Party Shoes For Holiday And Winter 2025/2026
As the holiday party invitations started coming in, I realized that most of my party shoes were sandals, and it had already started snowing in New York. So I started researching what was in style for party shoes in 2025/2026, to update my collection. Here’s what I found…
Sleek Knee-High Boots
This fall, we started seeing shorter skirts and dresses (after years of midi and maxi styles). Knee-high boots are a perfect complement to shorter hems and ideal for warmth and coverage. While slouchy boots and riding boots are trending in 2025/2026, I think that clean, sleek boots are most appropriate for dressy outfits.
My Sam Edelman knee-high boots come in 12 colors/types of leather. They’re also avilalable in regular and wide-calf. The toe box is generous, and the heel is wide, so you feel supported. I like that they’re slim at the ankles – I’ve tried on a few pairs that are wider in that area, and I feel like they look frumpy on me. I also like that the toe is pointed but squared off at the end, for a classic look.
If you prefer a lower heel, you might like these black leather boots. They are a little more casual-looking but still sleek.
Pointed-Toe Pumps
For your 2025/2026 party shoes, look for pumps that have a pointed toe. If you really want to be on trend, opt for ones that have a V-shape or a glove vamp (top).
These are Sarah Flint’s Perfect Emma in Espresso with a V-shape vamp and a short pointed toe. Sarah Flint’s shoes have padded insoles, which make them very comfortable. (You can read more about Sarah Flint in this post).
If you’re looking for more affordable pumps, take a look at these Naturalizer pumps with an off-center V-shape.
For a hint of gold, try these Studded Cutout Pumps.
Glove Pumps are trending – they come up higher on the sides and have a U-shape or V-shape at the top. Madewell’s Emilie is currently on sale and comes in brown suede and black leather.
Sling Backs
Sling-backs are the most popular style of pumps right now, especially in kitten-heels (low skinny heels with a slight curve). I bought two pairs recently: Stuart Weitzman black leather sling-backs that were on clearance at a local store, and Sam Edelman gold leather sling-back pumps (still available in 15 colors). I wore each one to a gala without breaking them in, and I have to say that the Sam Edelman ones were more comfortable for my almost-wide feet. I’ll have to wear the Stuart Weitzman ones with socks to stretch them out a bit!
If you’re looking for affordable sling-back heels, these come in wine-berry and black leather and have a gorgeous gold detail on the side.
Metallic Flats
While you might not think of ballet flats as party shoes, a metallic pair will look just as party-ready as a pair of heels. So if comfort is key, take a look at these Naturalizer textured gold leather glove flats or these Marc Fisher Square Toe Flats.
Want something new and unique? These leather flats have a gold charm chain strap.
Mary-Jane flats are still trending, but what’s new in 2026 is the T-Strap Flat (which originated a hundred years ago, during Roaring Twenties!)
Prefer a loafer? Try these Loraine Bit Loafers in gold with dress pants.
Wedge Heels
Wedge heels seemed to lose popularity for the past couple of years, but for winter 2025/2026, they’re back espeically in slim sculptural heels. Take a look at Tory Burch’s Georgia Wedges for a designer option, and these Calvin Klein Low Heel Sling Back Wedge Pumps for an affordable option.
And the strangest wedge shoes I’ve seen this year? These Jeffrey Campbell, Pay Me Slingback Wedge Pumps!
Do you have a lot of parties to attend this holiday season? If so, let me know your favorite party shoe styles for 2025/2026!
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These are great options. I’ve been interested in Sarah Flint for a while now, I may invest in a pair soon. Also I love those Sam Edelman boots.
They’re gorgeous shoes, Courtney. I have several pairs including some suede knee-high boots that fit like a glove. Hope you find some that you love as much. xo Nipa