From the style challenge it appeared that quite a few of you want to know more about shoes and how to wear them. Before I tackle the subject of which shoes to wear when for women over 40, let’s first look at the new shoe trends for Spring 2013.
As I did last season, I will mainly look at flat shoes and mid heel shoes. Although it seems that shoes are getting even higher, with many designers showing 7 inch high shoes, we WILL NOT go there and continue our quest for the perfect flats and mid heel shoes.
Today: flat shoes.
As you can see, there is plenty to choose from.
Some trends for flat shoes include:
- Colours
- Pointier toes
- Still plenty of slipper shoes
- Ankle straps
- High contrast
- Metallics
- Embelishments
The ones pictured here on this page include some of my favorites. I always aim to select new flat shoes that are both comfortable but also arty and ‘new’ in their design. Flat shoes can be just as exciting as heeled shoes if you pay attention to the design. Since many of you will wear your flat shoes more often, you may want to invest in a good pair and spend some time shopping for shoes you love.
I will give a few more tips on how to wear flat shoes on Friday. For now, here are a few I found in online stores already, if you have an urge to shop. For an up to date list on the best shoes online in stores today go here.
Which ones are your favorite?
{ 26 comments… read them below or add one }
Cute, cute, cute!!! I really like the Rebecca Minkoff orange and white woven flats and the Cole Haan Skylar Oxfords (though I might not go shiny silver). I actually have a pair from a few seasons ago that are brown suede with magenta soles and laces. They are really comfortable. Totally by coincidence, the magenta color almost exactly matches my waterproof winter parka. I was so tickled when I noticed that.
I haven’t worn oxfords with skirts but I keep thinking I might try. Ooh…I like those Carven tapestry flats, too. Uh oh!! 
Isn’t that great when you discover a match when you didn’t expect it! Good luck with trying to wear your oxfords with skirts.
Nice shoes but flat shoes… NO WAY!!!!!!!!
Femininity = heels, no matter what
xo
Anne Touraine (Playing with Scarves)
You mean to say that you never wear flat shoes?
I’ve never been called unfeminine because I wear flats a lot, but maybe people just don’t want to say it to my face?
Please, no offense Rita. I just meant that a woman is – to my opinion – more feminine with high heels especially when she is not tall (and I am not). Some women look great with flat shoes (see beautiful Ines de la Fressange) but not everyone can have her look.
Also I live in Florida and flat shoes are everywhere. Beach shoes / wear in te streets!! I guess I am sick of it . LOL!
Rita and Sylvia, have a great day
Anne Touraine (Playing with Scarves)
No worries. I agree about beach shoes/flip-flop/thongs for everyday wear. They are just too casual, and usually pretty scrappy looking. I even see “bejeweled” flip-flops with a slight heel at the office here in the D.C. area and people wearing them around town in 40 degree weather. I just don’t get it. I only wear mine on the beach or in my backyard!
I’m 5′ 4″ and wear flats and lower heels most of the time. I just make sure they are structured and really pretty. I always think of Audrey Hepburn in “Sabrina” with her ballet shoes and slim pants. A timeless look, I think.
Enjoy sunny FL…it’s below freezing until next week here!
Sending you warm regards from Florida, Rita. Stay warm. Boots and scarf on! Lucky you… I miss so much wearing boots!
Have a great weekend,
Anne Touraine (Playing with Scarves)
yes same here. But that’s why I try to have more fun with dressy flats and heels…
And to think I was going to try and be good at not buying new things this year. I do believe you just blew that idea right out the window. Some of these flats are so feminine, who would need a heel? Although, I can see where Anne is coming from, and she looks so amazing in her heels.
I’m really loving the Loeffler Randall cobalt/orange beacuse of the vibrant colors and I have several outfits I could wear with them. Looking forward to the tips on Friday.
I agree Trina. I think a lot of these flats are very feminine and I love a good combination of both flats and heels in my wardrobe. It’s been a while since I bought good flats, so I feel it’s their turn again….
These are gorgeous, but pretty much all out of my price range! In the UK it’s really hard to find stylish reasonable quality flat shoes at an affordable price. I’m not talking dirt cheap, but £100+ for everyday shoes is too much for me!
I’m going to keep my eyes out for good quality cheaper shoes, which will be featured on the blog as I see them. Today’s selection was more focussed on designer shoes, but I’m sure new exciting shoes from affordable brands will hit the stores soon!
I like the spotty ones and I can admire the ones with ankle straps but the latter would do my legs no favours.
I agree with you Sam. Perhaps we should have a shoe shopping weekend to Madrid or Milan? Ha ha!
I would be in for that!
Madrid or Milan? Count me in!
Antwerp is also very good with shoes….
Sign me up for that, too, Greetje!!
What a lovely selection. What a fun 2013. I don’t even like flat shoes with my flat feet, but these are nice. I totally go for Alexander Wang shoes. Everytime when I clicked a shoe it was Alexander Wang. And the colourful Aperlai in your top photo are on my wishlist now. When there is something hiding my instep, flat shoes look less stupid on me.
Yes I’m loving that shoe too. I have a feeling I will be able to find some exciting new flats this year!
Greetje – my sister! The two shoe styles on the top of my wish list for S/S 13 are both Alexander Wang! LOL! The “Ariel” and the “Vika”. Love them! Neiman Marcus carries them and they say that Gladiator type shoes are going to be the hot look this season. They have a lot that go to the knee. I adore how they look on the leg but I had a pair in Spring 2008 and they are not that practical. I could wear them with sundresses and not much else. But they are so cool.
I am a shorty but I wear flats and feel very girly. I think a lot has to do with attitude.
Of the shoes you posted Sylvia, I like the cream and red Bionda Castana at the top of the page. Nordstrom carries this brand but does not have the current styles in yet. They are a great shoe.
Gladiator shoes are tough to wear. The low Calvin Kleins I have rarely look really good, so I think I’m going to give that trend a miss, as they are often not that comfortable either. Now open style booties is another matter, but I prefer those with heels, so let’s look at that next week!
Thankfully. My 5’10″ frame appreciates this. I love all those styles.
Great selection, my favourites are the Chloe and the Tila March ones. Designer shoes are not within my budget, but I’m sure I can find some nice similar ones at more reasonable prices:) I love wearing ballet flats and flat sandals for summer – so chic and comfy!
I’m sure lots of variations of these shoes will hit the stores the coming season. That is one reason I post all the designer’s creations so you know what styles to look out for!
Sylvia, thanks so much for all this valuable information on shoes and how to wear them with skirts. It’s great advice as usual and you look good in all the above styles. I’m looking forward now to spring and buying some nice new shoes.
{ 2 trackbacks }