What with fashion blogs democratizing fashion and loosening the tyranny of fashion glossies, what with the celebration of cultivating personal style over wasting money on fleeting trends, over is the day of hard and fast style rules.

But every lady still needs at least one pair of 4” heels.

Forget the clunky wedges, chuck the chunky platforms - those are cute, but I’m thinking a pin-thin stiletto that make you stand taller and straighter, and watch your walk.

You could start with something classic, like Ms. Kate Spade’s Giselle heels, which are nude and “muted,” but “very sexy for day or evening,” says WNH. “Super sexy!,” agrees editor Heather Haber. “I have been wanting nude heels because they match everything and they make your legs look super-long. I wore them on a date last night, and they were very well-received.”

Or you could do uptown outrageous, a la Manolo Blahnik leopard Houristra stilettos. “I own about 10 pairs, but this style is by far the most outrageous,” says Caryl Chinn. “Leopard-pattern silk and rhinestones. Flawless.” Jimmy Choo metallic snake slingbacks also fit the bill - so obviously glammy, they’d rock right with a kind of casual navy jersey tank dress. So would these emerald green silk numbers by Forzieri. “I’d probably prefer them with silver straps,” says Andrea of Shoewawa. but with the right dress these could really work. I like the fabric band idea, and love the color especially.”

Too tame for you?

Ooh la love, I like you.

And so do these Gucci Veruska high heel boots.  Founded on a 4¼” stiletto platform heel, topped by a generous rabbit fur trim, they’re borderline obnoxious. Gucci’s platform pump is more ready to rock 9-5, it’s more “simple but sexy,” says Chloe. “This style is already top of the list for many fashion editors. It certainly ticks all the right boxes! Patent, platform and black!”

Christian Louboutin suede cork-Heel slingbacks are also very lady is a vamp, also on every It girl’s  hit list. “ ‘You’re not in Kansas anymore.’ Click your heels over to Bergdorf’s - a 1950’s jetsetter charm a-la-mode,” describes Ninaki Priddy.

Arching your brows at the thought of rocking a four-inch arch from power lunches to peach martinis? While I can jog 40 blocks in five-inch wooden wedges, understandably the sport is not for all. Insolia high heel inserts should help though: “Insolia inserts are magic carpets that make you feel like you’re walking on air… even when what you’re actually walking on is 4-inches of stacked leather.  They somehow move your foot back in the heel so the ball of your heel doesn’t strike as hard and so the pressure of every step is evenly distributed from your heel through your arch,” says our Alyson. “So no heel pain either. I swear by these. Buy a 3 pack! ”