What Shoes to Wear for Cocktail Attire
16 January 2026
Choosing the right shoes for a cocktail event can make or break your outfit. Cocktail attire sits somewhere between formal and casual, and your footwear should strike the same balance. Whether you're heading to a wedding, a work party, or a festive soirée, this guide will help you find the perfect shoes to match your cocktail look.
From iconic heels and loafers to stylish flats and smart brogues, there are plenty of ways to meet the dress code while staying comfortable and on-trend.
In this post, we’ll explore the key shoe styles that work best for cocktail attire.
Here’s what we’ll cover:
- What is cocktail attire?
- Is cocktail attire formal or semi-formal?
- What shoes should women wear for cocktail attire?
- What shoes should men wear for cocktail attire?
- What colour shoes are best for cocktail attire?
- What not to wear for cocktail attire
What Is Cocktail Attire?
Cocktail attire is a smart, polished dress code that usually applies to semi-formal evening events. Things like parties, receptions, or dinners where the atmosphere is elevated, but not quite black-tie formal. For women, cocktail attire often means a dress that falls just above or below the knee, paired with stylish accessories. For men, it usually involves a suit or tailored trousers and jacket with a shirt.
Shoes play an important role in bringing the whole cocktail attire look together. They should look elegant and intentional, even if they’re low-heeled or flat. The goal is to enhance your outfit with a footwear choice that feels purposeful, balancing sophistication with your personal style and the formality of the occasion.
Is Cocktail Attire Formal or Semi-Formal?
Cocktail attire is best described as semi-formal. It's a step up from smart casual but doesn’t require full evening wear. Footwear should reflect this middle ground: polished, stylish, and occasion-appropriate without being overly dressy or too relaxed.
What Shoes Should Women Wear for Cocktail Attire?
The best cocktail shoes for women are elegant, streamlined, and comfortable enough to wear all evening: you want something stylish but practical enough to dance, mingle, and move with confidence. Whether you gravitate toward high stilettos or prefer more supportive silhouettes, the key is finding a shoe that complements your outfit without compromising on comfort.
Are Heels Required for Cocktail Attire?
Heels are a popular choice for cocktail attire, but they’re by no means essential. That said, a well-chosen heel can elevate your look and add a touch of glamour by lengthening the silhouette and lending poise to your overall outfit.
Strappy stilettos, block-heeled courts, and pointed-toe flats all work beautifully with cocktail dresses. For festive occasions, consider metallic or sparkly finishes to add a celebratory feel. Just make sure you feel confident and steady in the pair you choose; if heels cause discomfort or throw off your posture, it's perfectly acceptable to opt for a dressier flat or lower heel instead.
Explore our ladies' heeled shoes collection for elegant options.
Can You Wear Flats for Cocktail Attire?
Absolutely. Stylish flats are perfectly acceptable as long as they look intentional. Pointed ballet flats, embellished loafers, and sleek mules can all complement a cocktail dress.
Look for pairs with elegant details like satin finishes, bows, or metallic touches to keep them event-appropriate. Avoid styles that are too casual or overly embellished: shoes with thick soles, sporty trims, or novelty designs can look out of place at a polished event. Prioritise pairs that feel secure and comfortable, especially if you'll be on your feet for long periods.
Explore our ladies' flat shoes for chic comfort.
What Shoes Should Men Wear for Cocktail Attire?
Polished, classic shoes are your best bet for cocktail events. These include timeless styles like Oxfords, brogues, and loafers, all of which align well with the semi-formal expectations of the dress code. Aim for footwear that pairs well with tailored trousers or a suit, lending structure and sophistication to your overall look.
Do Men Need to Wear Dress Shoes?
Yes! A smart pair of dress shoes is the gold standard for cocktail attire. Oxford shoes, brogues, and monk straps are all classics for a reason: they're comfortable, they're stylish, and they complement all manner of smart styles. Choose leather styles in classic colours like black or deep brown for a timeless finish.
Explore our men’s smart shoes, Oxford shoes, and brogues for the perfect cocktail party pair.
Can Men Wear Boots for Cocktail Attire?
In colder months or slightly more relaxed settings, a sleek leather boot can work well. Chelsea boots or dress boots in polished leather offer a smart alternative to traditional shoes, especially when paired with slim trousers or a well-tailored suit.
It's best to avoid rugged or casual styles like hiking boots or chunky-soled work boots, which can clash with the refined tone of cocktail attire. Choose sleek silhouettes in high-quality leather with minimal detailing to maintain a polished, formal finish.
Explore our men’s boots for cocktail-worthy styles.
Can Men Wear Trainers for Cocktail Attire?
As with women, trainers are usually not suitable for cocktail attire. In some modern settings, a clean pair of minimal leather trainersmight be acceptable. If this is the case, choose styles with a smart silhouette and pair with sharp tailoring to avoid looking too casual. But as we said earlier, we recommend erring on the side of classic.
What Shoes Not to Wear for Cocktail Attire
While cocktail attire offers some flexibility, there are still a few styles to steer clear of. Your shoes should feel intentional and appropriate for a polished evening event and, most importantly, should provide comfort and stability throughout the event. If you're tottering on inappropriate heels or clunking around in an uncomfortably heavy boot, it will stand out visually and hinder your enjoyment of the event.
Here's a top-level summary of what to avoid:
- Overly casual styles: avoid flip-flops, canvas trainers, and casual sandals
- Worn-out or scuffed shoes: cocktail events call for your shoes to look polished and well cared for
- Chunky or overly informal boots: reserve rugged boots for casual settings
- Loud, novelty designs: stick to refined, understated elegance
With the right pair of shoes, you’ll feel confident and comfortable at any cocktail event.
Party in Style
We’re proud to offer a wide range of cocktail-ready footwear, from elegant heels and loafers to polished Oxfords and smart boots. Whether you’re looking for a reliable go-to or a statement pair to turn heads, you’ll find timeless and trend-led options across our collection of party shoes for women and men’s smart shoes.
We hope this guide has helped you to understand the different options and make a confident, comfortable choice for your next cocktail event.
Visit us online or in-store to explore our full range and find the perfect cocktail shoes for your next soirée.
