White Heels are Back For 2026—Just Ask Sabrina and Rihanna

When heel trends come and go, it’s usually silhouettes that take the hit. Kitten heels replace sky-high stilettos, pointed toes edge out rounded styles—but the colour palette tends to stay familiar. This season, however, I’ve noticed a shift. One heel colour many of us had long written off is making an unexpected return.

It’s a colour trend we haven’t seen embraced for several seasons—and one that fashion people have long approached with caution. With their unforgiving finish and knack for showing every scuff, white heels have traditionally been dismissed as impractical at best, passé at worst. And yet, this week, I spotted not one but two of my enduring style icons embracing the once-dated trend.

First up: Sabrina Carpenter, who stepped out in ultra-tall platform heels rendered in a gleaming optic white. She anchored the look with a longline black layer, allowing the shoes to command attention—and proving just how impactful a crisp white heel can be when styled with restraint.

Soon after, I clocked Rihanna elevating her sleek black leggings with a pair of sharp, pointed-toe white heels. Leggings and heels can be a tricky pairing to master, but the high-contrast combination worked brilliantly here. The bright white against inky black created a striking silhouette that made the look feel intentional and elevated.

Of course, white heels come with a caveat. As with all white garments, their chicness hinges on keeping them pristine. Save them for dry days, handle with care, and enlist a trusted cobbler at the first sign of wear.