These Essential Styles Are Too Versatile Not to Have in Your Collection.
Reevaluating your wardrobe as you age isn’t just about style; it’s also about comfort and suitability. Your shoe collection deserves the same scrutiny. As we get older, our feet change, needing different kinds of support and care. Stylists emphasize the importance of practical yet timeless shoe choices to replace outdated or uncomfortable styles.
Liza Egbogah, a manual osteopath, underlines the significance of these changes, suggesting that uncomfortable shoe styles like stilettos or pointy-toe pumps should be phased out. At the same time, personal style and lifestyle transitions also impact our choice of footwear, notes fashion expert Joe Manktelow-Pimm.
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Your Ultimate Shoe Guide as You Get Older
Considering these factors, stylists present the top five essential shoes for your closet as you age. Here are their recommendations:
1. Supportive white sneakers
Egbogah emphasizes the importance of stylish yet comfortable footwear. A sleek white leather sneaker with an orthotic insole offers both chicness and comfort. This versatile style complements various outfits, from casual to semi-formal.
Dominique Dupuis suggests pairing these sneakers with ankle-length jeans for a relaxed yet youthful appearance. For a more sophisticated look, Elizabeth Kosich recommends platform leather sneakers paired with floor-length skirts or wide-leg trousers.
2. Orthopaedic ballet flats
Ballet flats, particularly those with arch support, are versatile and comfortable. Egbogah advises that as we age, it’s crucial to prioritize support in footwear. These flats, suitable for both casual and formal settings, pair effortlessly with jeans, leggings, skirts, or dresses.
Dupuis suggests matching them with tailored pants for a polished appearance.
3. Neutral low wedges
For added stability without compromising style, low platform wedges are recommended. Yenia Hernández Fonseca highlights the importance of even weight distribution, reducing pressure on the balls of your feet. These wedges provide a subtle height boost while maintaining comfort.
If wedges aren’t your preference, Dupuis proposes trying a modest kitten heel, suitable for both professional and casual outfits.
4. Driving moccasins or loafers
Classic driving moccasins, when crafted in luxury materials, present a smart-casual option throughout the year, notes Kosich. Fonseca suggests loafers as a sophisticated yet relaxed alternative, complementing both tailored slacks and jeans.
A crisp white button-down shirt and a brightly colored blazer can elevate the look, as recommended by Dupuis.
5. Orthotic mules
Mules offer a blend of style and comfort with their open-heel design. Kosich describes them as versatile, comfortable, and offering a touch of elegance. They suit various outfits, from casual weekend wear with cargo pants to business casual attire with ankle-length trousers and a trench coat.
Manktelow-Pimm emphasizes prioritizing quality and fit over quantity when it comes to footwear. Investing in well-made shoes that provide lasting comfort is key.
That’s the comprehensive rundown of stylist-recommended footwear options as you age—timeless, versatile, and comfortable choices that marry style with practicality.
