The Most Comfortable Shoe Style for a Holiday Party

When she’s not working with big names like Lupita Nyong’o, Jennifer Hudson, and Hilary Swank, celebrity stylist Micaela Erlanger also divulges her fashion expertise in our Ask a Stylist column. From the best places to source vintage to the secret to finding your most flattering jeans, come back each week for a professional’s perspective.
Of course you want to wear a high heel to a holiday party. It's festive, you're getting dressed up, and you shouldn't have to sacrifice style for that. I think the secret and the key is to look for a shoe that has a pitch that isn't too steep because that's what really kills your feet. (The pitch is that instep and the incline from your toes to your heel.) You don't want your weight to all be on your toes because that’s where the problem lies. Instead, you want to balance the weight.
My safe zone for a shoe's height is anything 4.5 inches or below. Anything over that for me is back-breaking. Generally, you can find the pitch of a shoe to be rather comfortable in that zone: 4–4.5 inches is the sweet spot, and styles shorter than 4 inches are a little low but can still look super chic. Otherwise, if you really can't wear a heel, wear a glittery flat or embellished shoe.
Shop my favorite holiday-ready shoes below!
Complete Your Holiday Entertaining Shopping Below
Opening Image: Shot by Gio

A self proclaimed “vintage-a-holic, and glamour girl” Micaela’s clients include: Lupita Nyong’o, Michelle Dockery, Meryl Streep, Jared Leto, Common, Jennifer Hudson, Hilary Swank, Tatiana Maslany and John Boyega.The hallmark of Micaela’s work is her meticulous attention to detail and a keen focus on the client’s needs and objectives. With a love for all things beautiful and alluring, coupled with an appreciation of the whimsical, Micaela brings a versatile and fresh approach to styling.
-
Black Heels Are Fine, But in France, Everyone Knows This Shoe Color Looks Better With White Dresses
Spotted at Versailles.
-
These Are the Classy, Expensive-Looking Shoes Cool Girls in NYC Are Wearing With Shorts This Summer
They make your outfit look more expensive.
-
If You're Over Kitten Heels, This French-Girl Heel Trend Is What Stylish People Are Wearing Instead
Spotted on Charlize Theron.
-
This Anti-Trend Shoe Is What People With Chic Style Are Wearing With Minidresses This Summer
It's a classic!
-
This Uncommon Shoe Color Looks So Fresh With All-White Outfits
Mandy Moore gets it.
-
Hold the Sneakers—These Are the Elegant Shoes Parisians Are Wearing With the Jeans of Summer
Elevated and chic. Period.
-
Wedding Guest Shoes, Solved—35 of the Chicest Neutral Options That Will Go With Everything
One less thing to plan.
-
Every Season Has a Fun Heel Trend—This Is the One People Will Wear With Jeans This Summer
Dua Lipa is on board.