Why heels are my secret weapon for confidence

Believe you deserve to be seen and to be heard.

To me, wearing heels screams a type of self confidence I used to have trouble owning. It took me years to feel like I was worthy of them and to own the effect they have (on me, on others).

I was cursed with the largest feet of all the women in my family, which meant I also was able to wear my mom’s heels around the house when I was 10. I would imagine my grown up self one day, having the biggest collection of heels. That sound, the gentle click-clack of heels on a floor, reminds me of my mother walking next to me on city streets, of my teachers walking down the hall, and of my first boss rushing out of her office.

It’s the sound of a self-confident woman on the go, as if her shoes say “Yes, I’m making noise. Yes, I want you to hear me.”

But that’s not how I started out. Long fascinated by heels, I finally got to wear them when I landed my first job. In those early days, I tried to make as little noise as possible, consciously making an effort to silent my steps.

Why? Because I felt like a mousy girl who was easy to ignore. I was the youngest person on the whole team and somehow wearing heels helped me feel better with time. Once I started really embracing them – and the click-clack they come with – people’s impressions of me changed. I got noticed more, which in turn made me feel like I belong there and that what I say matters.

So why do I still love to wear heels? Is it to be somehow more attractive? Honestly, no. I wear them because they’ve become my secret weapon when I need a bit more self confidence. Yes, heels give me - a short lady - a bit more height. But they do more than just that.

When I wear heels I pay more attention to my posture, I make eye contact more confidently and I walk with more purpose.

Once upon a time I tried to quiet my walk in heels. Six years later, I click-clack around like nobody’s business. If heads turn, that’s all right. If people talk about me and my noisy shoes, I don’t mind. Heels, I realised, are a positive tool for me, that made me a confident, brave version of myself - and I’m proud of that.

Heels for when you need to make an impression:

A rock star rising

Dusty Springfield is said to be among the best female rock artists of all time. Her big blonde hairstyle, heavy makeup, and gala dresses made a her fashion icon of the 60s.

After several critically acclaimed albums, she experienced a career slump which lasted several years. However, with hard work and determination, she returned to the top of the charts and left her mark on the entire music genre.

A true muse

Edie Sedgwick was avantgarde, independent, and one of Andy Warhol's superstars. She had a tough life, was troubled and insecure, and spent her whole life learning to stand up for who she was.

On her 21st birthday, Edie received an $80,000 trust fund from her grandmother and relocated to New York City to pursue a career in modeling. In March 1965, she met artist and upcoming filmmaker Andy Warhol at a party, and started hanging out at Warhol's art studio The Factory. She starred in most of Warhol’s films and became known as his greatest muse.

An everyday inspiration

Mille Sjøgren is a woman with power. A Danish voice-over artist who decided to break her family out of the everyday dullness and become digital nomads, living wherever they feel free.

With her husband and 2 kids, she has travelled the world, keeping up with the reality of school and career life, but adding surfing, beach and everyday adventures to the mix. Many only dream of feeling free, Mille had the courage to make it happen.