The Secret to Partying in Style Is Simpler Than You Think

For fashion legend Betsey Johnson, the power lies in the shoe.

By
Corinne Pierre-Louis
Corinne Pierre-Louis Brides editor headshot
Corinne Pierre-Louis
Corinne is a fashion expert and editor at Brides. She also worked at Vogue Magazine, then later as a talent manager for social media influencers in the fashion and beauty space.
Brides's Editorial Guidelines
Updated on 05/18/21
party shoes

Photo by Anne Rhett Photography/Graphics by Tiana Crispino

With the increase of vaccine rollouts in the U.S., and wedding restrictions starting to ease up, brides are quickly gearing up to celebrate their weddings post-pandemic. This next chapter signals the return of events, party outfits, and most importantly, party shoes.

While a dress might steal the show at any event, it's the shoes that make an outfit. According to Betsey Johnson, legendary fashion designer and queen of fun fashion, shoes are what pull an entire look together, and a party shoe is a crucial element to any look. After all, what's a celebration if you can't dance in style all night long?!

Meet the Expert

Betsey Johnson is a legendary fashion designer, best known for her whimsical and "over the top" designs. In 2021, she released a bridal shoe line with David's Bridal, offering a variety of footwear options from sneakers to open-toe pumps.

To help commemorate the return of events, we tapped Johnson to help break down the essentials of a party shoe, and highlight the top trending shoe styles to boot.

What Is a Party Shoe?

You may be asking, what exactly is a party shoe? For Johnson, a party shoe is an "open [concept] for women and men to do exactly what they want in a creative way." It's a form of self-expression and an accessory that can be creatively incorporated into any look, she sums up.

betsey johnson

Getty Images

Buy what you like, what you are going to feel happiest with, and screw everything else.

In its essence, it's a shoe that’ll make you feel happy, excited, and most importantly, comfortable as you walk down the aisle and dance the night away. As with many things in life, once you feel happy and comfortable, everything else will fall into place.

How to Find the Perfect Party Shoe

For brides, Johnson recommends purchasing your shoes after you've bought your dress and locked in the venue. "A wedding is a very personal decision made by the bride, and it's about what she would like the day to be like,” says the designer. “Really consider the environment and what your feet will be on all day."

Another key piece of advice: choose the unexpected. "Everything is in the mind. A lot of rules do not apply anymore, and people have learned to think outside the box," reveals Johnson. "Buy what you like, what you are going to feel happiest with, and screw everything else."

The Most Popular Styles Trending Now

It's no secret: Traditional rules are changing—and so are the days of brides wearing only a classic white pump! You shouldn't be afraid to wear a shoe that'll surprise guests, or as Johnson puts it, a shoe that's "a free-for-all in terms of fun."

Want a little help finding your version of fun? Below, the top five party shoe trends according to Betsey Johnson—plus, a few shoe options to shop now.

Boots

Bridal boots are the ultimate party shoes because they come in a variety of styles, shapes, and colors—providing options for every bridal aesthetic and budget. "Boots can work with a silver little mini dress or a large tutu ballgown," says Johnson.

party boot

Courtesy of Betsey Johnson

Betsey Johnson SB-CADY Boots

What's a party without rhinestones and sparkle! These boots speak for themselves, and will certainly turn heads at any celebration.

SHOP NOW: Betsey Johnson

party boot

Courtesy of Intermix

Amina Muaddi Giorgia Leather Ankle Boots

The flare heel design on these incredible boots, by Amina Muaddi, makes them a fun addition to any bridal look. They can easily be worn with an embroidered ball gowns or silky slips dress.

SHOP NOW: Intermix

party boot

Courtesy of MatchesFashion

Bottega Veneta BV Bold Square-Toe Leather Platform Boots

We absolutely love the beige color and structured silhouette of these boots from Bottega Veneta. They're a great dancing shoe as the platform sole allows for added height and comfort.

SHOP NOW: MATCHESFASHION

Sneakers

When we think of comfort, we immediately think of sneakers. According to Johnson, there are no rules when it comes to wearing this style of shoe, and they look great with almost anything from "tons of ruffles to a metallic dress, [and] sparkly pants."

party sneaker

Courtesy of David's Bridal

Betsey Johnson x DB Sparkly Crystal Platform Sneakers

You'll certainly have fun on your wedding day with these all-over sparkle sneakers. Not only are they a whimsical addition to any wedding wardrobe, they're also the perfect dance floor accessory.

