What Shoes for Black Cocktail Dresses at Holiday Parties?

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When it comes to choosing an outfit for a holiday party, you can't go wrong with a little black dress. As a neutral, black works with women's coloring and can be dressed up or down depending on the dress code. Wearing a black cocktail dress also allows plenty of freedom when it comes to choosing accessories, and finding the right shoes to complement your dress makes all the difference. For a holiday gathering, you can go for a sleek, classic look or opt for something more festive by choosing a bold pair of shoes.

Black

When you’re wearing a black cocktail dress, pairing it with black shoes gives you a simple, classic look. If you pair the dress and shoes with black stockings, you can even make yourself look slimmer since a monochromatic outfits helps elongate the look of the body. Try a pair of black stiletto heels for a sexy look or a pair of simple black kitten heels with a bow detail if you’re not as comfortable in high heels.

Silver

If you want to a more striking look for your holiday party, pair your black cocktail dress with silver shoes. They’ll add a sheen to your outfit and can complement silver jewelry and other accessories. For a fun, flirty look, try a pair of glittery silver stilettos or silver satin pumps with rhinestone details. You can also opt for a pair of silver leather heels with a metallic finish that catches the light to brighten up your black dress.

Gold or Bronze

If you have warm undertones in your skin, silver shoes may not be the ideal complement to your black cocktail dress. However, you can still go with a festive metallic shoe by pairing your dress with gold or bronze footwear. Experiment with a sexy pair of strappy gold heels to dress up a simple black cocktail frock or take an unexpected route and wear black pumps with a metallic-bronze pointed toe. If you really want to turn heads, though, try a pair of gold sequined sling-back heels for an outfit that’s full of holiday cheer.

Red

For a holiday party, pairing a black cocktail dress with red shoes instantly give you a festive yuletide look. Red velvet peep-toe heels definitely fit the occasion, but you can also try red patent-leather for a sexy look. If primary red heels are too much for you, though, try a deeper shade of red. Cranberry- or wine-colored heels still have a holiday feel but don’t make as flashy a statement as bright red shoes.

Bold Hues

If red’s not your thing, you can still give your black cocktail dress a holiday feel by pairing it with a bright, bold pair of heels. Green is a natural choice, so try a pair of emerald satin-covered heels with rhinestone detail at the toe to add a flirty touch to your outfit. Other jewel tones like amethyst or bright sapphire also lend a festive flair, and a magenta pump is the epitome of fun with a little black dress.