I never thought I’d support a revival of the pointy-toe shoe, but after years of round shapes and months of clunky boots, this classic style couldn’t be more refreshing. Unlike most footwear trends that rotate out of the closet after a season or two, the right pair of pumps are an investment that will reemerge for decades. Why? They’re timeless, versatile and loved by woman of all ages.

Basically, pointy-toe pumps equip us shoe collectors with all the practical reasons to justify coming home with another box of Manolos. Pointy toes transition from season to season, and more importantly for modern ladies, from day to night. There’re an array of styles–from d’Orsay stilettos to unconventional straps to kitten heels–that suit every occasion and taste. Whether your style is classic, edgy, glam or preppy, and you’re headed to work, date or cocktail reception, you’ll delight in all the pointy styles available for spring.

Practicality aside, though, there’s another reason these shoes are a must have: attitude. Ladylike yet fierce, these heels have a way of saying, “I’m sweet and classy, but get the hell out of my way.” Ranging from conservative ‘50s styles to full-out mod, pointy toes can tone down or amp up a look with their leg-lengthening silhouette, eye-catching embellishments, austere cuts and slew of delicious colors.

Simply choose one (or two, or three…) of the hundreds styles and pair it with cocktail dresses, pencil skirts, tapered trousers, boyfriend jeans, miniskirts, et al. One can’t deny the resurgence of this timeless trend is one chic, fashionably versatile move that allows us to accent just about any outfit with pointy toes. This spring, I think you’ll all join me by saying, “Welcome back, pointy-toe pumps!”

Clockwise from upper left:

1. Schutz lavender suede pump ($214; shopbop.com). The chicest pump for spring. Understated enough for work, pretty enough for tea and fierce enough for drinks.

2. Kate Spade “Licorice” pump ($285; Shirise; 341 Park Avenue, Glencoe, IL). Basic, black and just plain sexy.

3. Valentino studded lace ankle wrap pump ($995; Neiman Marcus). Edgy and fearless. This shoe is not what you would expect from a comfortable and surprisingly versatile shoe.

4. Blue pointed pump ($90; Zara). There’s a reason Elvis wrote a song about blue suede shoes. Colorful, fun and a perfect pick-me-up to cure the winter doldrums.

5. Giuseppe Zanotti red patent leather “V” strap pump ($550; Saks Fifth Avenue). Va-va-voom! Femme fatale at its best.

6. Christian Louboutin “Pigalili 120 mm” ($3,545; Christian Louboutin). The power to stop ‘em dead in their tracks. Literally.

7. Messeca “Jesenia” pump ($110; Pump Shoes and Accessories; 1659 W Division Street). Add some swing to your swagger with these show-stoppers.

8. Topshop “Glitz Bow Point Court Shoe” ($125; Topshop). Conservative for the office, but fashion-forward for the weekend.

By Maia McGinley

Images courtesy of shopbop.com, Kate Spade, Neiman Marcus, Zara, Saks Fifth Avenue, Christian Louboutin, Pump Shoes and Accessories, and Topshop

Fierce and fabulous, these YSL black suede and goat hair pumps ($935; ysl.com) are anything but ordinary. Their classic silhouette and bold accent makes them suprisingly versatile, effortlessly taking you from the office to a cocktail party.

Clockwise from far left:

1. Alexander Wang “Hannah Velvet Loafer Boot” ($745; Alexander Wang)
2. Balenciaga by Nicholas Ghesquière crocodile moccasin pump (price available upon request; Balenciaga)
3. Prada patent loafer pump ($850; Bergdorf Goodman)
4. Stuart Weitzman ($385; Stuart Weitzman boutiques)
5. Miu Miu red platform loafer pump ($690; Neiman Marcus)

By Meghan Turner

Images courtesy of Alexander Wang, Balenciaga, Bergdorf Goodman, Stuart Weitzman and Neiman Marcus

Jeffrey Campbell’s new “Mary Rocks” perforated suede wedge ($118; needsupply.com) is quite the sight! The neutral hue and interesting cut-outs make this lace-up heel perfect for spring.

Image courtesy of Need Supply Co.