Shop the post: The low-down on party shoes
Question: do people go for a fully glitzed-up party look these days? Or do they go for more comfort-led with a nod to shine and bedazzle? I’ve seen a lot of extreme glam-rock platform heels* doing the rounds on all the shopping sites, not to mention the Bottega Veneta Mostra heels*. But equally, I’ve noticed that in real life, the gorgeous young things are wearing the opposite. Like, a satin slip with 70s-style Adidas Gazelles (that is, the amped-up 2020s version at 2020s prices – thanks Gucci*).
Somewhere in-between is a middle ground where the New York minimalistas are pitched. In their recent collections, Khaite (below), Toteme and The Row (below) have seemingly agreed on 90s-adjacent party looks – think oversized black tailoring, metallic leathers and monochrome midi dresses accompanied by walkable, stiletto-free footwear.
Flat Mary-Janes are a favourite, worn with either black opaque tights or a black ankle sock. The jewel colour velvet Mary Janes by Le Monde Beryl* add a little festive flair. To accompany gamine, sculptural black dresses, I like these retro-futuristic silver slingbacks from Armani*. They’re reminiscent of Helmut Lang at his best and would look equally good with straight, ankle-length trousers. This short heel can look twee if the rest of the shoe is too demure so I appreciate all the sharp angles. I’m also feeling quite smug having rediscovered my spike-toed Martine Sitbon ankle straps (circa 1998), with micro studs decorating the mini cone heels.
A slim-fitted ankle boot teamed with a fluid midi-dress is another winning look (below) – 3-5cm is ideal. And if, like me, you like an optic white boyfriend jean or ivory suit trouser, then a little black ankle boot* is perfectly acceptable evening attire, especially in a lustrous finish like suede, moiré silk or patent-leather.
Accessory-wise, my rule is the simpler the clothes (in cut, colour, detail), the louder I go with shoes, bag, make-up or jewellery (but not all at once!). I’m very much a starched trouser and XL silk shirt kinda gal, which pair nicely with heavily decorated low-heeled slingbacks such as these Giambattista Vallis*. If you’re wearing a blazer and cami, then a sculptural brooch or a man’s silk scarf* can be nicer than loads of necklaces. But I also love ornate ‘secret’ watches like my Hermès Medor or the Bulgari Serpenti – a feat of watch engineering that’s a real conversation starter. And it may surprise you to know I’ve always wanted a Judith Leiber minaudiere (pure bonkers) but would settle for a Schiaparelli.
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WORDS: Disneyrollergirl / Navaz Batliwalla
IMAGE: Julia Nobis by Zoe Ghertner for M Le Monde; Khaite; The Row pre-fall 2023; Giedre Dukauskaite by Ward Ivan Rafik; Julia Nobis by Zoe Ghertner for M Le Monde
NOTE: Most images are digitally enhanced. Some posts use affiliate links* and PR samples. Please read my privacy and cookies policy here
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