The heels that pulled me out of flats and let me dance until dawn

I will never figure out how, more than a decade ago, I walked around in those dizzying platform heels that make your legs go numb just by looking at them, moving from one end of the city to the other, from club to club, from dance floor to dance floor, performing all kinds of acrobatic feats and defying every law of gravity. Yet here I am, firmly grounded with both feet on the floor (and my thoughts in the clouds), with no intention whatsoever of ever repeating that experience. Glamorous footwear has been inseparably linked to nightlife ever since the famous Cinderella lost her glass slipper. Even back then, we learned one thing: the ideal pair of shoes for evening occasions must fulfill two key functions. First, they must meet aesthetic standards, with a touch of shine and glamour, luxurious materials or details in the form of bows, jewels, fringes, in the glossiest patent leather or the softest velvet. But at the same time, they must allow you to truly have fun: to dance, chase a taxi, “crash” parties uninvited, celebrate and playfully surrender to the night, everything that makes New Year’s Eve and other festive celebrations magical. The perfect party shoe strikes a balance: not so high that your ankles ache with every step, yet not so understated that it fails to awaken your individuality, confidence, and enthusiasm.

Fortunately, brands such as Steve Madden, with stores in Belgrade, Banja Luka and Split, offer a rich selection of silhouettes. Strappy sandals radiate party energy and provide more stability than dizzying platforms, while elegant slingback shoes with statement details, tall pointed-toe boots, and many other eye-catching models are also on offer. Below, we bring you the most dazzling footwear for unforgettable festive nights (just be careful not to lose your glass slipper right after midnight).

Slingback shoes

The star of the new Steve Madden collection is a pair of transparent slingback shoes with a bow, almost straight out of a fairytale, yet with a contemporary attitude. Their neutral shade pairs effortlessly with evening gowns, as well as with more pared-down looks that call for a single striking detail. Elegant enough to turn heads and stable enough to wear all night long, from the first toast to the last dance. Alongside them stand classic black styles, elevated with a bold crystal detail that can highlight a statement suit or a little black dress in the style of Audrey Hepburn.

Heeled boots

For those seeking a more dramatic yet practical choice, heeled boots are a fail-safe option. A pointed toe and clean lines lend them a sophisticated note, while the heel height remains within the bounds of comfort. We wear tall styles, to the knee or over the knee, with mini dresses, slip skirts, or even elegantly tailored trousers, a piece that effortlessly combines glamour with confident footing.

Party sandals

A timeless classic of glamorous nights. Delicate straps, subtle sparkle, or a discreet metallic finish make them the perfect ally on the dance floor. They reveal just enough, but not too much, and put the finishing touch on any evening look. Our favorite from Steve Madden’s festive selection is a gold pair, which we style with a bag in the same shade.

Timeless pumps

For lovers of classic style, a good pair of pumps remains a choice we always return to. An elegant silhouette and quality craftsmanship make them a piece that transcends a single season. They are equally suited to formal dresses and to pared-down, modern combinations, while their simplicity leaves room for personal style to shine through. This time, we choose a pair in burgundy, a color that has been leading fashion trends for several seasons in a row.