Home 5 Blog 5 Heels Are On the Rise: Why the Midi-Heel Is Taking Over Fall 2025 Fashion

Heels Are On the Rise: Why the Midi-Heel Is Taking Over Fall 2025 Fashion

image credit: gettyimages

After years of dominating the fashion scene with sneakers, ballet flats, and practical low heels, the pendulum is swinging back! Heels are officially on the rise. But this isn’t a full return to towering stilettos just yet. Instead, the midi-heel is entering into the spotlight for Fall 2025, offering a chic stepping stone (pun intended) towards more polished, put-together outfits for office, everyday, day-to-night looks and more.

Not sure how to style midi-heels for your lifestyle? Let Los Angeles personal stylist Meg Gallagher help you build a fall wardrobe that feels effortless and elevated.

The Comeback of the Heel in 2025

The post-pandemic fashion era favored comfort, giving rise to a wave of flats, lug sole loafers, and sneakers. But fashion, ever cyclical, is ready for a shift. As the world re-embraces dressing up, heels are being reimagined with modern silhouettes, luxe textures, and thoughtful details.

Designers are reintroducing heels into their collections with a fresh, wearable energy. Modern heels come with manageable heights, sculptural shapes and a resurgence of femininity paired with just the right edginess.

Steve Madden Odela Heels

Top Heel Trends for Fall 2025

  • Midi-Heels, The New Standard: Midi-heels – typically between 1.5 to 3.25 inches – are making waves this season. They offer just enough lift to elongate the leg without compromising on all-day wearability. Especially popular in slingbacks and mules, midi-heels are quickly becoming the foundation of a refined fall wardrobe.
  • Mesh Details: Mesh continues its reign, moving from apparel to footwear. Expect to see heels with transparent uppers and breathable paneling. These styles not only add visual intrigue but also feel lighter like hosiery – a nod to the transitional weather of early fall.
  • Strappy Silhouettes: Delicate, minimalist straps are back, but now they’re layered, crisscrossed, laced-up and styled in asymmetrical patterns. Whether it’s a pointed-toe kitten heel or a square-toe block heel, strappy designs bring an architectural flair to footwear in 2025.
  • Espresso Brown and Camel Suede: Shades of brown are the heroes of the season. Rich espresso brown heels in leather or croc embossing feel both classic and bold. Meanwhile, camel suede adds softness and texture, perfect for pairing with the earthy palettes dominating fall collections.
  • Animal Print of Every Kind: Animal is popping up in every print imaginable. Go with classic crocodile, cheetah and leopard prints or explore bold trending dalmatian, cow and tiger print.

How to Wear Heels in 2025

This season, heels are being integrated into everyday style with unexpected pairings that balance comfort and polish.

With Denim

A straight-leg jean and a pointed midi-heel is a go-to look this fall. Add a fitted blazer and you’re ready for anything from a lunch date to casual Friday at the office.

photo credit: luciacuesta_, leasy_inparis, mich.zad, elizagracehuber

With Trousers

Midi-heels pair effortlessly peeking out of oversized trousers. Opt for a monochromatic palette (espresso on espresso or black on black, for example) for a sleek, elongated silhouette.

photo credit: clairerose, meleponym, jen_wonders, lauraveszpremi

With Midi Skirts and Mini Skirts

Pairing midi-heels with a midi or mini skirt creates a flattering line that doesn’t overwhelm the frame. Look for skirts in satin, leather, or wool blends, and complement them with a midi heel for a chic yet understated look.

photo credit: yana_pries, adamercea, emmanuellek_

With Midi and Maxi Pencil Skirts

The pencil skirt is back – longer and more dramatic than before. A black satin heel balances the form-fitting shape of the maxi pencil, especially when styled with a roomy button up or oversized sweater.  

photo credit: sylviemus_, cocoschiffer, emmanuellek_

With Dresses

The beauty of the midi-heel lies in its all-day wearability. For the office, pair a tailored midi dress with sleek slingbacks or suede pumps for a polished, professional look. Heading out after hours? Add sheer elements like layered lace or mesh trim for a touch of drama. Midi-heels strike the perfect balance of comfort and sophistication, making them your go-to for day-to-night dressing.

photo credit: getty images,CASSDIMICCO, elizagracehuber, cocoschiffer

With Capris and Shorts

Heels and shorts? It’s not just for the runway anymore. For a fresh, fashion-forward take, pair midi-heels with tailored capris, satin or knit mini shorts or Bermuda shorts to elongate the leg and elevate your whole look. It’s a bold move, but one that says you know exactly where fashion is headed.

photo credit: oliviapateas, moonmalhistyle, mich.zad

Final Thoughts

As fashion welcomes the return of elegance, heels – especially the midi variety – are becoming essential again. The trick to wearing them in 2025 is balance: Don’t be afraid to pair them with casual pieces for contrast!

The key takeaway is this: Heels are on the rise, and it’s never felt this good to dress up again.

Ready to refresh your look for Fall 2025? Meg Gallagher’s expert styling services take the guesswork out of getting dressed – so you can step into the season with confidence and style.

Trending Heels For Fall 2025

Toteme 55mm Croc-embossed Leather Slingback Pumps
Toteme Sharp 35mm Nappa Leather Pumps
Yela Heels Cranberry Tulle
Breeze Mesh Nude Pump
Lexi Sling Wild Pump
St Honore Slipper Gris
Kairi Heels Ivory Crinkle Patent
White Nappa Scooter Heel
The Kingsley Heel Pump
Jimmy Choo Amelia 35 Mm Camel Suede Pumps
STEVE MADDEN Mesh Animal Pump
PAIGE Sienna Pump
Louis Slipper
Brown Suede Cosmic Pump
Breeze Lace Pump
Shae Mule
Koko Heels
Rosa Block Heel Ballet
Sakai Tan Capretto Heels
Gucci 80 Mm Gg Horsebit Pumps

Midi Heels FAQ

  • Q: Are midi heels still in style for Fall 2025?

    A: Yes, midi heels are one of the top footwear trends for Fall 2025. Designers are embracing this mid-height silhouette in fresh ways, from mesh detailing and strappy designs to rich fall textures like espresso brown leather and camel suede. Comfortable yet polished, midi heels are being styled with everything from denim and trousers to midi dresses and pencil skirts, making them a must-have for the season.