Trust Me, I Know Good Shoes, and These Party-Ready Pairs Are Everything

As party season is just around the corner, my mind is quickly turning to outfit planning and, more specifically, which shoes I’ll be wearing. Having spent much of the year in some pretty practical pairs (ballet flats in spring, fisherman sandals in summer and Chelsea boots in autumn), my feet deserve something to celebrate too, and if you can’t wear a pair of bejewelled heels at this time of year, when can you?

If you’re looking to revamp an LBD or dress up the failsafe jeans-and-a-nice-top combo, then never fear. I’ve searched through everything that the best designers, high-street stores and online boutiques have to offer to put together an edit of dreamy party shoes for every budget.

As ever, you can expect some of the most beautiful shoes in the world from the likes of Jimmy Choo, Manolo Blahnik and Christian Louboutin, but there are also affordable knockouts from River Island and Zara that’ll make you want to get out your blister plasters and wear nothing but flamboyant heels until the year is out. My top tip? Add a pair of 10-denier tights and see how much longer you’ll last. And not to worry if you’re not a stiletto kind of person. I’ve also included some this season’s stand-out flats, too.

Keeping scrolling for a comprehensive guide to the best party shoes around right now, and I’ll see you on the dance floor. 

Satin and crystals? It’s love at first sight. 

This shade of green is incredible.

Party in the front, business in the back (and they also come in slingback.)

The ankle strap and chunky heel help with the modest heel height to make these a really comfortable pair of heels. 

I’ve never met a sculptural heel that I didn’t instantly love. 

This heel is ideal if you plan on spending your entire evening on the dance floor. 

If you’re looking for style and support, there’s nothing better than a statement wedge. 

We saw mesh pumps on the feet of almost every stylish influencer over summer, and now they’ve had a sparkly, festive makeover. 

These would look incredible with sharp party tailoring like a velvet suit. 

Who said you can’t wear boots to a party? 

A word of caution: Don’t wear these beauties in the rain. 

So chic. We could see Alexa Chung in these pretty flats

Just think how sweet these will look with cropped jeans and a tee. 

Use these to glossy court shoes to breathe new life into last year’s dresses

Nothing makes a low heel more party ready than leopard print. 

We’ll be having dreams about red slingbacks until these are on our feet. 

A pair of velvet heels always makes its way onto our wish lists. 

Glitter is always a good idea. 

These flower heels look so premium. 

A minimalist take on the party shoe. 

Offset the silver hue with a deep burgundy pedicure. 

Animal print and a stiletto heel—I don’t think I’ve ever come across a hotter shoe. 

More is more this season, and these have “party” written all over them. 

When it comes to the ultimate party shoe, crystals and a comfortable flat silhouette are always a good idea. 

A dressy “from-desk-to-dinner” boot that no one will believe came from the high street. 

These were made to be worn with an ’80s power dress

Pick your jaw up off the floor, and let’s get to choosing a dress to go with your new party shoes.

This post was originally published at an earlier time and has since been updated.