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Between the office parties, the Christmas gatherings and the logistical nightmare that is New Year’s Eve (good luck finding an Uber once the ball drops!), the holidays can be a lot—especially when you’ve got a closet full of nothing to wear. And where it once seemed perfectly practical to blow an entire paycheck on a sequin minidress you’d only wear once—even if it meant dining in on Ramen noodles for weeks at a time (just me?), age (and OK, maybe a looming recession) have a way of bringing about an air of…practicality when it comes to style. If you’d rather invest in a pair of classic bow shoes over a flash-in-the-pan (albeit gorgeous) holiday party dress that will never again see the light of day, you’re in luck: I’ve found 17 pairs that will make a serious statement.
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From options with Loewe-like massive oversized bows (fashion critics labeled “chaotic while I labeled them “genius”), to more demure options that come in flat form, I’ve found a pair for your every whim. Whichever version of this glitzy accessory you choose, which has been gracing our closets since 2022, when they popped up everywhere from the runways of Carolina Hererra and Jason Wu, they’ll dress up just about everything you own. Some of them look so fancy, in fact, that they’ll actually look best with a plain ensemble that can let them shine, saving you from having to spend needless dough.
Read on for the styles that will absolutely steal the show at your next soiree.
1. Mach & Mach Bow Pumps
Best Crystal Bow Shoes
If it feels like you’ve been seeing the same pair of bow shoes all over your Instagram feed as of late, it’s because you have—every influencer on the planet has seemingly splurged on a pair of crystal Mach & Mach bow pumps. Truthfully, I’d probably be one of them, too—if they didn’t set me back nearly a grand.
2. Badgley Mischka Sacred Bow Pumps
Best Bow Pumps
With the Mach & Mach’s off the table (a girl can dream), I settled for the next best thing: Badgley Mischkas. To be honest, I wasn’t expecting fireworks with these—I actually thought the satin looked a little matronly on the website, but for less than $300, I couldn’t resist giving them a go. To my surprise, when they arrived in the mail and I opened the box, I actually physically gasped at how beautiful they were. Never in my life have I loved a pair of shoes so much. I haven’t even worn them outside yet—their debut deserves a special occasion—but I’m confident I’ll get far more use out of them than any sequin getup I could’ve sprung for.
3. A New Day Grace Pumps ($40)
Best Budget Bow Shoes
If you really want to get a good bang for your buck, there’s these A New Day beauties from Target. Yes, you’ll be giving up the leather lining and satin fabric of the pricier options in favor of synthetic materials, but the design—and the vibe—is totally the same. They also come in a festive blue that will add a pop of color to your LBD.
4. Loeffler Randall Margi Sandals ($350)
Best Bow Sandals
Loeffler Randall put a minimalist spin on the trend with these metallic gold bow sandals. There’s no crystals, tulle or oversized bows to be found here—just luxe leather and the most subtle of bow-tie knots (though you can get a more jazzed up pair in black if you’re so inclined).
5. Public Desire Midnight Heels
Best Rhinestone Bow Heels
Public Desire really said, “Eat your heart out, Mach & Mach.” These rhinestone lookalikes are nearly identical to the untrained eye (and, if I’m being truthful, maybe even the trained ones). They’ve also got a bit of added oomph in the back in the form of added rhinestone embellishments at the top of the back of the heel.
6. A New Day Shelby Bow Flats
Best Bow Flats
Yes, I am aware that there are those out there who aren’t willing to subject their bunions to 4-inch heels. Enter: These A New Day bow flats, They’re about as stylish as any you’re likely find (trust me—I looked), and the baby slingback won’t rip off the back of your heel.
7. Steve Madden Viable Heels
Best Black Bow Heels
For a solid mid-grade option, you can’t go wrong with Steve Madden. (Trust me, I’ve been wearing the same pair of $100 boots from the brand well past their prime). These look nice (read: far from cheap), feel nice courtesy of the vegan lining (an advantage to those who prefer to avoid real leathers) and you won’t have to sacrifice this month’s mortgage to show them off. Score!
8. 22éléve Bow Leather Slingback Pumps
Best Silver Bow Shoes
If you lean more toward the “silver” in Burl Ives’s “Silver and Gold,” these pumps are for you. Made of a supple leather from Portugal, they’ve got an oversized bow at the front that’s not quite as wild as Loewe’s, but still enough of a standout detail to turn some serious heads.
9. Ouepiano Bow Pumps
Best Slingback Bow Shoes
For a pair of bow shoes that’s more casual, yet still dressy enough to make ‘em stare, there are these chic little Amazon finds. They’re made of a shiny satin material that adds to their “wow” factor, and they come in two more demure colors, if you’re not particularly fond of Barbie pink (psh).
10. Gianni Bini Haydn Heels
Best Clear Bow Shoes
These stand out from the pack for their triangular lucite heels, the glittery footpad lining that will have you feeling cheery before you even slide them on and the see-through strap—all the better to show off that über-glitzy bow.
11. Gianvito Rossi Bow Pumps
Best Designer Bow Heels
Be forewarned: These are not for the faint of heart. The crushed velvet bows are not only extremely sumptuous, they extend a good ways past your foot on both sides (like, far enough to tickle the ankle of someone sitting next to you). At nearly $1,000 bones, they also don’t come cheap. But hey, if you want to go for the gusto these are just the shoes you need in your life.
12. BCBGeneration Kasti Kitten Bow Heels
Best Bow Detail Heels
They say the devil’s in the details, and that’s certainly true of these BCBGeneration pumps. Featuring a crystal embellished bow, these have a certain, “je ne sais quoi” (can you tell I’m just dying to be French?) that’s both unique and classy. In other words? You can wear them to work long after the holidays are over on days you just wanna feel special.
13. Aldo Tinsletta-se Sandals
Best Metallic Bow Shoes
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14. Public Desire Cake Stand Heels
Best Pearl Bow Heels
Pearls have made. big comeback, and while they’re not my style, per se (my fashion skews a little…less ladylike, if you will), I must admit that these faux pearl bow heels are pretty damn cute. And sure, they look like a nightmare to wear, but reviewers swear that’s not the case and that they’re *actually* comfortable.
15. Jessica Simpson Olivine Bow Shoes
Best Bow-Tie Shoe
These are sophisticated. Sexy. Alluring. (Are you intrigued yet?) The best part about them, however, just might be the fact they slip on and off, giving them a leg up on the competition. (‘Cause who really wants to finagle around with a too-tight or loose strap—especially after a few cocktails. AmIright?).
16. Vince Camuto Leather Burke Pumps
Best Gold Bow Shoes
If you lean more toward the
17. Mach & Mach 85 Bow Heels
Best Glitter Bow Shoes
Yep, I saved the best for last. Who wouldn’t jump at the chance to wear a pair of shoes so special, they look like they could’ve been plucked straight from Dorothy’s feet? Made in Italy (all the best things are, it seems), they’re full of glitz and glamour and are sure to make a splash, no matter where a tornado may take you.
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What are you wearing this holiday season? Tell me in the comments below! Xo, Nicole
