken hold, commanding over Instagram and single-handedly ushering in a very chic but slightly uncomfortable 366 days. Its name is Lee. Crafted by Saint Laurent's creative director since 2016, Anthony Vaccarello, the Lee is a 4.25-inch geometric stiletto with a heel that's varnished in the same color of the exaggerated buckle that fastens its patent-leather slingback straps to the rest of the shoes. Some variations are available with a black heel if too much gold isn't your thing. Available in six colorways, the style made its debut at the French house's fall/winter 2023 show alongside '80s-inspiredcorporate ensembles fit for the office siren, and now that its shoppable, fashion's elite, including Laura Harrier and Hailey Bieber, can't seem to get enough.
Scrolling through my Instagram feed over the last few days, I've noticed the vampy stilettos on a near-constant basis, often styled alongside other pieces from the fall collection, including pencil skirts, sheer and low-cut tank tops, and shoulder-padded oversize blazers. Hosiery is a must with these, and extra-sheer tights are the primary pick for most of the wearers I've seen. According to Vogue, the goal of Vaccarello's collection was to hit on the concept of elegance and "being dressed." There was a time not long ago when putting on a pencil skirt, stockings, and heels this sky-high would've sent a shutter down most of our spines. That's no longer the case, though, and 2024's early obsession with the Lee silhouette is further proof that comfort is no longer king. This year, a "look at me" outfit will reign supreme over one that satisfies your sense of touch and feel. I love my trusty Uggs, too, but they just don't show off like the Lees will.
Scroll down to learn all about the first viral shoes of 2024.
Made of 100% calfskin leather in Italy, the Lee heels, shown above on the runway in Paris, are as well crafted as they are daringly high. Even with the tall heel—a stark contrast to the microscopic kitten heels that dominated the trendscape in 2023—the Lee's oversize buckles are still the focal point.Of the six available colors, three are black with variations in material for the leather as well as the heel. The crocodile-embossed and patent-leather options come with the sleek black heel, while a brushed-leather alternative features the aforementioned striking gold one. From there, the Lee is also offered in cognac, brown, and tan. Everyone's favorite London-based French woman took to the library to show off her Lees and accompanying pinstripe ensemble. The glasses really drove the look home. Moroccan stylist Oumayma Elboumeshouli's runway gloves, jewelry, and belt further emphasize Vaccarello's intention to create impactful ensembles. Still, my eyes went straight to the shoes. If you're daring like NYC tastemaker Christie Tyler, you'll even try your hand at walking on the beach in yours. (I wish you all the luck in the world.)Quiet-luxury expert Rosie Huntington-Whiteley has been donning her Lee heels with everything from trousers to jeans since they came out. If 2023 was the year of the ballet flats, 2024 will be the year of the high heels. Mark my words now. Any and every outfit can be improved with the addition of these black-and-gold pumps. Bieber and Harrier both opted for this color option, Bieber for a Rhode event in Paris and Harrier to the brand's spring/summer 2024 runway show. These might be the simplest of all of your options, but that doesn't mean they are lacking in It factor. This croc pair hasn't been featured as much as the others on social media, and I can't for the life of me understand why. Let's change that, shall we? Black and gold are just one of those color combinations that click perfectly. It's a match made in heaven, some might argue.These are the kind of shoes that allow you to bypass all jewelry. Wear them with jeans and a T-shirt, and the combo will be immediately transformed. The WWW NYC office was buzzing about these new Ferragamo beauties on the first day back after the holidays. The color of the year is here! From the gems to the mesh fabric, everything about these flats is trending right now. These are a need, not a want. But you already knew that, didn't you? The crown jewels of your future 2024 shoe collection. Hop on the Phoebe Philo train already. I can personally attest that these are just as delectable IRL as they appear online. Suede looks luxe every single time.Sometimes, the simplest pieces are the best ones.To call myself smitten with these shoes would be the understatement of 2024. These won't stay in stock for long—trust me. Gray is happening right now. It feels different and fresher than black but just as timeless and versatile. Simply perfect. Tory Burch's footwear is flying off the shelves, so if you want a pair, you better act fast. It doesn't get more vintage and classy than these T-strap pumps. The bag version of these wedged mules is already long sold out. In case high heels aren't for you, here's a pair of equally beautiful kitten-heel boots. Sofia Richie Grainge has already given these pumps her stamp of approval. Brides, I just found your perfect wedding-weekend heels. Yet another viral shoe style that deserves all of the hype it's getting. These are gearing up to be the next Alaïa net flats in terms of virality, and by the time they really go internet wild, they'll be completely sold out. It's the little rhinestone detailing that took these over the top and made them utterly irresistable. If you want the Gucci Mallory mules but can't afford them post-holidays, this Toteme option is $300 cheaper and just as timeless and chic.