SHOP NOW: David's Bridal

party sneaker

Courtesy of Farfetch

Stella McCartney Elyse Platform Lace-Up Sneakers

Comfort meets style with these platform sneakers from Stella McCartney. These can easily be worn down the aisle, during the reception, and long after you say "I do."

SHOP NOW: Farfetch

party sneaker

Courtesy of Cult Gaia

Cult Gaia Dahlia Sneaker

If you're looking for a "not so sneaker" look, Cult Gaia's take on this style is just what you need. Equal parts effortless and glamorous, these shoes pair well with almost any outfit.

SHOP NOW: Cult Gaia

Stiletto Heels

What's a party outfit without a gorgeous pair of sexy heels to match. For those who are comfortable walking in stilettos, a unique and stunning pair of heels will liven up any wardrobe and ceremony.

party heel

Courtesy of David's Bridal

Betsey Johnson x DB Jeweled Metallic Stiletto Sandal

Make a statement in the best way possible with these Betsey Johnson x DB heels. Without being overly bridal, these shoes will quickly become a wardrobe staple.

SHOP NOW: David's Bridal

party heel

Courtesy of MATCHESFASHION

Jimmy Choo Sabine Pearl-Embellished d'Orsay Pumps

Like jewelry for your feet, these pearl-embellished pumps are a must-have for any wedding celebration. Wear yours with a simple dress for the ceremony and a colorful mini for the reception.

SHOP NOW: MATCHESFASHION

party heels

Courtesy of Brother Vellies

Brother Vellies Paloma Sandal

If you're looking to make a true statement on your wedding day, opt for these gorgeous heels from Brother Vellies. Plus, they’re so versatile you’ll definitely wear them again.

SHOP NOW: Brother Vellies

Flip Flops

While flip-flops may seem taboo when it comes to bridal fashion, Johnson believes that all brides should have a pair in their bridal wardrobe. "To me, that's the fun of the process of getting married. It's the bride's choice [to choose] what she wants. I don't have any rules of what looks right with what," says the designer.

party sandal

Courtesy of Betsey Johnson

Betsey Johnson SB-Indie Silver Sandal

You really can't go wrong with this toe ring strap sandal from Betsey Johnson (a modern take on the traditional flip flop). Pair with a short wedding dress, or a laidback bridal romper, for a chic but non-traditional bridal look.

SHOP NOW: Betsey Johnson

party flip flops

Courtesy of Lulus

Lulus Laine White Sandals

You can't beat the quality and price when it comes to this simple and versatile pair of sandals. A modern and sophisticated take on the traditional flip flop.

SHOP NOW: Lulus

party sandals

Courtesy of Loeffler Randall

Loeffler Randall Liv Champagne Flat Sandal

These metallic champagne sandals are perfect for beach and destination weddings. The straps and padded leather footbed are great additions for those who prefer optimal comfort.

SHOP NOW: Loeffler Randall

Flats

A pair of flats will always fit right in with any outfit, especially for weddings. They're a perfect transitional shoe to wear from the ceremony to the reception, and also serve as a great alternative for brides who'd prefer to skip wearing heels for their nuptials.

party flat

Courtesy of David's Bridal

Betsey Johnson x DB Crystal-Adorned Transparent Mesh Pointy Toe Flats

These flats from Betsey Johnson x DB will stun guests on your big day. We recommend wearing these with an ankle-baring gown, as they are too stunning to keep hidden!

SHOP NOW: David's Bridal

party flats

Courtesy of Lulus

Lulus Wedding Bells Ivory Satin Pointed-Toe Mules

For wedding shoes that look luxe but don't break the bank, opt for these satin mules from Lulus. Our favorite detail: the elegant pointed toe and ladylike bow.

SHOP NOW: Lulus

party flats

Courtesy of Bella Belle

Bella Belle Pippa Floral Dress Flats

These Bella Belle shoes will fit right in at a garden or springtime event. It's also heavily padded for those who plan to be on their feet all night long.

SHOP NOW: Bella Belle

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