These are high-maintenance shoes if there ever was a pair. No, they’re not hard to put on – pull a simple back zip and your foot is encased. It’s because they are visually complicated and require careful contemplation when it comes to what to wear with them and where to go in them. To call them “multi-strap” is almost an understatement. White, mid-calf, and cage-like, these are no by no means your “toss-on-with-whatever-and-go” sandals. Alaïa should have stuck a mini-handbook in the shoebox with a few rules: Keep your skirt short and not too complex, so it doesn’t fight with the shoes. (No cutouts, straps, and, God forbid, no fringe.) Don’t do too much walking – or standing. And definitely no third dirty martini! Once you’ve committed to the code and you’ve found the perfect dress – and a reliable chauffeur – these Alaïas are crazy-hot. At Net-a-Porter for $2,195.

Pair with: These heels are attention whores – and that’s why I love them – so pick a shy dress. The “Bennings” twill shift dress by The Row, in solid pale pink, is the demure answer. On Net-a-Porter for $1,350