12 Party Shoes You Can Wear All Night Long
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Photo Credit: Rebecca Ou Photography
As you get ready for holiday celebrations — from office parties to intimate gatherings with friends and family — pay special attention to your shoe rotation as this will set the tone for how much you’ll enjoy these events. While I can suffer through a tight-fitting dress for a few hours, it’s almost impossible to pull off a long night in uncomfortable shoes. Who wants to be the girl who changes to flats by the end of the night? I’ve been there, and I can tell you that carrying an extra pair of shoes somewhere takes way too much work (plus it can never fit in my evening bag).
When it comes to holiday shoes, I swear by a small and trusted selection that I only occasionally update. The truth is, most party shoes look good, but they aren’t built for comfort. When the heels aren’t clunky or loosely affixed to the shoe base, the shine of the material wears off or gets scratched easily, or some of the embellishing details start to fall off. Social media and influencer culture certainly play a part in our tendency to conflate hype with quality, but ironically, being a fashion content creator has made me better at distinguishing the two. As I regularly get to test different shoes that brands send to me, I’ve become more critical of bad footwear. That’s why I’m slow to purchase or hold onto certain shoes, but quick to spread the word about the pairs I love or deem worth purchasing. That first wear is critical, but beyond this, I also watch out for the design, heel structure, price point, and durability of materials.
Ultimately, everyone has different criteria for buying shoes (some are comfortable doing it for the ‘gram and admittedly, I have worn some shoes exclusively for photos too), but I feel comfortable recommending the selection ahead for all your holiday plans. From the iconic Gucci slingback heels to the timeless Saint Laurent pumps, scroll on for these season’s must haves.
Under $100
Charles & Keith Patent Crystal-Embellished Slingback Flats
If you do have to bring flats, you might as well opt for these chic Charles & Keith ($53) styles. Crafted from a polished tweed material, they stand out with the crystal-embellished buckle, pointy edges and block heel. Combining ease of wear with an elevated yet laid-back attitude, these flats can easily become everyday favorites.
Charles & Keith Patent Crystal-Embellished Slingback Flats
$53
Charles & Keith Gabine Patent Leather Mules
$83
Charles & Keith Gabine Patent Leather Mules
Thanks to the ‘90s nostalgia currently sweeping over fashion, minimal heels are back and the designers behind Singaporean brand Charles & Keith took notes. Featuring striking gold hardware and pointed-toe design, these mules ($83) look contemporary, yet they have a timeless feel. Style them with a silky beige mini dress, or use them to elevate any denim combo.
Under $200
Tony Bianco Marcel Sandals
If you’re not looking to splurge on the Amina Muaddi originals, these heels ($170) make pretty good lookalikes. Maybe you’re the kind of brave fashionista who can dance or move around in heels all night; these will deliver all the sexy glamour. Pair them with a strapless ruched mini dress and blazer, or a jumpsuit.
Tony Bianco Marcel Sandals
$170
Jeffrey Campbell Elsa Embellished Heels
These fairytale shoes have been everywhere thanks to Mach & Mach and Amina Muaddi, so Jeffrey Campbell ($129) just made a more affordable version. Boasting a clear PVC material, a confident pointed toe and bedazzled detail, they will pair well with almost every color palette and evening ensemble. Slip into these eye-catching shoes for the next special occasion.
Jeffrey Campbell Elsa Embellished Heels
$129
Steve Madden Exotica Heels
Because sometimes, a look is all about the shoes! And if you were looking for an over-the-top moment, these Steve Madden heels ($119) will deliver just that. Featuring coiled straps that are covered in rhinestones, they will pair nicely with fitted pants and a bustier, a tailored dress or mini skirt ensemble. They probably aren’t the most comfortable, but will see you through a seated dinner in style.
Steve Madden Exotica Heels
$119
Jeffrey Campbell Congruent Heels
Jeffrey Campbell Congruent Heels
$170
From the intriguing silhouette to the glossy leather and alluring gold hardware, everything about the Jeffrey Campbell Congruent Heels ($170) looks polished. The round-toe shape and heel design surprisingly work together to provide stylish and comfortable support, so you’ll find yourself spending a few hours in them worry-free. They will look just as chic with a fitted knit dress as with a tailored suit or oversize blazer-and-jeans combo.
Cult Gaia Lydia Sandal
Cult Gaia shoes tend to be Instagram-worthy and not necessarily functional, but if you’re willing to give these sandals try, the heel placement might offer some support. Plus, who doesn’t need footwear to match the gold clutches in their rotation? Founder Jasmin Larian Hekmat is known for her high-shine designs, and these heels ($428) —with all their maximalist details—illustrates her aesthetic perfectly.
Cult Gaia Lydia Sandal
$428
Kendall Miles Capri Sandals
A casual yet elevated take on holiday fashion, these heels ($495) are made of patent denim leather and feature a luxe-looking gold chain for some pizazz. On lowkey nights, style them with a denim-on-denim look for a cool Canadian tuxedo moment. Or, wear them to pare down a dressier ensemble.
Kendall Miles Capri Sandals
$495
Manu Atelier Duck Boots
When the temperature calls for it, you will find yourself partying in boots, so you might as well go for some polished ones. These Duck Boots ($550) feature a modern square toe and a sleek block heel for absolute comfort. Standing on relatively low heels, they’re fashioned from a supple glossy leather that is both daytime and nighttime-friendly. From our firsthand experience with the suede versions, we can guarantee that you will feel supported as you go from the office to afterwork cocktails; the shape and construction will enhance your gait. At night, style them with a silky LBD and long coat, or leather pants and a sharp blazer. In both scenarios, you’d be one well-dressed person.
Manu Atelier Duck Boots
$550
A Splurge
Gucci Crystal-embellished Mesh Slingback Pumps
Gucci Crystal-embellished Mesh Slingback Pumps
$1,150
These Gucci pumps were my first luxury footwear purchase, and I am quite satisfied with them. Being someone who wears heels to run errands or go to a casual house party, the kitten silhouette totally fits me. These shoes deliver on the simple elegance and elevated comfort I gravitate towards. While they feel more suitable for evening wear, you can totally style them with jeans and a sweater for meetings or daytime events.
Mach & Mach Double Bow Crystal-Embellished Satin Mules
$1,140
Mach & Mach Double Bow Crystal-Embellished Satin Mules
I had my reservations about Mach & Mach since I was seeing their shoes everywhere and their price point is so high. I was initially considering this version with higher heels, but after seeing a friend struggle in them at a party (they make for good pics though), I went for lower heels ($1,140) . Not only do they look elegant, but there is barely any break-in time (yes, they are surprisingly wearable unlike their taller counterparts). Whether you have a birthday dinner or office party, these satin mules are a smart choice. I recommend going half a size higher as they run a bit small.
Saint Laurent Lee Slingback Pumps
Saint Laurent Lee Slingback Pumps
$1,150
When it comes to sexy evening footwear, Saint Laurent is in a league of its own. Take the Lee slingback pumps ($1,150) for example; with their sculptural heels, gold-tone buckle and glossy patent leather material, they convey bourgeois elegance at a price point that isn’t cost-prohibitive for a luxury good. Dial up the glamour with a fluid silk dress or elevate an otherwise casual jeans-and-blazer combo.