The Return Of The Peep-Toe Trend
Once a staple of ’90s and early 2000s fashion icons like Sarah Jessica Parker and Jennifer Lopez, peep-toe shoes are stepping back into the spotlight in 2025
From runways in Paris and Milan to red carpets and street-style roundups, the open-toe silhouette is everywhere this season. Labels like Miu Miu, Ferragamo, and Saint Laurent have reimagined the classic heel and sandal with modern twists — think sculptural heels, unexpected prints, and bold hardware. Meanwhile, celebrities like Hailey Bieber, Zoe Kravitz, and Dua Lipa are proving that peep-toes can be both nostalgic and of-the-moment, pairing them with everything from micro shorts and maxi dresses to sleek evening wear.
This revival isn’t just a nod to Y2K—it’s a reinvention. Whether you’re drawn to minimal mules or statement platforms, there’s a peep-toe for every style set, making it a true classic staple in any wardrobe.
From 90s Glamour to 2000s Pop Culture
The peep-toe heel had its breakout moment in the 1990s, when designers like Tom Ford at Gucci and Versace redefined femininity as a form of power. Their shoes were sleek, often featuring bold colors, glossy finishes, and sharp silhouettes that balanced elegance with confidence. It wasn’t just about wearing a shoe—it was about self-expression. Sarah Jessica Parker’s Carrie Bradshaw in SATC was a defining trendsetter of the era, with the peep-toe heel being a key piece in her iconic wardrobe. Flirtatious and chic, it captured the spirit of a woman who walked the city like a runway.
By the early 2000s, the peep-toe had evolved into the ultimate party shoe. Think glossy patent leather, sky-high stilettos, and the confident strut of icons like Cristina Aguilera, Paris Hilton, and Victoria Beckham. Beyond simple footwear, they captured glamour—bold, playful, and infused with the unapologetic energy that marked the decade.
The 2025 Revival
Fast forward to 2025, and the peep-toe has re-emerged—not as a nostalgic replica, but as a refined evolution of its past. For instance, designers are opting for lower heels to make the style more wearable for everyday life. This revival blends the sleek sophistication of the ’90s with the laid-back energy of the 2000s, reinventing the peep-toe with architectural sharpness and modern versatility. Narrower openings, cleaner lines, and a more understated attitude appeared on the runways of Fall/Winter 2025 and continued into Spring 2026, showcasing a refined silhouette with a contemporary edge. Think patent leather heels by Ferragamo, stiletto mules by Saint Laurent, vintage-inspired Miu Miu slingbacks, square-toed pumps by Khaite, or structural heels by Tory Burch—each design echoing the original allure in a fresh, modern way. It’s clear that peep-toe shoes are here to stay.
Why Everyone Is Wearing Them Again
The renewed fascination with peep-toes aligns perfectly with fashion’s broader return to subtle exposure — slitted skirts, sheer layers, and barely-there details. In a season that celebrates discreet allure, the peep-toe shoe emerges as the ideal finishing touch: revealing just enough, but never too much. They also integrate effortlessly into today’s hybrid styling — paired with wide-leg trousers or jeans like Hailey Bieber and Margot Robbie, midi skirts like Elsa Hosk, or a summer dresses like Bella Hadid.
Moreover, nostalgia remains one of fashion’s strongest cultural currents, underscoring its cyclical nature. The peep-toe taps into a longing for the confidence and glamour of the early 2000s, yet its 2025 iterations feel distinctly modern— playful, sculptural, and versatile. It’s not about reliving the past, but refining it.
Lead Image Courtesy of Instagram/ @goddesslipaa, @haileybstyle, @andrewmukamal