Before she became a well-known TV presenter, Catherine Elizabeth Deeley was a fashion model in her teenage years. She started her modeling career at the age of 14 after entering a regional edition of a BBC competition for The Clothes Show.
A student at Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School in Sutton Coldfield, the young model reached the national finals and was spotted by an agent from British model agency Storm Management, who signed her as a model under the nickname Cat.
Cat Deeley meets the famous German shepherd Oscar the Met Bar dog on May 26, 1998, in London, England (Credit: Stuart Castle / FayesVision / TNYF / Mega / Instar / WENN)
From Runway to TV: Cat Deeley’s Journey to Stardom
At 18, Cat became a full-time fashion model. She had her first television appearance in 1994 when she guested as a model on the ‘90s BBC talk show Kilroy.
Three years later, in 1997, Cat left full-time modeling to become a presenter on MTV UK. Although she transitioned from modeling to television, Cat Deeley continues to embrace fashion as a form of self-expression.
She once shared, ‘I choose what to wear depending on how I feel and what I’m comfortable in. That’s when you look your best.’ Her signature looks often reflect this effortless approach—elegant yet relaxed, polished yet natural.
5ft 9in (175cm) tall television presenter Cat Deeley on the pitch during the Soccer Six charity event held at Chelsea FC, Stamford Bridge, London, England on June 9, 2001
How Tall Is Cat Deeley? Her Height, Shoe Size, and Confidence in Heels
Cat stands 5ft 9in (175cm), which is noticeably taller than the average height of a woman in the UK. With heels, she’s about 6ft tall or more. She wears a shoe size 10 (US) and has larger feet than the average woman.
Before her interview with 6′ 4″ tall television host Conan O-Brien in 2009, Cat told the LA Times: “You know what I can’t wait for? He’s so tall. I’m 5-foot-9. The minute I put heels on, I’m 6-foot. I’m surrounded by all these bird-like graceful dancers, then there’s me; I look like I should be their bodyguard.”
Despite occasionally joking about her height, Cat embraces high heels, accentuating her already striking legs. She has spoken about how fashion can boost confidence, recalling, ‘My friend made me a leather dress for the MTV awards. It gives you confidence, wearing something you love.’ Perhaps this is why she consistently opts for towering stilettos—fashion, for her, is as much about feeling good as it is about looking good.
Her confidence extends beyond just fashion—she has also been open about embracing her natural beauty and choosing to forgo plastic surgery despite industry pressures.
Cat Deeley’s Most Memorable Shoe Moments: A Style Icon’s Best Picks
Cat Deeley’s footwear choices have consistently showcased her impeccable style, seamlessly blending elegance with contemporary trends. Here are some of her most memorable shoe moments:
- Christian Louboutin: At the 2014 Creative Arts Emmy Awards, Cat turned heads in cobalt blue python skin “Pigalle” pumps, adding a vibrant touch to her ensemble. See her bold Louboutin choice here.
- Gianvito Rossi: Embracing spring vibes, she donned fan-collared heels that perfectly complemented her fan-print dress, highlighting her playful yet sophisticated fashion sense. Explore her Gianvito Rossi moment.
- Jimmy Choo: On the red carpet, Cat showcased her legs in a pencil skirt paired with pink “Besso” sandals, effortlessly combining classic elegance with a pop of color. Check out her chic Jimmy Choo look.
- Mulberry: During an appearance on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”, she opted for a casual yet chic look, pairing her outfit with Mulberry sandals, demonstrating her versatility in fashion. See how she styled her Mulberry sandals.
These selections not only highlight Cat’s keen eye for designer footwear but also her ability to integrate statement pieces into cohesive and stylish ensembles.
Cat Deeley’s Standout Fashion Moments: Chic, Glamorous, and Always On Point
At Audi’s pre-Emmy celebration in Hollywood on September 19, 2019, Cat flaunted her long legs in a glittery long-sleeved mini dress. She paired it with pointy black pumps that boosted her height by a few more inches.
Cat Deeley highlights her tall frame in a glittery mini dress and black pumps at Audi’s pre-Emmy celebration on September 19, 2019
One year earlier, the media personality attended the Fox Upfront event wearing a thigh-grazing striped mini dress from Balmain. She displayed her long, slim legs in the nautical number, paired with red Jimmy Choo ‘Stitch 100’ high-heeled boots.
