A retro shape, not a retro shoe
Pin-up style does not depend on the shoe looking like a museum piece. It rests on a few specific features: a rounded toe instead of a pointed one, a chunkier block or kitten heel, a strap across the instep and, very often, a bow. The result reads retro even though the shoe is new and comfortable.
Pin Up Couture as a line of its own
Pleaser has a dedicated line for this style called Pin Up Couture. It carries the characteristic shapes of the forties and fifties — strapped pumps, Mary Janes, ankle styles and open sandals with an hourglass heel.
Colours and patterns
Red and black are the classics and always work. Polka dots, leopard print and two-tone combinations belong to the genre and can carry a whole outfit. White and pastel shades move the look towards a softer, more fifties register.
Putting it together
With a circle skirt or a short dress, pumps with an instep strap work best. With a high waist and narrow trousers, reach for an ankle style. And if you already have a scarf in your hair or a strong lipstick, keep the shoe a single colour — two loud things at once is one too many.
On stage and on the street
A burlesque performance takes more — embellishment, feathers, crystals, a higher heel. For everyday wear the same shape works in a muted colour and a lower height. That is exactly why this is one of the few categories where the stage shoe and the street shoe overlap so heavily.
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Pin Up Couture Lolita-11 RFPAs low as €30.60 Regular Price €51.00Heel Height: 13Platform Height: 3Shoe Type: Peep Toe Platform Heels
Pin Up Couture Lolita-11 BFPAs low as €30.60 Regular Price €51.00Heel Height: 13Platform Height: 3Shoe Type: Peep Toe Platform Heels
Pin Up Couture Cutiepie-06 BWPUAs low as €42.60 Regular Price €71.00Heel Height: 11Platform Height: 3Shoe Type: Stilettos
Pin Up Couture Cutiepie-02 WPTAs low as €71.00Heel Height: 11Platform Height: 3Shoe Type: Platform Pumps with Straps
Pin Up Couture Cutiepie-02 BPTAs low as €64.20 Regular Price €107.00Heel Height: 11Platform Height: 3Shoe Type: Platform Pumps with Straps
Pin Up Couture Bettie-06 R/SAAs low as €55.08 Regular Price €91.80Heel Height: 11Platform Height: 3Shoe Type: Platform Heeled Sandals