Get on Your Dancing Shoes

December is a time of unfettered decadence, during which even the most devoted of minimalists cannot resist a little sparkle, an ’80s cocktail dress, and – most importantly – a pair of head-turning heels to step into the New Year. With party season just around the corner, now is the time to start investing in that all-important dance floor ensemble.

To simplify eveningwear options, it often helps to dress from the feet up – with a pair of sophisticated statement stilettos as the focal point, the rest of your outfit looks instantly more dressed up (as anyone who has ever tried on a party outfit without heels and found themselves instinctively levitating to their tip-toes can attest to). There is something about sparkly, pin-heeled stilettos that never fails to – quite literally – elevate our attire and our attitude. The leg-lengthening advantages of vertiginous heels are undeniable, but there is also something about the way they make you walk with a jauntier sway of the hips that seems to entice us onto the dance floor.

When it comes to dancing shoes, the iconic French designer Christian Louboutin has an inherent gift for making the most desirable evening shoes. From the sensual curvature of the silhouettes to the seductive red-lacquered soles, his powerfully feminine shoes are a shortcut to sartorial confidence and the archetype of after-dark glamour. This season, Louboutin offers an array of chic and unique styles that will enliven everything from your go-to LBD to more daring ensembles, with disco-ball toe embellishments, vintage-feel T-bars and romantic lace details.

For those seeking something truly show-stopping, the gold Alta Firma pumps are sure to turn heads – in addition to their signature red soles, they feature distinctive looped straps that create an elegant ‘CL’ logo. Dial up the drama and pair them with an ’80s-style mini dress in a bold color. With a similarly quirky feel, the T Cab open-toe sandal is adorned with rhinestone jewels shaped like a man’s tie, and the Goyetta pump features pearl and jewel toe embellishments, calling to mind the energy and joie de vivre of a cabaret dancer. For the perfect finishing touch, just add one of the brand's brilliant Marie Jane Bucket bags in bold leopard print or emblazoned with 'Louboutin' in glistening letters.

For something a little more pared back, the brand’s patent and PVC Nosy pumps have been updated with an iridescent T-bar that catches the light and draws the eye, ensuring an understated yet unforgettable entrance. Style them with a pretty lace LBD or low-key jeans and a statement top. For those who prefer a boot, Louboutin’s subtly seductive lace ankle boots tease with transparency; wear them with semi-sheer tights or cropped pants for a look that is demure and alluring.

The most festive shoes this season are timeless, flattering and ready to party.