Fashion rules have changed so much in the past few years that it’s hard to keep up sometimes. Rules of the past have relegated specific styles to set age groups, and setting foot outside of those was a major faux pas. This is no longer the case. There are many styles out there that look great for any age group.
If you’re wanting to try out some of these new “ageless” styles but aren’t sure you want to commit to a whole outfit, shoes are a great way to do that. Sandals, sneakers, ballet flats, and even high heels all come in variations that work for any age. Take a look at this list and see what your favorites are before you make a shopping list.
1. Sandals
Sandals aren’t just for a specific age group anymore. There are so many types of sandals out there that you’re bound to find a pair you love and that works for you. If you look online for you can find things like sandals from Viakix, a website that has a lot of options from the standard to the very trendy. Don’t let anyone convince you that you’re too young or too old to wear either option.
2. Slip-Ons
Remember when slip-on shoes looked more like orthopedics than a stylish fashion choice? That’s no longer the case. Brands like Toms have made slip-on shoes a staple item for closets of women in all age groups. You can find tons of brands and options for this style of shoe.
Some are just plain canvas while others are bedazzled with sequins and metallic finishes. No matter which you choose, there’s an option out there you’re sure to love. They’re all ageless so have some fun and enjoy wearing these comfy and easy to put on shoes.
3. Heels
There are a lot of options when it comes to the height of a heel on your shoes these days. That means they’re more easily worn by a larger age group than ever before. If you don’t like sky-high pumps you can opt for a lower kitten heel. Wedge heels also give you some options to add height without killing your feet too much.
You can even find heels that are chunky and offer you better balance than stilettos. The main thing to keep in mind here is no matter which option you choose you are allowed to wear whatever heel option love. If you feel great in them, no one will notice anything except how amazing you look.
4. Highly Stylized Sneakers
Okay, so sneakers have always been a shoe for any age, but in the past few years, they’ve really upped their game in the style department. Some are more brightly colored (think neon pink) while others have sequins or use lace ribbons to tie up the sneakers. It’s easy to think that these more wild styles are for a younger crowd but you don’t have to limit yourself here.
Neons are wildly popular this season, young or older alike. The best way to see which new styles of sneakers you like the best is to head to a store and see them in person. Shopping for them online might not give you the best idea of just how bright they are, or if you really want sequins on your casual wear shoes.
Make sure you try them on to ensure they’re a comfortable option. Sometimes the upgrades can make them fit differently which means you might not want to wear them even if you love how they look. Don’t rule out these new more exciting sneakers just because of your age group.
5. Ballet Flats
Sometimes people can rule these out as something that looks like they came from their grandmother’s closet. If that’s the case then you definitely haven’t been to the store to look for shoes lately. Ballet flats are a huge hit with everyone right now. They can be plain colors, patent leather, bedazzled, or even have really amazing graphic prints on them.
Find an option you like best for your own personal style and go for it. Flats are super comfortable to wear and they look amazing with everything from a skirt to a pair of jeans. They’re so versatile at this point that you really can’t afford to not have at least one good pair of ballet flats in your closet ready to wear when the mood strikes.
6. Boots
Boots are hot right now and they come in a bunch of different heights. You can also find them with or without heels. All of these options mean they’re great for any woman regardless of their age. Ankle boots are great for running around town while knee-high boots could be a great choice for a flowy summer look on your way to brunch.
Again, it depends on what you like. If you’re uncomfortable in heels make sure you’re trying on the boots first. Even if they look flat your foot might feel differently in them. You’ll also want to make sure the fit around your calf looks and feels great if you’re going with a higher length option.
7. Mary Janes
Okay, so if you just choose a plain black patent leather mary jane style, it’s probably going to look young regardless of your actual age. This design is common for little girls all over, most likely because it actually keeps the shoes on their tiny little feet. That being said, mary janes have come a long way from the days of dress shoes for 3-year-olds.
Brands like Hot Chocolate have started designing mary janes for all age groups. They’re available in all sorts of colors and prints. When it comes to grown-up mary janes your imagination is probably what’s going to limit you the most. If you can think it up, there’s probably a mary jane style shoe out there for it.
8. Velcro
Once upon a time velcro shoes either looked like brightly colored cotton candy for little girls, or they came in flesh tones that looked like they were meant for people with foot issues and no other option. Again, this is no longer the case. Velcro is back and it’s back in highly unexpected ways.
You can find velcro shoes from brands like Sketchers where the straps are thin and create a crisscross pattern over your foot. You can find them in metallic high-top shoes that are great for going out for a night on the town.
The options out there are pretty awesome so don’t write of velcro as just something for other people. There’s likely a variation you will love just waiting for you to take them home.
9. Ankle Tied Ribbon Shoes
No longer just for ballerinas, ankle laced shoes are great for all age groups. They come in everything from super trendy sandals to ballet flats with ribbons to tie around your ankles. There are some ways to wear these that may not work for every personal style out there. Sometimes not everyone wants to tie the ribbons all the way up their legs.
If you want this look but don’t want a ribbon going up your calf you can always wrap it around your ankle several times before tying it off in a neat knot or a bow. The extra intrigue added by having ribbons on your ankle or going up your leg will be a great attention-grabbing shoe for an awesome outfit.
10. Quilted Shoes
This is a newer trend and sometimes it’s overlooked for being too “granny-like” but it’s time to give them a second glance. You can get this look in almost any style of shoe right now. Sneakers, ballet flats, sandals, and even heels. The quilted look can look really classy depending on how you wear it.
If you’re going with a quilted shoe look you may want to pair it with more toned down outfit options like a pair of jeans or a plain skirt. This isn’t a hard and fast rule though, so wear them how you feel they look best. Just don’t skip them over because you think they aren’t right for your age group.
Conclusion:
No matter your age you should be able to enjoy the hottest fashion trends out there. Shoes give you a lot of leeway to try things out when you’re unsure if a trend is exactly right for you. Spend some time looking online for trendy new sandals or sneakers. Or, head to the store and try a few pairs on. You’ll be shocked how many pairs of shoes you fall in love with once you let go of outdated fashion rules. Happy shopping!
