NO FRUMPY SHOES ALLOWED
I will be the first to tell you that I have never been a “shoe” person. If I owned a black pair, a brown pair, and a blue pair of shoes I was set. That was all I thought I would ever need. I would wear those shoes until I wore them out, and then I would replace the worn out pair with another similar pair. That almost seems impossible to fathom, but shoes were not important to me. Boy oh boy, has that changed!!!
There are now all kinds of shoes in my closet, of all different shapes and colors, but the one thing you will not find in my closet is frumpy shoes. NO FRUMPY SHOES ALLOWED! Don’t start groaning already, I know some of you have feet issues. I promise you there are frump-less (is this even a word) shoes available for even you. My goal is to step (haha) up your shoe game. I know a lot of you have changed your dressing habits, and many of you have shared that you’ve received compliments from women much younger than you. You go gurls!!!! Now we are starting at the bottom and putting some sass in your step (haha, I did it again.)
Sneakers
I would dare to venture that most everyone has a pair of sneakers in their closet. Running or walking shoes, or just throw on to run around town shoes. Converse shoes are everywhere in the fashion scene anymore, not just on the basketball courts. You can now wear sneakers with a dress and that is high fashion. You might get some strange looks in church, but if that floats your boat, then go for it. Here are some of the ones in this category I liked.
Open-Toe Booties
I have several pair of open-toe booties that I really like. This is another trend that is really strong. They are the perfect blend of boot and shoe, taking you out of the winter knee high boots. These cute little numbers can be worn for day or night, and look great either way. If you do not already own a pair, here are a couple that you might have a gander at.
Chunky Heel
This years HUGE trend is the chunky heel shoe. This can be in a sandal, a boot, or a dress shoe. Either way, this shoe tells everyone that you are on point, that you know the current styles, and that you care enough to try to look nice. I try in all the shoes I pick to stay as inexpensive as possible, and I try to pick at least one or two “comfortable” shoe brands.
Wedge
The wedge is the most comfortable heel out there. It gives you the most support, while looking super chic. You have espadrille and cork heels that are extremely popular at this time. Some of the wedge shoes may have a platform, this gives extra height to you more petite ladies. It always takes me a few minutes to get used to the extra height in the front. I will stub my toe or stumble when I first put them on. This old dog takes a while to learn a new trick. Haha
Sandals
What would summer be without sandals? I am not including flip flops in my picks below, you can visualize those yourself. I almost always go buy me a new pair of white rubber flip flops from Old Navy every year. They go great with a bathing suit and to just throw on quickly to run out the door. The ones below are for a little nicer occasion, like work or going out.
Gina D, I am 54. Wedges are a staple for me. Some outfits just scream for them! Seriously.
🙂
http://gwingal.blogspot.com/
Was re-reading this because I’m trying to figure out if platform wedges are too “young” looking for us 50 – somethings? Thoughts?
I tried on a pair yesterday but just felt silly. I don’t know if that is just me or if we shouldn’t wear them at our age. :-/
I always look forward to your posts.
I wore a pair to church yesterday and received a couple of compliments. I don’t have too many platform shoes, but that is because of my height. It takes me a little getting used to them, because your foot doesn’t go down as far as it is used to because of the platform. Just be careful not to stumble in them.
I just love your blog and wish we could go for coffee (and shop!). I have found two brands that I don’t think are frumpy but are great on your feet – Vionic and Antelope. They feel great on my legs and my feet while still giving me a few inches of height that I need on my vertically challenged body.
you rock Tania! Keep it real girlfriend 🙂
Here’s a tip for women with arch support problems, etc, when wearing shoes and end up with ‘frumpy’ styles just to get the comfort. I discovered the Vionic brand on QVC a few years ago and half my shoe wardrobe is now all Vionic. This might sound like free advertising for the brand, but having high arches along with leg and back pain when standing for long periods, then an arthritic hip to top things off, …I can say these shoes and sandals are like a miracle!. I will only wear this brand when I know I’ll be standing for most of the day or long periods of time. My hip problem didn’t disappear, but the pain decreased tremendously! The brand is not inexpensive but worth every penny in comfort and style. I have found a few styles very discounted at TJ Maxx.
I have seen a lot of very cute Vionic shoes at Belk. I had heard they were a wonderful brand for people with feet issues. They are on the expensive side, but if they decrease your pain, they would be worth every penny. Thanks Diana for the testimony, it is always helpful when someone can speak with first hand knowledge.
The Vionics are great for everyone, even if one doesn’t have feet issues. If you ever see them discounted, at least, give them a try! Everyone I’ve turned them on to, love them!
Oh my gosh! Frumpy shoes are a pet peeve of mine!! Seriously, even if you have foot issues, you can find a cute version with correct support. LOL My poor sister has the flattest, most narrow feet. It takes forever to find the right shoe, but she always does.
Chunky shoes are not my favorite look, however, I really like the nude ones above and the brown sandal. FYI, I can literally teach all day in my TOMS wedges. I have 3 pair and one of those needs to be replaced from so much wear. (YIKES!)
Raise your hands in the air like you just don’t care! I have always been a shoe person. When my kids were teens I was lucky enough that one of them wore the same size I did and we could share. I now have shelves and shelves of shoes but I constantly want more. There is always a style lacking…
🙂
http://gwingal.blogspot.com/
My daughter and I read this in the car, so we made my husband stop by a shoe store on the way home. Found cutest red sandals ever. Too bad it has turned chilly again. But I will look really cute when in warms up!
This made me laugh, Susan. Be careful, your husband may delete me from your newsfeed. Hahaha