The resplendent holidays are finally upon us, darlings, illuminating the gloaming winter days with their magical glow. As we fill our social calendars with festive fetes, the sartorial question looms – what ever shall we wear? Have no fear, for I come bearing glad tidings of great footwear!
This joyous season presents the perfect opportunity to unleash our inner magpies and don the most fanciful heels in our arsenal. So let us cast aside our everyday pumps and slip into something more seductive, more whimsical…more divine! Velvet, satin, rich brocades – drape your pedicured feet in sumptuous textures and jewel-bright shades. Accent each toe with a touch of glitter, a scattering of crystals, or even an entire constellation of rhinestones!
Don’t be shy with the embellishments, my darlings. ‘Tis the season for unrestrained extravagance! Festoon your vamps with feathers, fur, or pearlescent beads. Let colorful bows and fabric flowers bloom across your arches. This is the time to unleash that inner glorious peacock…or perhaps sugarplum fairy. Those sky-scraping stilettos lingering in the back of your closet? By all means, set them free to see and be seen! Strengthen your calves for the impending marathon of cocktail parties and hide any lingering signs of discomfort behind a dazzling smile. For this brief, beautiful window of time, we must make merriment with both comfort and vanity cast aside.
Now then, how does one temper such ebullient footwear so the overall look doesn’t veer into the realm of costumed caricature? The key, my dears, is keep the rest of the ensemble pared back and classic. An unfettered canvas to let our fanciful heels take center stage.
Rely on the ever-chic LBD, its crisp silhouette providing contrast to our textured shoes. Or try rich velvet pants paired with feathered mules. Perhaps a sequined cocktail dress with brooding velvet pumps? Play with wildly different textures and fabrics. Just maintain a restricted color palette of timeless dark hues – black, navy, deepest aubergine – to anchor the look while our shoes supply the cheer.
The holidays also call for nostalgic accents like fishnets, textured hosiery, and other leg-focused fripperies typically reserved for the most wonderful time of year. Have an evening affair? Consider decorating those gams with honeycomb stockings or glittery webs climbing up your calves. Just take care not to overaccessorize – let either your shoes or hose claim the spotlight.
Of course, the most fantastical party shoes offer little defense against the elements, should this winter prove less than hospitable. If faced with slush or chill winds, darling, don’t hesitate to change course and select a more practical style. Fortunately the latest crop of leather and even teddy bear shearling boots manage to be both protective and elegant. Just ensure your eveningwear hemline adjusts accordingly.
While traditional holiday shades of emerald and ruby certainly have their charms, might I suggest donning a more unexpected chromatic choice this season? Royal purple, a navy so dark it’s almost black, or blush pink “Peach Fuzz” satin could set you apart from the crimson and forest green masses. Added bonus: select an unusual tone in a satin or velvet, and your eveningwear will easily transition into New Year’s festivities and beyond!
So be bold, my darlings! When it comes to holiday style, excess is rarely a sin. Allow yourself to shimmer, dazzle, and sparkle in the season’s spirit. Bedazzle the very air with each step in your resplendently festive heels! Fa la la la la, la la la la!