It’s Party Shoe Season: What Makes a Pair Festive?

You can safely toast the season by dressing up for a holiday party or just to be yourself. Nina, a brand that is synonymous with festive footwear, reports that heels sales have increased by a remarkable 95% in stores and 145% online compared to 2020. Nina Miner, Chief Creative Director, attributes the rise to the increased optimism consumers have for 2022. According to Miner, dressing up in your most elegant going-out outfit, complete with a pair of exquisitely-fancy shoes can boost your mood. She says, “We designed our shoes with the goal of making your event extra special and bringing out the confidence in you.” No surprise that Nina’s most popular shoes are those with embellishments made of high-shine materials and crystals.

Marina Larroude, a spokesperson for Larroude, says that while there is always a rise in interest in “sparkly” footwear around the holidays, this season she has noticed that customers gravitate to our most whimsical styles because they are ready to have some fun again. Both in real life and in their clothes.

Bratz-like styles are becoming more popular because of the popularity of doll-like looks. According to Alison Stiefel, ShopStyle’s General Manager, platforms have been embraced by celebrities such as Lady Gaga and Lil Nas X. “They are the most popular heel style on ShopStyle, up 35% [from last year],” she said. This style is great for transitioning from heels to sneakers as it offers more comfort than a stiletto and makes a big statement. It is possible that statement shoes are also making a comeback thanks to the highly anticipated Sex and the City reboot and Just Like That…, which saw Manolo Blahnik’s Hangisi pump with crystals and other designer styles.

If you don’t like high heels or platforms that cause shin splints, there are plenty of party shoes this season. These include metallic block-heel booties, flats with crystal embellishments, and retro kitten heels. They’re all great for eye candy and offer comfort without being too heavy. “Design details such as sparkles and metallics make every shoe feel festive, no matter if it’s a heel or flat. “I have been wearing our Pierre slipper in velvet, satin and knit, with a crystal bow at the top,” Larroude said. “It has been worn for all my holiday parties because I want to look chic and comfortable this holiday season.”

These flashier looks can be styled by making the party shoe the center of attention. A boldly colored boot or knee-grazing metallic boot instantly elevates the it factor of a simple LBD. A rhinestone-encrusted mule adds a fun touch to an elegant evening gown. Chain-adorned loafers can instantly make casual denim look more polished.
Party shoe season is upon us. What style of shoe will you choose?

Our stylists recommendations:

• FLOR DE MARIA Amaya Cobalt Blue Boots $495.00
• MACH & MACH Double Bow Crystal-embellished Satin Pumps $1050.00
• ZARA Jewel Trim Animal Print Ballet Flats $79.90
• TAMARA MELLON Satellite Velvet Pumps $599
• SARAH FLINT Natalie Flat $375.00
• NOMASEI Nono Moccasins In Silver $335
• KURT GEIGER Kensington Square Toe Slip On Sandals $150.00
• AMINA MUADDI Begum Embellished Transparent pumps $1140.00
• ALDO Tissuri Ankle Boot $130.00
• NINA Dalva Feather Dress Sandals $99.00
• LARROUDE Pierre Mules $129.50
• LOEFFLER RANDALL Pleated Platform Sandals $450.00