Fashion fact: you can make any outfit look party season-ready with the right pair of shoes. It’s all in the materials as satins and velvets, or a strong smattering of embellishments like jewels and bows, will make any pair of shoes read as festive, regardless of whether they are heels or flats.
Certain party shoe styles are completely timeless, returning year after year for the dancing season without ever looking dated. Invest carefully in a pair you truly love, and watch them magically style up everything from jeans and a white shirt, to a little black dress, earning their fashion keep every step of the way.
Our edit of the best party heels
*Eliza may earn commission on sales from these product links
More on partywear
- From Versace to YSL, the best designer party accessories dupes to be seen in this season
- Your ultimate Christmas party outfit inspiration
- What to wear for every New Year’s Eve scenario, from a club night to firework-watching
- The best party shoes to amp up any outfit
- 35 statement jewellery pieces that’ll add all the sparkle this party season
- Sequin season is coming – here are the best styles to buy before they sell out
Here is our guide to seven styles you could buy now and wear forever:
The black slingbacks
A total fashion classic, everyone should have a pair of slingbacks in their wardrobe. In leather, patent, suede or velvet, this style works with any heel height you feel comfortable dancing in.
The Attico founder Giorgia Tordini wears this ankle strap pair on repeat, with black minidresses and smoky denier tights.
Shop the edit:
*Eliza may earn commission on sales from these product links
The satin platforms
Platforms are back, and literally as big as ever. Jewel tone satin fabrics always add polish and look party ready – see actress Florence Pugh doing full Barbiecore in these fuchsia platforms and matching Versace minidress on a night out in Paris.
There is a full spectrum of colours to explore across the high street and designer collections this season, and all pair really well with denim for those occasions where you want to dress up jeans and a nice top.
The high leg sandals
High leg, high drama. It’s a style that looks particularly good with thigh-slit dresses, revealing a hint of the shoe’s lace ups and embellishments.
Model Jourdan Dunn picked this more minimal, buckled pair to wear with a corseted dress, while across the high street you can find lots of coloured cages and even ribbon tie styles.
Party heels to wear all season long
*Eliza may earn commission on sales from these product links
The colourful ankle boots
Again utilising the shine of satin, don’t rule out ankle boots as a way to finish off your ideal party outfit. A mid-heel, pointed toe silhouette looks great with trouser and jumpsuit looks.
Influencer Georgina Cleverley has allowed her sharp-point Balenciaga boots to be the focal point of her out-for-drinks outfit, adding a pop of colour against a black bustier and tailored trousers.
The brooch front pumps
Jewelled brooch embellishments are sticking around for another party season. This year diamante bows are set to be huge again, with designers like Mach & Mach and Amina Muaddi snaking crystals up and around the ankle too.
Influencer Victoria Magrath has been styling hers with everything from shirt dresses for a night at the ballet, to feathered minis for a friend’s birthday party.
The mega bow heels
Is a dainty crystal bow not enough for you? See model Charli Howard for the more extreme version.
Jimmy Choo’s organza tulle XXL bow heels are one of the most coveted styles of the season, while Loeffler Randall’s bows are set on a lower block heel. Zara has maximalist options adorned with huge puffs of feathers too.
;
