Fashion

7 Holiday Shoe Looks For Festive Feet

by Amanda Richards

At this time of year, there's definitely a lot of pressure to pick a uniquely ravishing holiday outfit. The other day, I was lamenting the process to my roommate, when she said something particularly insightful: "I'm not worried about the perfect holiday dress, but I am about to track down some f**king amazing holiday shoes."

I'm not a shoe person, per se, so the idea of getting the perfect holiday pair was definitely not at the forefront of my mind. However, the more I thought about it, the more I realized that a great holiday heel, flat, boot, or oxford doesn't just compliment your festive outfit: They can often make the outfit.

That considered, I set forth to track down the best pairs of holiday shoes I could find, in a variety of styles. Some of these precious pairs seem to be explicitly created for the holiday season (red suede strappy sandals, anyone?), while others are a little less on-the-nose but have the added bonus of being wearable year-round. Go forth and and find your perfect holiday pair — just don't be surprised when everyone at your office party can't stop staring at your feet.

1. An Embellished Heel

Textured Metallic Pointed Pumps, $29.90, forever21.com

I know, I know: The sparkly heel is probably the most typical holiday shoe you could purchase. While a pair like this certainly isn't making any new statements, there's a reason your impulses are telling you to purchase. No matter what time of year it is, sparkly heels are awesome. Succumb to them in all of their glittered and embellished glory.

Blue By Betsey Johnson Stella Evening Shoes, $129, macys.com

Badgley Mischka Poetry Pump, $177.90, nordstrom.com

2. Must-Have Metallic Flats

J. Crew Factory Metallic Colorblock Amelia Flats, $54.99, jcrew.com

For those who want a little festive shine but don't want to sacrifice the joys for comfort during holiday social events, metallic flats are your answer to all of life's uncomfortable shoe problems.

ASOS Little Munckin Ballet Flats, $45, asos.com

Musigliano Flat In Multi Metallic, $27.50, aldo.com

3. An Edgy Oxford Or Creeper

Miista Eloise Sequin Oxford, $188, nastygal.com

For some reason, many people seem to forget about the oxford and/or creeper option when it comes to holiday footwear, yet some of these pairs are the absolute coolest. Lace up tight this holiday season in a pair of these casual-yet-festive shoes — they might even make your whole outfit.

Park Lane Monk Strap Leather Creepers, $79, asos.com

Metallic Faux Leather Oxfords, $29.95, forever21.com

4. The Perfect Ankle Boots

Umalen Ankle Boot, $65, aldo.com

OK, so maybe the ankle boot isn't exclusively a holiday shoe. However, they do go with everything, and they're definitely a great way to treat yourself this holiday season. If you're in doubt about your holiday footwear, invest in a classic ankle boot. You absolutely cannot go wrong, especially if it starts to snow halfway through cocktail hour.

Lucky Brand Women's Joelle Cowboy Ankle Booties, $99, macys.com

Rachel Comey Mars Boot, $426, rachelcomey.com

5. The Gold Standards

Michael Antonio Citron Wedge Boot, $44.95, dsw.com

Because there is literally no better time than the holidays to get yourself a pair of gold shoes and, unlike certain holiday-only looks, you can wear them year-round. Pair your gold soles with a pair of black skinnies and a leather jacket for a cool holiday look, or wear them with a cocktail dress and take holiday femininity to the next level.

Fringed Faux Patent Loafers, $24.95, forever21.com

Head Over Heels Callina Rose Gold Point Toe Two Part Heeled Shoes, $70, asos.com

6. On-Theme Soles

Glamorous Red Ghillie Pom Pom Sandals, $54, asos.com

You'll admit it: You have no problems with on-theme dressing, and during the holidays that means making explicit attempts to look like a Christmas tree/present/decoration. I understand you, and I celebrate you. Go forth and be as obvious as you want to be.

Qupid Ankle Bow Pointed Pumps, $37.99, charlotterusse.com

J. Crew Factory Suede D'Orsay Pumps, $64, jcrew.com

7. Weather-Be-Damned Sandals

The Octavia Sandal, $119.50, madewell.com

Just because there's two feet of snow on the ground on Christmas Eve doesn't mean you have to stop wearing sandals. Even if your feet freeze for a minute or two, a rad heeled sandal will look amazing with your leather pants or hip-hugging midi skirt. Just tell your blue toes that Santa would want it this way (and pair these strappy picks with chunky socks).

Jeffrey Campbell Grey Hough Strap Sandal In Suede, $88, lyst.com

ASOS Treasure Wide Fit Heeled Sandals, $63, asos.com

Now that you're armed with an arsenal of holiday footwear picks, get ready to command the seasonal footwear scene in any one of these amazing pairs. And if anyone asks where your holiday spirit is, simply smile and point to your feet.

Images: Courtesy Brands