Fundamentally a white block heel proves itself through proportion rather than shock factor. The block should sit under the heel with actual width to steady your foot on cobbles (or a dodgy electric Leicester Square restaurant floor) and heights that work hardest for evening fall between six and eight centimetres; tall enough to alter your trouser line or hemline, but low enough that the walk there and back isn’t the main event of the evening. Any taller and it’s just asking for a cab.
The white itself has to be considered too. Flat, chalky white looks cheaper in low lighting and shows every scuff within a season, but a slightly warmer, off white or bone will photograph better and hide those inevitable marks from pavement and dance floors. Leather, or a good imitation of it, will keep its shape and colour far longer than a high shine PU which tends to yellow and crack along the crease within a few wears.
Consider the strap construction too. A proper buckle or covered elastic rests on the ankle differently to thin cord which will start biting into your skin after an hour queuing at the bar.
Styling-wise the white block heel should work by contrast. Slice through a black slip dress or dark tailored trouser something that a black or nude shoe simply won’t. It lifts the whole outfit without needing to overpower it. Partner with a bare ankle and midi skirt, cropped trousers that break over the strap, or with a fitted dress where the shoe acts as punctuation instead of an afterthought. If there’s any cream in the white lean into warm gold jewellery, rather than silver.
And please, leave the tights at home. This is a shoe that wants skin.
Its versatility on occasion is where it truly shines. Date night, of course, but also lazy drinks after work that may or may not turn into a late night, a summer wedding guest outfit or any situation where you want one element of your outfit to feel more considered than the rest. They photograph well, are comfortable enough to dance in and transition easily from restaurant to bar. And, unlike a strapless sandal, they don’t get lost in your outfit. Trust me. The ones worth investing in are the ones that still look clean by wear three, not just wear one.
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