Upgrade Your Footwear: 9 Best Embellished Shoes for Weddings, Galas, and Beyond

It can be easy to feel like every designer shoe looks the same. While certain silhouettes appear everywhere you look, the thing that makes a shoe distinctive is its embellishments.

Classic patent leather shoes will never go out of style, but how a designer decorates and embellishes a shoe makes it more unique.

Whether it’s the brand’s signature or on-trend embellishments, designers find a way to make every shoe their own. We’re looking at nine ways that designers decorate and embellish their shoes, along with the styles that deserve to be on your wish list.

1. Beaded Details: Retro Nostalgia Meets Modern Streetwear

Beads may bring back memories of childhood lace charms and DIY details, but today they’re being reimagined as a playful, fashion-forward embellishment. Easy to integrate without overwhelming a silhouette, beading is increasingly appearing on low-top sneakers, where it adds texture, color, and personality to otherwise classic styles.

One standout example is the beaded-fringed Superga sneakers. The design blends subtle beading with fringe detailing, nodding to ’90s nostalgia while still feeling fresh and wearable.

White Mira Mikati x Superga sneakers with multicolored grommets and beaded tassels for a carefree off-duty look

The beaded-fringed sneakers are part of a collaboration between Superga and Mira Mikati, which takes the sneaker brand’s signature 2750 style and gives it a colorful Italian update. Mira Mikati’s playful style inspired the wooden beads and neon color palette.

Another Superga collaboration that incorporates beading is the Olivia Rubin x Superga lace-up sneakers. These quirky, feminine sneakers feature a pastel color palette and pearl beading integrated into the laces.

Olivia Rubin x Superga lace-up sneakers with imitation pearl beads

Historically, one of the earliest beaded shoes was the Peranakan beaded slippers, known as Kasut Manik.

These beaded slippers are made by blending beadwork and embroidery and are still worn today for the Chinese New Year and birthdays.

Kristen Bell’s bold 2012 red-carpet moment featured hand-beaded Christian Louboutin “Mexibeads” pumps paired with a Reem Acra gown, offering a clear example of intricate beadwork used as a statement shoe embellishment.

2. Crystal & Rhinestone Accents: High-Shine Luxury and Bridal Glamour

If there is one hallmark of luxury footwear, it is the designer’s inclination toward high-octane glamour. With exquisite craftsmanship and intricate detailing, these top-ticket masterpieces typically command a premium, ranging from $700 to $2,000 or more.

Exquisite craftsmanship and luxurious embellishments define the world of top-ticket designer shoes. Adorned with dazzling crystals and shimmering rhinestones, these footwear masterpieces command a premium price.

Ever since Cinderella enchanted us with her glass slipper, designers have been driven to create unique interpretations of this iconic shoe, captivating fashion enthusiasts worldwide.

Whether you’re shopping for bridal shoes or a style to wear on the weekend, crystal and rhinestone shoes are among the most popular designer embellishments.

Layered from toe to heel in luxurious Swarovski crystals, this classic pointy-toe pump from Jimmy Choo features a dramatic spike heel

The ultimate crystal shoes are the glass slipper-inspired crystal-covered pointy-toe Ari pumps by Jimmy Choo, made for the modern Cinderella.

Some designers have even made the embellishment their signature. Like her satin Begum mules, you’ll rarely find a pair of Amina Muaddi shoes without an oversized crystal or a rhinestone strap.

These embellishments are chosen to appeal to the brand’s niche demographic, often partygoers or those who aren’t afraid to make a statement.

Amina Muaddi’s black Begum mules are embellished with crystal buckles for an opulent mood

The beauty of crystals and rhinestones is that they let you take a classic, understated silhouette and give the shoe a new look. All it takes is a few well-placed crystals and rhinestones.

Swarovski crystal shoes are in a league of their own. Christian Louboutin’s bridal range is synonymous with crystals and rhinestones. The Degrastrass heels feature hand-placed crystals set on transparent PVC, giving the shoe a look of effortless glamour.

Designers often use crystals and rhinestones to reimagine a signature style for a contemporary audience. Manolo Blahnik’s popular Lurum champagne satin crystal-embellished mules are exactly what Carrie Bradshaw would wear today.

Sparkling crystal leaves vine across this pointy-toe satin pump, showcasing Manolo Blahnik’s flair for dramatic embellishment (Credit: Manolo Blahnik)

Roger Vivier is another designer brand that isn’t afraid to experiment with crystals and rhinestones. Their RV Lounge leather slippers blend comfort with rhinestones to create an elevated mule loafer.

3. Celestial Stars: The Iconic Motif Dominating Designer Sneakers

Designers often take inspiration from the world around us, with stars being no exception. While we might be used to seeing stars and celestial symbols on bags and jewelry, they are increasingly appearing on footwear.

Since Golden Goose surged in popularity among celebrities and influencers, it seems every designer is releasing star-embellished sneakers.

