Footwear: Slingbacks

Two-toned beauty

In Coco Chanel's own words, "Dress shabbily and they'll remember the dress. Dress impeccably and they'll remember the woman". She gave a lot of importance to good shoes as an irreplaceable part of a woman's ensemble. So, when she came up with the slingback shoes in 1957, the style became immortal and was declared the 'height of elegance'.

The press went ballistic and appropriately dubbed it as the "New York Cinderella Slipper". It was also seen on celebrities like Catherine Deneuve, Romy Schneider and Bridgette Bardot.

A slingback is a type of sandal that is distinguished by a strap that crosses behind the heel or ankle. It comes in a wide variety of styles from casual to dressy, with heel height types ranging from a stiletto, a wedge or open- or closed-toe. Usually adjustable through a buckle or elastic segment, it allows the wearer to hold the foot in the sandal securely. The buckle is usually made of metal, plastic or sometimes stone.

Madame Chanel chose the nude/black combo for a reason: the nude color was intended to lengthen the leg, while the back capped toe shortened the foot. And the slingback style was designed for busy women, like ourselves, for freedom of movement.

Relaunched by Karl Lagerfield in 2015, the new and improved slingbacks won everyone's hearts. One part utilitarian and two-parts chic, the shoe instantly became a staple for street style stars and fashion editors alike for being comfortable enough to wear out at night.

Thicker but shapely, tall heels continued to be worn with fancy dresses. Some heels had pretty all over designs carved, painted or printed onto them, while others had decorations around the edges. Slingbacks provide just enough coverage to keep the shoe on but ultimately make the foot look bare. Especially in nude colors and sometimes clear plastics, they complement party dresses elegantly.

Get your pair at beverlyheels.com.