Different brands serve different purposes in my shoe collection. There are certain ones that I rely on for travel, work, walking long distances, weddings, you name it. But there's one purpose, in particular, that I'm especially picky about, as not all brands do it well: special-occasion shoes. In my opinion, the best brands for this category design both unique styles for when you want your shoes to make a statement and subtle styles for when you want the rest of your outfit to make a statement.
Contrary to popular belief, special-occasion shoes don't have to set you back hundreds of dollars. Sure, there are pricey brands that make beautiful investment-worthy shoes, but there are also brands with fancy under-$200 shoes you'll wear on repeat. So pick your poison and keep scrolling to shop the brands yours truly recommends for special-occasion shoes.
INVESTMENT-WORTHY
Aquazzura
If whimsical, sparkly, and fun is your style, Aquazzura will make your shoe dreams come true. Its styles hit (and set) all the trends season after season.
Tabitha Simmons
This British-based brand's shoes were basically made for Instagram (or the dance floor).
Jimmy Choo
Carrie Bradshaw was definitely on to something. Jimmy Choo has become the gold standard in the department of fancy footwear.
Malone Souliers
If you love shoes that offer a twist on the classics, the innovative designers of Malone Souliers have got you.
MODERATE
Loeffler Randall
Season after season, Loeffler Randall never fails to deliver comfortable, pretty, on-trend heels.
Stuart Weitzman
Celebrities and non-celebrities alike have been devotees of Stuart Weitzman's alluring shoes for years. The designer truly makes a perfect pair of heels for any occasion, no matter what your style type may be.
Barneys New York
Barneys New York's in-house brand is a hidden gem for well-made, special shoes that no one else will have. (Shh, don't tell.)
Tory Burch
You're truly missing out if you think Tory Burch is just logo flats. It has tons of pretty heels that are worthy of all the compliments.
AFFORDABLE
Nine West
Nine West is so good lately. I'm particularly pleased with all of the '90s details that it's playing with as of late.
Schutz
There's a reason celebrities wear Schutz shoes all the time. They look incredibly expensive (but aren't).
Price varies according to size.
Sam Edelman
Trendy shoes at an easy-to-swallow price point are the MO of Sam Edelman.
Zara
No surprise here! Zara has every type of fashion item you could want, but it's a definite go-to for fun, festive heels.
Next up, the official dos and don'ts for black-tie attire.
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