Stars are a brand-synonymous feature and appear on almost every sneaker style. The Super-Star sneakers in white and gold leather feature an embellished metallic star.

Super-Star sneakers by Golden Goose with a signature star patch on the sides

Stars aren’t the only thing that Golden Goose likes to embellish on their shoes. The pink glitter Super-Star leather sneakers will remind you of the night sky with sparkly glitter and a contrasting white star.

Saint Laurent has released its take on Golden Goose sneakers: the Court Classic SL/06 metallic California sneakers in leather.

These shoes differ in style, featuring a repeating star motif and perforated stripes, and they lack the overall distressed look of Golden Goose shoes. If you want elevated stars, these are the shoes for you.

White leather and rubber Court Classic SL/06 metallic California sneakers from Saint Laurent with multiple star patches

It’s not just sneakers that feature stars. Sophia Webster is a designer who isn’t afraid to shy away from feminine silhouettes and motifs.

Her Rosalind Star heels evoke a rainbow with their ombre pastel glitter textile and 100mm stacked star heel. These shoes are designed to make you feel like a superstar with every step.

4. Lustrous Pearls: Timeless Elegance for Sophisticated Silhouettes

Pearls are one of their most feminine embellishments, instantly elevating any pair of shoes. This embellishment offers an effortlessly chic twist to classic shoes, giving contemporary shoes a Parisian twist.

For a budget-friendly option, check out the Shore Light blue leather block heels by Moda in Pelle. These shoes are available in ten colorways, featuring a sculptural silhouette that incorporates individually placed lustrous pearls.

Sculptural blue sandal with head-turning block heel featuring lustrous pearls

Another affordable style featuring pearls is ASOS’s Paphos pearl-detail high-heeled shoes. These pointed-toe shoes feature faux-pearl embellishments across the straps, contrasting against the jacquard fabric.

Jacquard Asos Paphos pearl detail high-heeled shoes

Jimmy Choo is already featured on this list. The brand isn’t afraid to embrace different embellishments and decorations, with pearls no exception.

The Sacora 100 faux-pearl-embellished sandals showcase maximalist glamour. These white satin shoes have faux pearls and logo-engraved beading. They’re one of Jimmy Choo’s signature bridal shoes, perfect for brides and wedding guests.

Pearl appears in another innovative way in the Soraya Ivory block heel sandal by Freya Rose. These statement heels feature mother-of-pearl carefully crafted into a floral design within the brass block heel.

Freya Rose’s Soraya statement sandal features a unique mother-of-pearl and polished brass block heel with a carefully crafted floral design

Freya Rose’s shoes have graced the feet of everyone from Rihanna to Olivia Palermo and Kate Moss, with the designer winning multiple awards, including Best Bridal Footwear Designer.

5. Playful Pom-Poms: Adding Whimsy to Summer Sandals and Mules

Is there anything more fun than pom-poms on your feet? While you might be used to seeing pom-poms on keychains, this embellishment is no stranger in women’s footwear. They have a classic bohemian feel and give any outfit a free-spirited aesthetic.

Pom poms are synonymous with summer and add a playful feminine twist to classic shoe silhouettes. The embellishment was popular throughout the early 2000s and is returning to the footwear scene following the resurgence of 2000s-inspired fashion.

These pink Aquazzura X Browns 50 120 pom-pom leather sandals have been made in Italy

Aquazzura is one brand that seems to incorporate pom poms into every style it can. The Aquazzura x Browns 50 pink 120 pom-pom leather sandals are an ultimate party shoe, featuring an ankle-strap fastening, a feathered pom-pom, and a caged toe.

The brand also offers summer-appropriate sandals, such as sunset-ready woven pompom-embellished styles featuring raffia and pom-poms.

These slip-on summer mule sandals are finished with pompom detailing

Aquazzura also offers a mule-heel version of these sandals for a more elevated look.

6. Bohemian Tassels: Bringing ’70s Rock-Chic to Modern Heels

Tassels aren’t just for your vintage leather jackets. These embellishments are synonymous with the 70s, adding a touch of rock chic to any outfit.

They’re the ultimate party girl shoe, whether you’re heading out for cocktails with friends or hitting up the latest music festival. You can style them with everything from straight-leg jeans to a little black cocktail dress.

Valentino’s Upflair high-heel sandals feature tassel detailing, turning the understated strappy sandal into a statement piece. The tassel is almost as long as the thin stiletto, although you’ve no danger of stepping on the ends of it.

Crafted from leather, these black Upflair sandals from Valentino Garavani are decorated with tassel detailing

Jimmy Choo makes another appearance on this list with its Viola 110 crystal & feather suede sandals, which show that sometimes, more is better.

Exquisitely crafted, these shoes feature contrasting crystals, accented by an elegant ostrich feather tassel gracefully draped over your arch.

