15 Shoe Tips Every Woman Should Know Over 50

Does anybody else start an outfit with the shoes? I don’t do this as much as I used to, but for years, I started every outfit from the bottom up. They’re that important. But you don’t have to be a collector, like me, to want to style your outfits well and pick the right shoes for every look.

Like most things with style, it’s part art and part science. But there are definite principles that can help you build a shoe wardrobe that is versatile and stylish, and pick the best shoes for every look.

In today’s video, I share 15 shoe tips that every woman should know over 50. Honestly, I had so many, I could have made this video twice as long, so if you like this one, there might be a part 2 in the future.

Shoes should either add something to an outfit or flatter your body.

Shoes are not meant to just cover your feet from the elements. They play a key style role as well. When choosing shoes for an outfit, ask yourself if the outfit needs more flattery or needs more interest. If you’re wearing a flattering outfit that’s a little simple or possibly even boring, the right shoe can tie the whole outfit together. For an outfit that is not super flattering or a little hard to wear, add flattery with the right pair of shoes.

Extend the leg line.

Shoes can make your legs look longer if they have some of the following characteristics:

1. Elongated toe
2. Nude or light color
3. Sleek or simple styling
4. Low vamp
5. Thin or delicate straps
6. Match the color of pants and fit under the hem

Low Vamp vs High Vamp

There’s room for a low vamp (which shows more of the top of your foot) and a high vamp in every wardrobe. The key is to pick a style that flatters an outfit. A challenging outfit benefits from the flattery of a low vamp, while a more flattering outfit offers you more shoe styling options.

Think About Scale

The most flattering and most harmonious, classic look is one that matches the scale of your outfit. The most eclectic and unexpected look, however, can do the opposite.

Outfits can be slim, medium, or wide in scale.

Shoes can also be slim, medium and wide in scale.

Decide whether you want harmonious or unexpected pairings when it comes to scale.

Visual Weight

Some shoes just take up more room, visually (and sometimes physically) in a look, while others seem to blend or recede. A shoe that is dark, detailed, or chunky while have more visual weight than a shoe that is light, simple, and sleek.

HIgh Visual Weight Shoes

Low visual weight shoes

Check the Color Boxes

If you’re wondering which shoes are missing from your shoe wardrobe, consider making sure all of your color boxes are checked. They are:

• Light, medium, and dark neutrals
• Metallics
• Color
• Pattern or texture

Invest in your best neutral

If you want to spend a little more on a shoe that will be the most versatile and the most timeless, consider a color close to your hair. Your hair color is your most neutral neutral, and a shoe in that color will go with everything.

For Blondes

For Silver Hair

For White Hair

For Red Hair

Match your skin, not your outfit

The classic rule and the way that most of grew up is to match your shoes to your hem. Black dress, black shoes. Navy dress, navy shoes, etc. And while there is nothing wrong or out of style with this at all, consider nude shoes for a different and leg lengthening look.

Find You in A Shoe

The easiest way to tell the world who you are and inject some personality into your outfits is with a pair of shoes that really speaks to your personal style. Here is a shoe that will tell you everything you need to know about me.

And these shoes were chosen by women in my recent Closet Confidence Workshop Series.

The Wrong Shoe Theory

This term, coined by Allison Boorstein, says that for an interesting, eclectic and modern look, add an unexpected shoe to an outfit. This continues the trend of recent years to mix rather than match.

Choose Timeless Shoes

If you want to invest in a shoe, besides considering the color of your hair, also consider choosing a timeless style. Details date, so choose the simplest versions of the following styles for a look that will last.

Rule of 3’s

Consider thinking in 3’s when packing shoes: A walking shoe (often a sneaker), a dress shoe (for dinner), and a versatile shoe that goes with a variety of outfits.

Details to Choose

The most flattering shoes will have the following details:

1. Nude or light color
2. Sleek shape
3. Elongated toe
4. Low vamp
5. Sleek heel
6. White rubber sole

Details to Avoid

Shoes that are harder to style and not quite as versatile (although many of these can work in the right outfit) include:

1. Dark color
2. Chunky silhouette
3. Lug sole
4. Wide ankle strap particularly in black
5. Velcro straps across top

Triple Your Budget

If you typically buy budget shoes, consider setting that money aside until you have enough for 3 pairs, and then buying one good pair of shoes that will elevate everything. A $30 pair of shoes may fall apart quickly, whereas a $90 pair can last you for years. Quality isn’t always linked to price with shoes, but you deserve to at least open up your options when it comes to footwear.

What did you think of my 15 shoe tips every woman should know? Which of these gave you an a-ha moment? And what shoe questions can I answer in a future video? Let’s discuss!