Ballet flats had their comeback. Cow-print shoes had their viral fashion moment. But as we transition into warmer weather, an unexpected style is quietly making its return — and yes, it’s the once-“outdated” plastic heel.
PVC heels — defined by their transparent straps and sleek, barely-there silhouette — are stepping back into the spotlight for spring. While the trend previously had its peak in the late 2010s, it’s now reemerging with a more elevated, refined feel thanks to celebrity styling.
Stars like Hailey Bieber have already embraced the leg-lengthening heel again, pairing clear pumps with oversized blazers, relaxed denim, and minimalist dresses. The appeal? The transparent material creates the illusion of longer legs while blending seamlessly into any outfit. It’s subtle, modern, and surprisingly versatile.
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Hailey Bieber
Hailey Bieber was seen in New York City in April 2025, turning heads in a vintage baby-blue minidress from Gucci’s Spring 1998 collection, designed by Tom Ford, while making her way to Café Zaffri. The form-fitting, sleeveless dress with a high neckline perfectly showcased her figure, and she kept the look chic and modern with nude heels featuring a clear PVC strap, a beige clutch, and a Rhode phone case. The transparent detail on her shoes subtly highlighted the delicate hue of the dress, letting the iconic baby-blue color take center stage.
Amal Clooney
Next up is a look for those who love to go full glam. Amal Clooney dazzled at the 2025 King’s Trust and TK Maxx & Homesense Awards in London on June 26, 2025, wearing a custom white 16Arlington column gown. The halter-neck design featured the brand’s signature metallic triangle detail, while a daring high thigh slit added a modern edge. She completed the ensemble with a matching clutch and sparkling Cartier jewelry, keeping the focus on the dress’s elegant minimalism.
For footwear, Clooney chose her iconic Gianvito Rossi “Plexi” pumps in metallic silver. The stiletto heels combine silver leather at the pointed toe with transparent PVC panels along the sides, creating a “crystal slipper” effect that almost disappears from certain angles while elongating the legs. Clooney has a known affinity for this model, owning it in multiple shades—including gold and black—and previously wore the silver version to the Kennedy Center Honors in 2022, proving it’s a timeless red-carpet favorite.
Whether you’re aiming for casual chic like Hailey Bieber or full-on red-carpet glamour like Amal Clooney, PVC heels are proving that this “outdated” trend has earned a stylish revival.
