Queen Letizia Wore the ‘It’ Summer Shoe Julia Roberts, Katie Holmes, and I Are Fans of, Too

I write this as I’m currently tapping my shoes against the office desk. I did something I rarely do: Wear heels to work on days I know I’ll be out and about for hours. However, I’ll risk it with the right heels, the right heels being a pair of kitten heel slingbacks that I’ve pretty much walked around the entire city wearing. I know they’re comfy, and I know I can walk well in them, so I wore them—and received plenty of compliments.

I know you’re probably wondering which kitten heel slingbacks heels I’m talking about (I waxed poetic about them here, too), but this story is actually about the footwear style, and how one queen—namely Queen Letizia of Spain—just wore the shoe, too, further cementing its foothold in the sartorial world. 

Queen Letizia’s style is one to watch—she’s kind of, sort of, my secret favorite royal, and I say secret because I think not enough people pay attention to her style. It’s trendy! It’s chic! It’s timeless! And sometimes, it’s daring for a queen, but that's what’s exciting about her. This time around, she wore a simple two-piece look that consisted of a structured, long-sleeve baby-pink midi dress with a pleated A-line skirt. It was decorated with subtle, sheer rosettes on the shoulder, waist, and hips. How pretty! 

But the winning element were those simple, beige slingback kitten heel pumps; they’re nearly invisible, and not because they’re transparent—but rather because of their soft, neutral color that perfectly complements the soft pink dress without overpowering it. A soft-hued pump like this is an essential, but what I think is even more of a must-have is the silhouette, ahem, kitten heel slingbacks. 

Franco Sarto Devin Kitten Heel Slingback Pump

Larroudé Ines Slingback Pump

The shoe style is blowing up for the season, with pretty much every celeb stepping out in the style. Big names like Julia Roberts, Katie Holmes, Kylie Jenner, and Reese Witherspoon are just a few who’ve also slipped into slingbacks, and for good reason. Other closed-back heels are a classic, but the strappy slingback adds a breathable touch that shows just the right amount of skin. Not to mention, unlike mules, the strappy back ensures the shoe stays securely on your feet, which means they’re a more suitable heel option for when you're getting in those steps, like I did. 

While I prefer a kitten heel, given I’m already pretty tall and a low heel is easier to trek around in, slingbacks come in all styles, from block to stiletto. Nevertheless, the combo of a mini heel plus the slingback silhouette is a winner in my book. So, shop some more styles below, especially given the fact the shoe has a queen’s stamp of approval. 

Neil J .Rodgers Hannah Slingback

Steve Madden Loca Slingback Pointed-Toe Pump

Reformation Noreen Slingback Pump

Dune London Classify Pointed-Toe Slingback Pump

Franco Sarto Khloe Pointed-Toe Kitten Heel Pump