As a fashion news writer, I sift through hundreds of celebrity outfits every week and, over time, I’ve developed a sharp eye for emerging trends and standout items. It’s this frequency at which I work that means I’ve become a little hard to impress, too—ultimately, not every celebrity look is worth writing about. But every so often, an outfit comes along that stops me in my tracks. Alexa Chung’s latest at the BAFTA 2025 Film Awards after party? It did exactly that.
Between the sky-blue shade, the delicate lace, and the soft frills, I was already obsessed. But then, just as I was admiring her dreamy, romantic ensemble, I did a double take—because instead of her usual buckle-detailed heels or dainty mary janes, Chung had finished her look with clear heels. And, pulled them off flawlessly.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
A leg-lengthening shoe like no other, clear heels create the ultimate optical illusion—tricking the eye into thinking your legs go on for miles. With their barely-there transparency, they blend seamlessly with any outfit, adapting to whatever shade they’re paired with. While Chung chose to style hers with a silky sky-blue set, Victoria Beckham has been known to wear hers with deep, floor-sweeping maxis, using the trend’s subtle height boost to her advantage, while the shoe has also been a firm favourite of the Kardashians over the years, too.
Though this is the first time I’ve seen Chung embrace the clear shoe trend, I have a feeling it won’t be the last. The style made an unexpected splash on the spring/summer 2025 runways back in September, appearing everywhere from Alaïa to Tibi. What once felt like a fleeting Y2K relic has now cemented itself as a key player in the new-season shoe lineup.
(Image credit: Launchmetrics / Alaia)
A model wears vinyl heels on the Alaïa spring/summer 2025 runway.
And, true to form, Chung is ahead of the curve. But something tells me she won’t be alone for long. To get ahead of spring’s most unexpected shoe trend, scroll on to discover our edit of the best clear heels below.
SHOP CLEAR SHOES:
Zara
High-Heeled Vinyl Sandals With Shiny Detail
This elegant high heels are so easy to slip into a capsule wardrobe.
Manolo Blahnik
Scolto 90 Pvc Mules
Style with a pair of sleek black trousers or wear this with a cotton dress this summer.
Amina Muaddi
Lupita Glass Pvc Mules
These also come in half sizes, so it’s easy to find your perfect fit.
Bershka
Heeled Sandals With Vinyl Straps
Style with a maxi dress or pair with a silky set à la Chung.
Christian Louboutin
Just Nothing 85 Pvc and Patent-Leather Mules
While I love the simple, beige shade, these also come in black.
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