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For years, wedge heels have taken a back seat, often associated with noughties holiday wardrobes or summer weddings.
This season, however, they have stepped back into trend, thanks to recent shows from Victoria Beckham, Chloe and Isabel Marant, which has revived its Bekett wedge sneaker.
While designers have offered twists on the classic wedge, such as cut-outs or textural finishes, the heel has not lost its wearability in making height comfortable.
According to British retailer Marks & Spencer’s head of womenswear design Lisa Illis, the comeback is part of the wider trend towards nostalgic dressing.
“Many current trends are all about throwback appeal,” she says. “Although their history begins in the 30s, wedge heels are closely associated with bold Y2K fashion.”

Early-2000s style is one of the biggest to return to the trend cycle this season, alongside reinterpretations of the 1990s.
Style icons such as Britney Spears and Paris Hilton and the boho aesthetic of actress Sienna Miller helped cement wedges as era-defining shoes. But how do you wear them in 2026?
While the wedge has not changed dramatically, the way it is being designed has.
“I’m enjoying seeing the classic silhouette reimagined with unexpected [and] fresh touches such as animal prints, metallics, suede and buckle detailing,” Illis says.
Where early-2000s wedges were often dominated by rope soles and overtly casual espadrille styles, today’s versions feel more elevated, with cleaner lines and richer textures.
That does not mean the style has lost its versatility, however, as Illis says, “I’m loving seeing wedges on heeled fashion flip-flops […] it elevates the beach-friendly thong sandal silhouette into a new realm of stylishness.”
Small wedged heels are trending alongside kitten heels this season.

The key to making any trend work lies in how they are styled, and that is particularly true of wedges.
While the classic pairing of a floaty dress and wedge heel still works, Illis suggests something more updated.
“Flowy floral dresses and chunky wedges are a classic summer pairing, but for a [more up-to-date] take, try a floaty co-ord instead of a dress,” she says.
Coordinated sets in lightweight fabrics like linen or seersucker bring a more refined feel to the look.
For something more casual, Illis recommends tailored separates. “When the weather is warm, tailored shorts and a simple tank top make for an easy office-ready duo.”
Denim is the style underdog when it comes to wedges. “Jeans and wedges are the ultimate in laid-back chic,” she says, suggesting wide-leg or boot-cut styles, rather than anything too fitted.
A longer hem that grazes the top of the wedge creates a more streamlined silhouette, which elongates the leg, as opposed to going with ankle-grazers, which can cut off your silhouette.
If your wide-leg jeans are too long, “you can turn up the cuffs to create a turn-up-style jean”, she says.

As with many returning trends, the finer details often determine whether wedges feel cool or a bit outdated.
One of the most important things to consider is the strap.
“Wide-ankle straps can shorten the leg, they are best balanced with trousers or mini hemlines,” Illis says.
If you are opting for this style of wedge, which can also offer more support, going for a 70s-inspired look with long flared jeans and a floaty blouse can be one of the best ways to style them.
On the other hand, more minimalist designs such as slingbacks or delicate straps tend to be more versatile.
“These work beautifully with maxi or midi dresses,” Illis says, as they do not visually cut across the leg in the same way.
It is a subtle shift, but one that can significantly change the overall look and feel of an outfit.
For those hesitant to revisit wedges, the good news is that they are easy to come back to.
“Start simple,” Illis says. “A pair of wide-leg jeans and a simple top is an easy way to introduce wedges without overthinking it.”
From there, the look can be built up gradually through texture, colour or layering.
Jewellery can also make a big difference. Matching gold or silver accessories to the hardware on your wedge can tie the whole look together with minimal effort.


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Wedge heels are back: how to wear the Y2K trend loved by Britney Spears and Paris Hilton

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Isabel Marant’s Bekett sneakers. Photo: Isabel Marant

Paris Hilton in wedge heels in 2003 (left) and in 2001. Photos: FilmMagic and WireImage

Actress Sienna Miller wearing wedges in London in 2005. Photo: Getty Images

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Fashion & Beauty

Once a noughties staple, wedge heels are returning in 2026 in sleeker, richer versions. Style them with co-ords, denim and flowy dresses


Once a noughties staple, wedge heels are returning in 2026 in sleeker, richer versions. Style them with co-ords, denim and flowy dresses.


Britney Spears

Victoria Beckham

Paris Hilton

Wedge heels are back: how to wear the Y2K trend loved by Britney Spears and Paris Hilton

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Once a noughties staple, wedge heels are returning in 2026 in sleeker, richer versions. Style them with co-ords, denim and flowy dresses

Once a noughties staple, wedge heels are returning in 2026 in sleeker, richer versions. Style them with co-ords, denim and flowy dresses