What Shoes to Wear for a Christmas Party

The festive season brings exciting opportunities to dress up, celebrate, and lean into glamour more heavily than usual (or, at an ugly sweater party, lean into something a bit different!). Whether you're heading to a formal Christmas party, your office's annual bash, or a casual evening out with friends, the right shoes will transform your look and keep you comfortable throughout the evening.

In this guide, we walk through Christmas party footwear options for every setting and style, so you can find your perfect pair for the season's celebrations.

Here’s what we’ll cover:

• What are the best party shoes for Christmas
  • For Women
  • For Men
• Christmas party shoe rules
  • What colour shoes for a Christmas party?
  • Match your shoe to the type of party
  • Can I wear flat shoes to a Christmas party?
  • Can I wear open toe shoes to a Christmas party?
• Shoes for different types of Christmas Parties
  • For the office Christmas party
  • For the family house Christmas party
  • For a cold outdoor Christmas party

What are the best party shoes for Christmas

Bring out the sparkles and embellishments, along with winter textures like velvet and suede. Christmas party season gives you the green light to go bold: footwear becomes part of the statement, whether you're making an entrance in glittering stilettos or grounding your look with sophisticated leather loafers.

When choosing your party shoes, think about your outfit's colour scheme, how much time you'll be on your feet, and whether you'll be indoors or braving the chill outside. As always, comfort matters just as much as style - especially if dancing is on the cards - so bear comfort in mind as well.

For Women

When it comes to festive dressing, women’s footwear offers a wide range of styles, textures, and finishes. From classic elegance to trendy picks, the options below combine form and function for the party season.

Opulent Court Shoes

For a refined touch, opt for velvet or embellished court shoes. Their low vamp and tapered heel flatter the foot and work beautifully with cocktail dresses or wide-leg trousers. They're also a more wearable option if you're not keen on massive stilettos.

Christmas party tip: choose softly padded footbeds or suede linings to prevent slipping and boost comfort for all-night wear.

Knee-High Boots

Knee-high boots are a perfect fit for the festive season: they’re stylish, warm, and comfortable. Choose a heeled leather or suede pair and style with a mini dress and tights for a chic seasonal look. Shop our full ladies' boots collection for inspiration.

Christmas party tip: look for insulated linings or supportive midsoles to stay warm and comfortable during outdoor arrivals and late-night journeys home.

For Men

Men's Christmas party footwear should strike the right balance between elegance and comfort. Whether you’re dressing up for a formal event or keeping things smart-casual, these classic silhouettes offer plenty of styling versatility.

Oxfords

A timeless classic, Oxford shoes bring instant polish to formal outfits. Choose black patent leather for black-tie events, or go for deep brown for a warm seasonal twist. Discover your perfect pair in our Oxford shoes collection.

Christmas party tip: look for breathable leather linings to keep feet comfortable, especially in warm indoor venues.

Monk Shoes

Monk strap shoes add a stylish edge to formalwear. Their buckle closure offers a subtle statement that stands out against more traditional lace-ups, making them ideal for evening events and parties.

Christmas party tip: ensure adjustable buckles offer a snug but comfortable fit to prevent slipping and maintain support throughout the night.

Christmas party shoe rules

What colour shoes for a Christmas party?

Festive colours like greens, burgundy and metallics are popular colour options for Christmas party shoes, but this will be completely dependent on your outfit choice – and the latest seasonal trends! Dress your outfit up with a bit of silver or gold, or pair a classic black shoe with almost any outfit!

Match your shoe to the type of party

For formal events, go all out. Women, choose stilettos, court heels, or luxurious knee-high boots. Men, elevate your outfits with polished Oxfords or monk straps. But for a more low-key event, check out smart casual options such as ballet flats for the ladies, or men's smart trainers.

Remember to consider the venue, and definitely choose grippy soles if the event involves walking outdoors!

Can I wear flat shoes to a Christmas party?

Flats can still be festive. Look for metallic finishes, velvet textures, or embellished designs to dress them up. Ballet flats and loafers are ideal for comfort without compromising style. Browse our ladies' flat shoes and ladies' loafers for ideas.

Can I wear open-toe shoes to a Christmas party?

Yes, you can wear open-toe shoes to a Christmas party, as long as you’re prepared for the cold! Check out the venue and think about how you’ll get to the event before committing to an open-toe shoe, or consider whether you can still pair tights with your outfit.

Shoes for different types of Christmas Parties

Whatever the style or setting of your Christmas celebration, there's a perfect shoe for the occasion. In this section, we break down popular categories and suggest party-ready options that balance festive flair with practicality.

For the Office Christmas Party

The office Christmas party usually blends celebration with professionalism. Think polished yet practical. For women, heeled loafers or low block-heeled pumps are both stylish and easy to wear from day to night. For men, leather loafers or brogues offer a smart look that won’t feel overdressed.

If your party is immediately after work, choosing a shoe that transitions well from desk to dancefloor means you don’t have to manage carrying multiple pairs with you through the day. Think neutral tones, classic silhouettes, and subtle details for easy styling.

For the Family House Christmas Party

Whether your family party is all glitz and glam or you prefer to keep things cosier and more casual, your footwear can strike the perfect balance. If you like to stay a little dressed up, try a low heel or a wedge. Remaining elegant, but comfortable enough to mingle from kitchen to tree without missing a beat. Prefer maximum comfort for a long, laughter-filled day? A stylish slipper or plush mule keeps things effortless while still feeling festive.

Explore our low heels collection and our slippers for women or men for house party options.

For a Cold Outdoor Christmas Party

Winter weather calls for warm, practical footwear. Women can opt for lined knee-high boots or stylish heeled boots, while men might choose insulated leather boots with a smart finish. Just make sure your shoes are weather-appropriate and have good grip for icy conditions.

Explore our full ladies' boots collection and men's boots collection for cold-weather options.

The Do’s and Don’ts of Christmas Party Footwear

With the festive season in full swing, here are a few quick tips to help you choose footwear that keeps you comfortable, stylish, and ready for every moment of your Christmas celebrations:

• Do prioritise comfort. Long evenings of mingling and dancing call for cushioned insoles and secure fits.
• Don’t overlook the venue. Cold weather, icy paths, and outdoor arrivals mean grip and warmth matter just as much as style.
• Do break in new shoes beforehand. A short wear at home can help prevent rubbing and blisters on the night.
• Don’t risk delicate materials in bad weather. Satin, suede, and heavily embellished styles can mark easily if it’s raining or snowing.
• Do think about breathability. Warm indoor venues can make feet overheat, so leather linings and natural materials help regulate temperature.
• Don’t choose shoes with slippery soles. Smooth bottoms can lead to slips on polished floors, so opt for tread or rubberised finishes for stability.

‘Tis the Season

Whether you’re headed to a formal soirée or a festive night with friends, the right shoes will keep you feeling confident, comfortable, and party-ready. From eye-grabbing heels to classic brogues, Christmas is your chance to let your footwear shine.

Explore our full collections of women’s shoes and men’s shoes online to find your perfect party pair, or visit us in-store for expert advice and personalised fitting.