This Y2K-inspired summer shoe trend was low on my wish-list until I saw these 8 pairs

They have...blossomed

3D flower heels campaign imagery Zara
(Image credit: Miista, Zara, Magda Butrym)

Despite objections and hesitant minds, we are living a Y2K fashion renaissance. From ultra low-waisted baggy jeans to metallics and embellished fabrics, it's only a matter of time before we'll be embracing full velour tracksuits and bedazzled jackets, and to be totally transparent, I'm slowly but surely here for it.

Its seething comeback has been accredited to brands like Acne Studios, Ahluwalia, and Chet Lo, who have dabbed in the nostalgic aesthetic to present their own iterations through 3D spiked knitwear, bright colourways, and asymmetric tiered skirts and dresses. Other luxury brands like Chanel, Cèline, and Versace have been adapting motifs through low-rise denim, metallics, and animal print.

However, there is one simple iteration that has totally outdone them all for us: 3D-printed heels. As seen on brands like Zimmermann, Jimmy Choo, and Miista, this simple yet fun design is the perfect way to level up any occasionwear.

With many options coming with detachable flower appliquès, these heels work as a two-for-one, depending on your mood and occasion. Working as a very simple way to re-wear last year's summer wardrobe pieces with a simple twist, I am already eyeing a couple of pairs.

Luckily, there is truly an option for everyone. From hand-made simple heels made from independent sellers on Etsy, to detachable sleek all-black heels from COS, and, of course, Sleeper's hand-painted kitten heel mules. Proving that florals for spring can be groundbreaking.

Below, I have outlined our top 8 investment pieces that will see you through many seasons.

Shop our top picks

Sofia Piza
Fashion Writer

Sofia Piza is the Fashion Writer at Marie Claire UK. 

Sofia Piza is a Fashion Writer with experience working across runway trends, shopping picks, creative production, and celebrity fashion news. Born in Mexico and raised in five countries, Sofia decided to settle in London after spending four years at the London College of Fashion, studying Fashion Journalism. When she's not sourcing inspiration from social media, you will most certainly find Sofia anywhere from a local vintage market to busy central London streets people watching - the possibilities are endless.