The meticulous buckle detailing and front strap lend an elegant touch, making these shoes an ideal companion for dancing the night away.

Tassels can also be a fun embellishment for everyday shoes. The Clover patterned, vibrant summer loafer by HB Shoes is available in four color palettes and adds a bohemian twist to the classic silhouette.

7. Feather Trims: The Ultimate Sultry Statement for Evening Wear

You might have grown up wearing feathers in your hair or found yourself lusting after a feather dress, but have you thought of adding feather shoes to your closet?

Exuding an air of sultriness, this captivating embellishment pairs well with alluring footwear, especially high heels. Drawing inspiration from boudoir-style trends, these shoes become the epitome of elegance, making them the perfect choice for any special occasion.

Whether heading to a birthday dinner or stepping out for cocktails, feather shoes are a style you want in your closet.

About Last Night is a budget-friendly style of feather lace-up heels by Oh Polly. They feature a diamante feather strap, a thin stiletto heel, and a lace-up strap, guaranteed to steal the show.

Bottega Veneta’s turquoise Dot stiletto heel sandals are made from lamb leather with ostrich feathers

One designer brand that has embraced the feather trend and run with it this season is Bottega Veneta.

While the brand is synonymous with understated silhouettes and textures, it has been getting bolder with its footwear. The feather dot sandals are available in four color options and feature leather and ostrich feathers.

For statement shoes that won’t break the bank but are attainable luxury, check out Twinset. Their satin sandals with feathers are available in beige and fuchsia pink.

Pink satin Twinset sandals with feathers, an ankle strap, and a leather sole

The contrasting feathers appear across the shoes’ ankle straps, enhancing the minimalist silhouette and making them more Vegas-appropriate.

8. Floral & Butterfly Appliqués: Nature-Inspired Whimsy for Romantic Styles

Imbued with feminine charm, flowers, and butterflies gracefully adorn footwear, adding a touch of enchantment. These whimsical embellishments appear on heels in various styles, from abstract strap designs to delicate silk-satin roses.

If you want to add a whimsical twist to your outfit, these are the shoes you should style.

Saint Laurent’s Ivy flower sandals in silk satin feature a thin strap and almond toe with rose-shaped flower detailing, evoking a rose in bloom. These heels are available in emerald, black, and magenta.

Fuchsia pink Ivy sandals from Saint Laurent featuring gathered floral appliqués at the toe straps

Flowers are another embellishment that Aquazzura experiments with. Their Bougainvillea sandal pays homage to the beautiful Bougainvillea flower, with petals that bloom across the shoe.

Whimsical floral appliqué and delicate ties that encircle the ankle add a romantic touch to these metallic leather sandals

If you’re looking for a more casual style, check out the latest style by Superga. Their 2750 Jellygum Flower Bloom shoes take the brand’s signature silhouette and add a flower-covered sole for a quirky and feminine twist.

Some designers even draw inspiration from nature for their signature embellishments. Sophia Webster is a designer synonymous with butterflies, which appear throughout her footwear.

The Chiara heels are her most famous style, with new colors added each season. These shoes feature a screen-printed 3D butterfly-wing detail above the 100mm heel.

9. Valentino Rockstuds: Transforming Edgy Hardware Into a Luxury Signature

Valentino is one brand that took an understated embellishment, made it their signature, and turned it into one of the biggest footwear trends of recent years.

Everyone has found themselves looking at the Valentino Rockstud shoes at least once, and they spent several years at the top of the most coveted designer shoe list.

The Italian fashion house took a simple leather-heeled sandal and gave it a contemporary, rock-chic look with Rockstuds.

Their iconic So Noir 100 Rockstud heels have inspired everything from bracelets to handbags and other footwear silhouettes. Check out Valentino’s Rockstud point-toe leather ballet flats if you prefer flat shoes.

Valentino Garvani So Noir Rockstud patent-leather heeled sandals and point-toe leather ballet flats

Embellishments serve as the creative canvas for designers and brands to personalize classic silhouettes, infusing them with their unique artistic vision. Shoe decoration is vast and diverse, with countless possibilities for adornment.

While these nine embellishments offer only a glimpse into this world, they demonstrate the ingenuity and artistry designers use to decorate their shoes, elevating them to extraordinary heights.

Some people find an embellishment that fits their aesthetic and makes it their signature. Whether you’re looking for floral shoes or crystal-embossed heels, we hope this list has inspired your next shoe purchase.

The Art of Ornamentation: Why Details Define the Designer Shoe

From subtle crystal accents to all-out sparkle, embellishments enable designers to reinvent familiar shoe silhouettes season after season. Whether the goal is red-carpet drama, bridal elegance, or everyday personality, these decorative details transform shoes from functional pieces into fashion statements.

If you’re drawn to embellished heels and statement footwear, the following Your Next Shoes features explore how designers and celebrities continue to embrace sparkle, texture, and craftsmanship.