So Long, High Heels—These Are the Party Shoes Every Fashion Person Wants Now

I have a pretty big thing for shoes. A fashion editor who loves shoes? Go figure! But out of all the items you can decorate your wardrobe with, shoes are the piece that I find the hardest to resist. Sizing is seldom an issue with shoes, and 11 years into my career, I’m still impressed by how the simple switch of footwear can completely reimagine an outfit. As such, I’m always open to adding new styles to my wardrobe. The pair I currently have my eye on? Gucci’s incredibly popular crystal, kitten-heel slingbacks. Is your interest piqued? It should be.

I first saw Gucci’s crystal slingbacks last winter—its GG logo applied delicately to mesh in teeny rhinestones. Although they’re the perfect low-heel shoes for parties and weddings, at the time, my social calendar didn’t call for them. So I archived the shoes in the back of my mind, waiting for the opportunity to invest in them. Then Dakota Johnson wore them.

Anything that Johnson wears I ultimately want to wear, and seeing her in the Gucci crystal slingbacks cemented things for me. I needed these (and her sharp suit, for that matter) in my life. If that wasn’t enough, It girl Alexa Chung and global superstar Dua Lipa have also given the shoes their coveted seal of approval, too—along with a host of other best-dressed stars and influencers alike. 

Although I used to wear high heels a lot, these days the idea of hobbling around in anything above 10 centimetres doesn’t appeal to me (or apparently the rest of the fashion world) anymore. Instead, the low height on these fabulous Gucci shoes brings me joy.

Ordinarily, I don’t wear a lot of sparkle, but I’m willing to make an exception for these shoes. Plus, I know they’ll look just as good with jeans and T-shirts as they will with my collection of dresses and skirts. (Just look at Emna Sellimi's iridescent video below for the kind of influencer styling inspo that makes me want to rush out and buy a pair right now). But, putting Gucci to one side, slingbacks are trending in their own right this season. As shoes commonly worn by French women, they’re intrinsically chic but less formal than full-coverage courts.

I don’t know about you, but I’ve certainly talked myself into investing in a pair of Gucci’s crystal slingback shoes, and just in time for party season no less. Scroll on to see the slingbacks for yourself, and browse other beautiful shoes Gucci has created of late.

Next Up: Trust Me, I Know Good Shoes–These Party-Ready Pairs Are Everything

This story was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.