All That Glitters: The Best Sparkling Shoes For Your Next Night Out

If you want your shoes to dazzle, there’s no better choice for you than sparkling shoes. Designers have been using glittering embellishments to make show-stopping shoes for decades.

They’re a favorite of celebrities, influencers, and ‘it girls’ all over the world, and are must-haves for any trendsetter that wants her outfit to truly stand out.

Below we’ll be sharing all the different ways a shoe can sparkle, along with style tips that will help you pull off this daring trend flawlessly.

How Designers Make Shoes Sparkle

1. Sequins

Nothing says party like sequins! These dazzling discs will instantly give your outfit Studio 54 vibes with their disco ball-like texture and incredible shine.

The beauty of sequins is that they can be as bold or as subtle as you like, depending on the size, color, and finish of the sequins.

Sergio Rossi Sequined Stretch-Jersey Ankle Boots, $418 (from $1,605) at The Outnet; Celine Kitten in Sequins $760 at Celine

The Sergio Rossi silver sequin ankle boots are the perfect example of statement shoes, while Celine’s elegant kitten heels feature matte black sequins that are subtle enough for the office.

2. Crystals

Precious gems are another popular choice to add brilliance to otherwise plain shoes. The crystal shoe creates a magical, princess-like feeling that women love for special occasions like weddings and galas.

Jimmy Choo Alia Crystal Pumps, $4,700 at Jimmy Choo; Rene Caovilla Cleo 85mm Crystal Sandals, $1,440 at Bergdorf Goodman

Crystal embellishments are a favorite of luxury shoe designers like Jimmy Choo and Rene Caovilla and have been used to enhance formal shoes for centuries.

3. Glitter

This enchanting texture offers all the sparkles of crystals without being so delicate. Rather than being made up of tiny gemstones, glitter is made up of sparkling particles that are generally derived from metals like aluminum and plastic.

It’s simply glued onto shoes to give them that magical sparkle.

Jimmy Choo Emsy 85 Glitter Sandals, $795 at Mytheresa; Miu Miu Metallic Technical Fabric and Glitter Sandals, $1,290 at Miu Miu; Giuseppe Zanotti Glitter-Detail 95mm Leather Sandals, $503 at Farfetch

Glitter is another signature Jimmy Choo embellishment, but it’s also used by playful designers such as Miu Miu and Giuseppe Zanotti.

4. Pearls

Often referred to as the diamonds of the sea, pearls offer a sophisticated shine and ladylike feel to shoes.

They’re often used to create eye-catching ankle straps and heels, as displayed by luxury shoe legend Stuart Weitzman and avant-garde shoe queen Sophia Webster.

Sophia Webster Natalia Pearl Heel, $604 at Farfetch; Stuart Weitzman Nudist Disco Faux Pearl-Embellished Platform Suede Sandal, $550 at Shopbop

When Can You Wear Sparkling Shoes?

It’s no surprise that these stunning styles are often reserved for special occasions. Sparkling shoes are most often worn for extravagant parties, nights out, and weddings.

They’re an excellent way to take your outfit to the next level and truly make it stand out, which is why sparkling heels are often the footwear of choice for brides who want to go all out on their big day.

Brides often opt for heels that are sparkling with crystals, glitters, or sequins to create a standout look (Credit: Wirestock Creators / Shutterstock)

That said, you can still make sparkling shoes appropriate for the day by choosing casual styles with a subtle shine. Glitter sneakers are the perfect example.

This playful design has been created by everyone, from high-end designers such as Chloe and Alexander McQueen to classic sneaker brands like Converse and Vans.

Chloe Lauren Glitter Low-Top Sneakers, $679 at Farfetch; Vans Old Skool Sneakers in Gray Glitter, $75 at Asos; Alexander McQueen Glitter Leather Sneakers, $590 at Mytheresa; Converse x JW Anderson Glitter Pack Sneakers, $175

How To Style Sparkling Shoes

Sparkling shoes will undoubtedly be the talking point of any outfit, so it’s best to put them in the spotlight and keep the rest of your outfit simple. Stick to solid colors and simple fabrics that won’t clash against your sparkling shoes.

You can still choose rich, luxurious textures like silk and chiffon – just make sure they still feel minimal compared to the shoes.

For example, a slinky silk jumpsuit could be paired with glitter heels for a chic retro vibe for a party. If you’re keeping things casual, you could dress up a jeans and t-shirt look with glitter sneakers.

1. Cami NYC Jackie Halter Neck Stretch Silk Jumpsuit, $465 at Nordstrom; 2. Badgley Mischka Lovely Stiletto Mules, $128 at Farfetch; 3. Re/Done Los Angeles Tee, $150 at Shopbop; 4. Nobody Denim Geo Skinny Ankle Jeans, $167 at Farfetch; 5. Golden Goose Superstar Leather Sneakers, $605 at Mytheresa

If you’re going to an extra special event, such as a wedding or a high-end party, you can double up on sparkles. Just be sure to break it up so you’re not shining from head to toe.

For example, you could wear a glitter top with glitter shoes but add in a simple contrast with a solid-colored skirt.

Also, be mindful of the colors you’re wearing. If you’re wearing gold glitter shoes, you probably won’t want to pair them with a neon green top or dress.

Stick to a monochromatic color scheme, and when in doubt, choose neutral shades like black and white that will pair well with anything.

1. In The Mood For Love Glitter Square-Neck Top, $294 at Farfetch; 2. Maje Front-Slit Midi Skirt, $295 at Farfetch; 3. Sophia Webster Camille Sandals, $750 at Shopbop; 4. Kay Unger Khloe Floral Illusion Lace Dress, $398 at Nordstrom; 5. Gianvito Rossi Glitter Stiletto Sandal, $1,095 at Saks Fifth Avenue

Sparkling shoes are must-haves for any woman who loves glamor and indulgence. Whether you’re headed for a big night out or you just want to add a touch of luxury to your everyday look, there’s a sparkle shoe out there for you!

Which type of sparkle will you choose?

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