Women's Pumps Have Gone From Frumpy To Fabulous (PHOTOS)

Kate Middleton is regarded by many as a style icon. But some of us take the opposite view: the Duchess is a pretty gal, but her style leaves us wanting more. One reason for our dissatisfaction is her choice in shoes: she loves plain pumps and is often spotted in LK Bennett's blush round-toe heels.

High-heeled shoes are a staple in every girl's wardrobe, but when out on the town, we love something more whimsical. Since Christian Louboutin's red-soled beauties hit stores years ago, many ladies have stored their neutral-hued and -shaped shoes in their closets, only to see the light of day for a business meeting. Their plain appearance isn't all bad; rather, it means that they are a subtle accent to just about any look. So when you're ready to retire those fuchsia feathered platform pumps that have become all-too-common, you can always fall back on your basic black heels.

Here, the pump throughout the ages -- plus, a few shoppable options, just in case you need to update your collection.