Cat Deeley in a Balmain dress and Jimmy Choo boots at the 2019 Fox Upfront in New York City on May 13, 2019
Jimmy Choo Stitch Boots: The Statement-Making Drawstring Stilettos Cat Deeley Loves
At the 2019 Fox Upfront in New York City, Cat Deeley paired her thigh-grazing Balmain mini dress with the statement-making Jimmy Choo Stitch boots. Known for her love of fashion, she once admitted, ‘I don’t shop because I need something, I just shop for shopping’s sake.’ This unapologetic passion for style is evident in her bold footwear choices, always selecting designs that amplify her tall, striking frame.
Available in caramel, black, and red leather, the Stitch 100 boots are a versatile choice for those looking to elevate their style with a sophisticated yet bold finish.
Jimmy Choo Caramel Stitch 100 Drawstring Leather Ankle Boots, $1,025
Caramel is the perfect way to describe the color of these buttery textured boots.
Made from leather, they have a chic pointed toe and stiletto heel, and the cuff scrunches and drapes with a drawstring.
The rouleau ties are tipped with faceted gold beads.
The Stitch 100 ankle boots boast high elevation with functional detailing, creating the ultimate contemporary form.
Jimmy Choo Black Stitch 100 Drawstring Leather Ankle Boots, $1,025
Crafted in Italy from buttery black leather, the pointed-toe silhouette features a tonal drawstring at the ankle, which gathers to form a slight pleat at the top.
These red ankle boots rework the classic silhouette with a drawstring toggle for a slouchy effect.
Jimmy Choo Red Stitch 100 Drawstring Leather Ankle Boots, $1,025
They’re crafted in Italy from nappa leather and have a pointed toe with a slim stiletto heel.
Which color is your favorite, and how would you style these drawstring leather ankle boots?
Cat Deeley’s Best Red Carpet Looks: From Bold Minis to Elegant Gowns
Cat broke the cleavage-or-legs rule in a sultry Alexandre Vauthier red velvet draped dress at the Fox Summer TCA 2018 All-Star party in August 2018.
She highlighted her legs in the sexy mini, which she teamed with height-boosting black pumps.
Cat Deeley shows off her cleavage and slim legs at the Fox Summer TCA 2018 All-Star party on August 3, 2018
Cat kept her look simple at the 2017 Teen Choice Awards and let her famous asset take center stage. She wore a plain white v-neck tee with a thigh-skimming leather mini skirt showcasing her long-toned legs.
Adding extra inches to her height, she completed her look with a bizarre pair of black lace-up boots.
Cat Deeley displayed her toned legs in a leather mini skirt at the 2017 Teen Choice Awards on August 14, 2017
Effortless Street Style: Cat Deeley’s Best Casual Yet Chic Looks
In June 2017, Cat Deeley was spotted parading her endless legs in a gray slip mini dress with a camel-colored jacket while leaving the AOL Build Speaker Series.
Highlighting her height and enviable asset, Cat paired the look with leg-lengthening Gianvito Rossi ankle-tie sandals in beige suede.
Cat Deeley parades her endless legs as she leaves the AOL Build Speaker Series on June 1, 2017
Cat Deeley’s red carpet appearances are a masterclass in effortless glamour. Whether she’s dazzling in a velvet Alexandre Vauthier mini dress or keeping it simple in a chic leather skirt, her look is always polished from head to toe.
As someone who has long embraced the power of styling, she once shared, ‘I understand how important hair is to a woman’s self-esteem and confidence.’ Her signature voluminous blonde waves perfectly complement her statement heels and leg-baring outfits.
Cat Deeley’s Front Row Fashion at London Fashion Week
In February 2014, Cat Deeley was one of the many famous faces seated in the front row of Matthew Williamson’s runway show during London Fashion Week.
Cat Deeley arrives at Matthew Williamson’s show held during London Fashion Week on February 16, 2014
The TV presenter stood out in a furry fuchsia coat with gleaming gold buttons. Cat wore a sheer pink blouse and fitted leather pants underneath her jacket.
Cat Deeley leaves the venue with designer Matthew Williamson following his London Fashion Week runway show
She styled her outfit with gold-toned accessories but kept her makeup minimal to show off her natural beauty. Cat later left the show with Matthew Williamson himself.
Cat Deeley’s feet in Jimmy Choo sandals
Cat completed her outfit with a pair of Jimmy Choo “Farley” sandals you can buy at Farfetch.
Cat Deeley shows off her pedicure in a pair of black “Farley” sandals
These suede peep-toes feature mirrored metallic leather trimming, crisscross straps, a back zipper fastening, covered platforms, and 4-inch covered heels.
Cat Deeley’s feet in Jimmy Choo Farley peep-toe sandals
In August 2023, Maddie Ziegler opted for the “Farley” pumps at Variety’s Power of Young Hollywood event, complementing her ensemble with their sheer mesh design.
Jimmy Choo Farley Sandals, $895