What High Heels Looked Like the Year You Were Born

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1500s

The earliest instances of heeled shoes date back as far as the Egyptians, but the look really picked up steam during the 16th Century. Towering platforms called 'chopines' are thought to have originated with prostitutes in Venice for the added sex appeal the extra height offered, but soon became popular amongst aristocrats for their ability to keep clothes from dragging in the filth that covered the streets.

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1700s

Though heels today are wore almost exclusively by women, the style was popular among men throughout the 1600s and 1700s. French royalty in particular, like Louis XIV (left) and Marquise de Pompadour (right), were fans of the heeled shoe as it conveyed that the wearer had no use for practical footwear, or the need to walk easily.

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1800s

By Victorian times and into the early 20th century, heeled boots were the primary choice among elegant ladies. They often featured exposed laces—not that they were often seen beneath the long full skirts of the era.

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1900

Moving into the 20th century, heeled boots were all the rage—especially ones with buttons lining the side of the leg.

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1901

Actress Ella Snyder shows off a low heel covered in pink silk.

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1905

Boots featuring a low block heel were worn by both men and women in the early 20th century. Here, a young Albert Einstein is seen wearing a pair.

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1910

Russian ballet dancer Anna Pavlova pairs white kitten heels with an intricate and ornate costume.

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1911

While wearing the ceremonial robes of the Knight of the Garter, the Duke of Windsor opts for an ornate low heel.

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1915

After the Victorian era, the design of high heels were aimed to be more practical and subtle.

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1916

Silk shoes were huge in Europe in 1916, especially ones with ribbon laces up the ankle. A trendy scalloped skirt hem, as seen here, was the perfect way to show off the heels.

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1917

Even back in 1917, a simple black heel was the must-have accessory to complete an ensemble.

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1918

Long dresses were still in fashion in the early 1900s, which made checking out the shoes of Queen Mary—or anyone else for that matter—quite difficult.

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1919

As the fashion trends became more unique and intricate, so did the high heels. Here, Ina Claire is seen posing for Vogue in a pair of lace-up heels.

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1920

With the raised hemlines of the Roaring Twenties, shoes were now on display. Look at this stylish lady showing off her trendy buckle shoes.

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1921

Decorative garters help when shoe styles are simple.

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1922

As hemlines stayed above ground, thoughtful details like cut-outs were used to make sturdy leather pumps more interesting.

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1923

This lady takes things to fancier territory with her shiny satin heels.

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1924

...while this lady is all about the brocade.

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1925

Ever wonder where Taylor Swift's love of T-straps originated from? These practical pumps are Exhibit A.

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1926

Attempts were made to improve the T-strap style by making it in delicate satins for evening rather than clunky leathers.

Sarah Lindig is the senior digital editor, overseeing special projects for Harper's Bazaar.

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