YOU DON'T NEED HEELS TO MAKE A GREAT PARTY OUTFIT

Boots and partywear go together like bread and butter, especially the moto kind. In recent years, they've been popularised by brands like Miu Miu and spotted on the likes of Em Rata and Amelia Gray all festival season – but they’re still relevant in winter. With their distressed, dog-eared details, oversized proportions and panel of buckles, consider them a cooler take on classic biker boots. Their rougher attitude adds contrast to boho and feminine party styles – think ruffled skirts, sheer shirts and vintage-wash denim. Plus, these party boots come in both knee-high and ankle-length variations – though the former earns bonus points for keeping your legs warm on the way to and from the party.

GET THE LOOK:
Topshop Tee premium leather knee high biker boots in black, £160
ASOS DESIGN Arley burnished flat biker boot in brown, £45
Tony Bianco Biker knee boots in black, £280
Pull&Bear Buckle biker boots in black, £59.99

We love a good loafer, but standard black pairs tend to lean a little too business-casual for occasions where you’re meant to let loose. Not to say your black party shoes can’t be loafers, but why not have some fun and experiment with different colourways and finishes? Cue: animal-print loafers. And don’t just stop at leopard print – snake print is having a comeback (and looks delish with dark-wash denim) and cow print is among 2025’s biggest trends. Finish the look with statement socks or tights for a playful nod to girlhood.

GET THE LOOK:
ASOS DESIGN Mirth premium leather bow detail loafers, £50
& Other Stories Premium hairy leather loafers with cow hair, £119
ASOS DESIGN Minnie ruched detail loafer in snake, £28
Topshop Carey hair on real leather loafers with ruched detail in cow print, £48

When it comes to comfy party shoes, trainers retain the crown. They never really left the party-season lineup. They just got shinier. Metallic trainers are now the go-to for any and every soirée, especially ones where you’ll be dancing all night long. adidas dropped not just one, but four pairs of metallic trainers in the disco edit – including the ASOS-exclusive glitter Samba and silver Japans – but it isn't the only one riding the wave. PUMA and Nike have entered into the metallic era, too.

GET THE LOOK:
Nike Shox Z trainers in silver, £119.99
adidas Originals Disco Samba OG trainers in silver glitter, £100
adidas Originals Disco Japan trainers in metallic silver, £95
Puma Speedcat unisex trainers in metallic silver, £90

Who said ballet flats are too plain for parties? Their versatility is unmatched – so add them to your list of flat shoes for going out. Solid, woven, mesh, metallic… There are infinite options. But this party season, studded ballet flats take the cake. Any hardware instantly injects edge and attitude to a 'fit – especially if you’re wearing tailoring, slip dresses or something that can feel one-note without the right accessories. They’re also the perfect partner for fun tights – think burgundy, lace or polka-dot styles.

GET THE LOOK:
Tommy Jeans studded mary jane flats in black, £120
Mango mirrored stud detail ballet flats in black, £59.99
Allsaints Holly stud ballet flat in silver, £179
River Island pointed mary jane ballet with studded detail in black, £38

Slingbacks sit somewhere between a sandal and a flat, possibly making these party shoes the dressiest option on this list. With an open back, they're easy to slip on and off, and if you're wearing something that hits the floor, you wouldn't even know you aren't wearing heels. For party season, pick slingbacks with high-fashion energy – think minimalist silhouettes, toe-box details and elevated textures.

GET THE LOOK:
ASOS DESIGN Leonora slingback ballet in black weave, £32
ASOS DESIGN Leonora slingback ballet in black, £28
Stradivarius Flat slingback shoes with bow in burgundy, £27.99
Steve Madden Grezly buckle detail sling back shoe in patent olive, £120