Please note: This post contains affiliate links
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. This year, instead of blowing my cash on a flash-in-the-pan frock that would never again see the light of day, I opted to invest in one of the biggest trends to emerge in recent months: a pair of bow shoes.
Shop My Shoes
Bows have been all since 2022, popping up everywhere from the runways of Carolina Hererra and Jason Wu to the small screen (leave it to my fictional fashion goddess Emily in Paris to wear one bigger than her head). The glitzy accessory just may have peaked in August, however, with Loewe’s introduction of a pair of massively oversized bow heels that some fashion critics labeled “chaotic.” (I labeled them “genius”).
Needless to say, bow shoes make a serious statement, with the ability to dress up just about everything you own. In fact, some of them look so fancy, 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 14 pairs that will absolutely steal the show at your next soiree.
1. Mach & Mach Bow Pumps ($1,011)
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 ($245)
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 Carmen 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 ($49; $32)
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. Loewe Toy Bow Sandals ($1,200)
Best Designer Bow Heels
Remember those aforementioned “chaotic” bow shoes by Loewe? These are strikingly similar. Be forewarned: These are not for the faint of heart. The crushed velvet bows extend a good ways past your foot on both sides (like, far enough to tickle the ankle of someone standing next to you). But hey, if you feel like channeling your inner Lady Gaga this season, these are just the shoes you need in your life.
7. Steve Madden Viable Heels ($110)
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. Gianni Bini Haydn Heels ($110)
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.
9. PiePieBuy Bow Pumps ($48)
Best Heels with Bows on the Back
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 that have the bow at the back instead of the front. They’re made of a velvety faux suede material that adds to their “wow” factor, and they come in tons of colors, if you’re not particularly fond of maroon (psh).
10. Kurt Geiger Olive Bow Flats ($165)
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 Kurt Geiger bow flats, These bow flats are about as stylish as any you’re likely find (trust me—I looked), and the backs won’t rip off the back of your heel—namely, because they don’t exist.
11. Kate Spade Elodie Pumps ($268; $128)
Best Bow Detail Heels
They say the devil’s in the details, and that’s certainly true of these Kate Spade pumps. Featuring a pearl bow instead a crystal embellished one, 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.
12. Jeffrey Campbell Convince Heels ($150)
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?).
13. Public Desire Cake Stand Heels ($53)
Best Pearl Bow Heels
Pearls also had a big year in 2023, 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.
14. Nalebe Diamante Glitter Heels ($730)
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.
Shop the Post
What are you wearing this holiday season? Tell me in the comments below! Xo, Nicole
