Shopping·10 min read

Our Favorite Cute Shoes for Winter Parties

winter party shoes
Design: theSkimm | Images: Reformation, Cariuma, Free People
December 7, 2023

This post was originally published in December 2022 and has been updated.

Products you buy through our links may earn us a commission. Oh, and if something's out of stock, oops, it was there (and all prices were accurate) at time of publication.

Overflowing with winter party invites? Bravo. Planning your footwear choice is a must. We’ve found bejeweled heels, rhinestone sandals, and metallic mules if you’d like to lean into the festive aesthetic. We’ve also found elevated sneakers and loafers if you'd low-key still prefer to be on the couch (we’ve all been there). Let’s get to it.

aerosoles platform sandal
Aerosoles

A platform sandal that’ll become your go-to for years…

You might buy these platforms for the holidays, but you’ll end up reaching for them for every wedding, work event, and date night for the foreseeable future. They’re comfortable, thanks to the stable platform and padded sole, but plenty festive. There are seven colors to choose from, but the metallic options are especially party-ready. ($135, Aerosoles)

Buy it
cariuma x theskimm sneaker
Cariuma

Party-ready shoes you can actually dance all night in…

Big news: We worked with our friends at Cariuma to create two limited-edition sneakers that combine all our favorite parts of a shoe. We’re talking comfy, cloud-like soles that feel broken-in from the get-go, sleek, wear-with-everything designs, and natural, eco-friendly materials. They’re a must-have for winter — and beyond. (We tested them ourselves just to make sure.) Pro tip: Grab them while you still can. (From $85, Cariuma)*

Buy it
j.crew mary jane pumps
J.Crew

A sophisticated take on Mary Janes…

Mary Janes are back and chicer than ever. This shiny leather pair from J.Crew has a double strap, a rounded toe, and a chunky heel that’ll keep you stable during a long cocktail party — and makes them very adult-appropriate. It’s giving Carrie Bradshaw in the Vogue closet. IYKYK. ($219.50, J.Crew)   

Buy it
vagabond loafers
Nordstrom

Sleek loafers with a little hardware…

If you ask us what our favorite loafers are, the answer is almost always Vagabond. They’re both reasonably priced and trendy, but also long-lasting and comfortable. These are no exception, with their square toe and chunky sole. The silver curb chain makes them your new party shoes. ($165, Nordstrom)

Buy it
crystal-sandals
Shopbop

A pair of crystal sandals you’ll wear way more than you think…

From It brand Larroude, these are a dressed-up version of the sandal we couldn’t stop wearing over the summer. They have a block heel and a baby platform for a little lift, but have all the comfort of a flat. With the added rhinestones, they’re like jewelry for your feet. We’d pair them with everything from dresses to velvet pants to jeans. ($330, Shopbop)

Buy it
bow flats
Free People

Bow flats that will dress up any outfit…

The pointed toe, metallic shade, and oversized bow…swoon. The best part is you can pair them with a simple outfit like jeans and a sweater, and suddenly you have a party ’fit. Now we’re talking. ($168, Free People)

Buy it
heeled-sandals
Reformation

A heeled sandal by your favorite dress brand…

While you’re browsing for the perfect winter party dress, why not grab a timeless heeled sandal? The knotted upper and cylinder heel make these feel special, plus they’re just the right height to still be considered comfortable. You can’t go wrong with any of the six shades on offer — they’re all neutral, and some have a pearlized sheen for a little extra something. ($278, Reformation)

Buy it
square toed heeled boot
Revolve

A heeled boot we simply can’t resist…

This square-toe boot has a sculptural flared heel and pieced upper, which makes them feel unique. They would look just as good with a sweater dress as your favorite pair of jeans with a bodysuit. Customers say they’re even better in person, and personally, we’d love to see the “butter” colorway with our own eyes. ($360, Revolve)

Buy it
rhinestone-bootie
DSW

A rhinestone bootie that’s a whole party by itself…

When you arrive in these, the party can officially start. Every inch of these square-toe booties is decked out with sparkly rhinestones in either black, iridescent silver, or gold. Your New Year's outfit called, it wants to be paired with these boots. ($119.99, DSW)

Buy it
metallic-pump
Revolve

A metallic pump for a futuristic look…

We don’t often wear a true heel, but we might have to change our ways for these. The patent leather in iridescent silver is incredibly chic. Pair them with dark denim or leather pants, and prepare to be feeling yourself. ($128, Revolve)

Buy it
knee-high-boot
Amazon

A knee-high boot that comes in wide-calf sizes…

She’s classic with an almond toe, block heel, and knee-high upper that comes in nine different styles, from black Nappa leather to leopard print in buttery faux microsuede. They have a back zipper for easy on-and-off and come in sizes for larger calves as well. ($99.99+, Amazon)

Buy it
shearling-sneaker
M.Gemi

A shearling sneaker if you’re already planning on leaving early…

If Irish goodbyes are your thing, prepare for a quick getaway with these shearling-lined slip-on sneakers. They’re ultra-soft and luxurious, handmade in Italy, and have a durable rubber sole, so you won’t slip in wet weather. They come in four colors and customers say they actually keep your feet warm. Sold. ($278, M.Gemi)

Buy it
classic-loafer
Sam Edelman

A classic loafer that comes in too many styles to count…

These bit loafers are menswear-inspired and dress up a pair of jeans easily. There are leather, patent, velvet, and croc styles, so no matter your outfit, you can bet you’ll find a pair to match. We already have the cognac leather in our carts. ($150+, Sam Edelman)

Buy it
pointed toe knee high boot
Nordstrom

A Going Out Boot™, if we’ve ever seen one…

We're in love with these Schutz boots, complete with a pointed toe, skinny heel, and Western-inspired shaft. Pair these with the Skims dress everyone is obsessed with, or jeans and an oversized sweater, and you’re ready to let your boots do the talking. We love the dark chocolate colorway, but they also come in cream, black, a lighter brown, and even snakeskin. ($258, Nordstrom)

Buy it
ballet-flats
Everlane

Leather ballet flats you can wear year-round…

These classic flats feature extra sole cushioning for support as you stand and mingle, plus a recycled leather upper with that trademark dainty bow. A square toe gives them a modern feel. These would look just as good paired with tailored jeans and a blazer for the holidays as they would with a linen sundress in the summer. They come in eight neutral colors. ($145, Everlane)

Buy it

*This denotes a sponsored section.

Live Smarter

Sign up for the Daily Skimm email newsletter. Delivered to your inbox every morning and prepares you for your day in minutes.