When it comes to dressing up in winter, I’ve learned that it’s the shoes doing most of the heavy lifting. Truly, I can wear the same top and trousers from day to night, and with one strategic switch of footwear, the entire outfit transforms. That’s why I swear by having a few pairs that offer maximum versatility.

While sleek black slingbacks might seem like the obvious choice, I often find they lack the drama I like to bring to a winter look. Instead, it’s silver heels that I reach for most. They’re festive without feeling novel and, crucially, far more adaptable than you might expect.

Adding a lively, light-catching energy to even the simplest LBD, silver heels offer a level of dimension that other colours rarely match. And although they might not feel like a traditional neutral, they behave like one, working well with so many of the tones that dominate a winter wardrobe.

This week, Kerry Washington made my case, stepping onto the red carpet in a black two-piece and a glimmering pair of silver heels. Where black shoes would have felt predictable, and a bright colour—red, for instance—might have read as a touch contrived, Kerry’s silver pair brought personality and shine while still feeling completely cohesive.