Peep-Toe Shoes Are Back—10 Ways to Style Them in 2025

Of all the trends that have stomped their way in and out of the trend cycle, few are as contentious as peep-toe shoes.

It’s been that way from the start: When fashion girls first started showing a little slice of their piggies in the 1940s, the casual style raised more than a few eyebrows. In fact, according to the 1999 book Shoes, the British banned it for a period for being “both frivolous and potentially dangerous.” But that didn’t stop the look from popping back up again in the swinging 1970s (on many a disco-fabulous platform). Same goes for the late naughties, when celebrities and party girls alike would opt for towering stacked sole heels with the teeniest, slightly suggestive hole right in the front. (This was often paired with a Hervé Leger bandage dress, which is also worming its way back into the zeitgeist.)

It all brings us to the peep-toe hullabaloo happening in the style-minded corners of the internet in 2025. From hole-front pumps at Tory Burch spring/summer 2025 to sultry slit-front heels at Khaite spring/summer 2025 and phalange-flashing boots at Prada fall/winter 2025, a new wave of digit-baring footwear has set social media and runway writers ablaze with opinions. Plus, toe-revealing footwear has been spotted on the likes of Sydney Sweeney, Daisy Edgar-Jones, and Michelle Williams. And let’s not forget the deluge of pedicure-required styles on display this past fashion month.

Indeed, there’s never been a better time to jump back on the peep-toe bandwagon—all it takes is the right pair of shoes and some good inspiration. I’ve got you covered on the latter half of that formula below, with 10 of-the-moment ways to style the look, all cribbed from Hollywood VIPs and fashion cool girls.

Color Coordinated

Consider this your entry-level lesson to integrating peep-toe shoes into your look: If the color of said footwear matches your top, there’s a 99 percent chance the outfit will work together harmoniously. There are other reasons, of course, that Sydney Sweeney’s look is so good here; chiefly that her sleek heels match the relaxed vibe of her boxy jacket and jeans, and she has a nice even ratio of bare skin throughout the outfit (note the swatch of midriff to balance her exposed pedicure.)

She’s a Lady

Much like Sweeney, Michelle Williams has masterfully created visual harmony with her footwear choice by choosing a shirt that shows just a little bit of stomach. And because said top happens to be an incredibly elegant one with bouclé texture and chain link trim, the overall outfit reads incredibly sophisticated, despite being centered around a pair of slouchy jeans. Another pro move? Playing up the black sandals by choosing sunglasses in the same color.

Let It Slide

For the peep-toe curious, a mule silhouette is a nice entry point to the concept, as the silhouette can basically be worn all the same ways as its full-coverage alternatives. However, should you want to get a little daring, try adding some tights or socks into the equation. 

Luxe Layers

Not going to sugarcoat it, this is a fashion situation to which you must commit. But should you do so, which involves finding just the right pair of fitted leg warmers to go with just the right slingback heels with a micro hole in the front, you’ll have an outfit for the books. You’ll want to create the same visual symmetry on the upper half of your body, too, by piling on thin pieces in a way that little slivers of each garment show under each other.

Party City

Did you catch it? These are actually the same exact silver heels shown above with leg warmers; but here, the style works equally well worn alone with one perfect going out mini. Take notice of how the dress fits into the equation because it has enough unexpected elements (asymmetrical cut, embellished skirt) to complement the untraditional shoe choice.

Stack The Deck

Thick-soled slides (bonus points for a luxe, quilted texture) are just the thing to anchor a girlish knit skirt set. If you’re adding tights to the mix, as pictured here, go for a pair in the same color as your shoes so the slice of toe in the front isn’t too jarring; come warmer weather, though, this whole situation is fantastic with bare legs as well.

Just One Slice

Perhaps the most controversial of peep-toe options, the full-coverage heels with a little crack in the front are, indeed, a bold move. But actress Daisy Edgar-Jones proves it can look quite chic and modern by pairing it with a sculptural mini dress that feels equally artsy and high concept.

Give It The Boot

The avant-garde aspects of these boots—greyish-white leather, slouchy fit, and teeny cut-out in the front—make them well-suited to a streetwear-forward look. A slip skirt and layered T-shirts (all in a complementary hazy lavender hue) should do the trick.

Sheer Perfection

Pairing open-toe heels with see-through hosiery is a risky move, but Katie Holmes pulls it off by choosing shoes and tights in the same rich brownish burgundy tone. The overall effect is sexy and a little retro, which plays nicely with the va-va-voom, Mad Men-worthy cut of her dress.

Smooth Operator

It sounds counterintuitive, but a silky evening gown actually is the ultimate foil for supple leather boots; the extreme contrast makes the combination interesting to the eye. Just a hint of bare toes keeps the footwear from feeling too heavy against the delicate fabric (and makes the overall outfit feel edgy in the best way).

Read the original article on InStyle