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

They have...blossomed

Y2K floral heels
(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. With extensive experience and a degree in Fashion Journalism, she covers runway trends, shopping picks, celebrity fashion, and industry news.

Throughout her career, Sofia's work has ranged from in-depth interviews with industry experts and high-profile celebrities to creative production for editorial cover shoots and red-carpet coverage. Born in Mexico and raised in five countries, Sofia's multicultural upbringing has fed into her interest in international markets, leading her fashion week coverage across London, Milan, Paris, New York, and Copenhagen.

When she's not sourcing inspiration from social media, you will find Sofia anywhere from a local vintage market to busy central London streets, people watching to make sure she brings you the latest trends, from the best denim pieces to the must-have investment bags- the possibilities are endless.