Let me tell you something as your style-loving friend: your shoes are doing the talking before you even open your mouth. They’re either saying “I’m confident, put-together, and know exactly who I am” or they’re whispering “I’ve given up, and I’m okay with looking frumpy.” And honey, I know which message you want to send.

After spending decades helping women navigate the treacherous waters of footwear, I’ve seen how the wrong shoes can instantly age you by ten years, make your legs look shorter, and completely sabotage an otherwise gorgeous outfit. The good news? These are mistakes that are easily fixable once you know what to look for. So let’s dive into the seven shoe styles that make every stylist cringe when they see them on women over 45—and more importantly, what to wear instead.

Please note that this article was created with the aid of AI.

14. Athletic Sandals and Sport Slides

Those velcro-strap, athletic-soled sandals might be perfect for your post-gym shower, but wearing them anywhere else is a style emergency waiting to happen. These bulky, utilitarian sandals with their chunky treaded soles and sporty styling scream “I’m headed to soccer practice” rather than “I’m a sophisticated woman who has her life together.”

The problem isn’t that they’re comfortable—it’s that they look like sports equipment rather than footwear suitable for actual life. When you pair athletic sandals with your cute sundress or nice jeans, you’re creating a jarring disconnect that makes your entire outfit look unintentional. The bulky profile and technical features overwhelm more refined clothing choices.

What to wear instead: Try minimalist leather sport sandals or elevated slide styles that offer comfort without the athletic aesthetics. Brands like Veja and Everlane now make sandals that provide the comfort you crave with clean, contemporary lines. Look for leather or suede uppers, streamlined soles, and subtle details that complement rather than compete with your outfit.

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13. UGG-Style Boots Worn Outside of Appropriate Settings

Those cozy sheepskin boots might feel like walking on clouds, but wearing them with anything other than the most casual outfits creates an instant style mismatch. The problem isn’t the boots themselves—it’s the context. Pairing bulky UGG-style boots with jeans and a nice top, or heaven forbid, a dress, looks like you got halfway dressed and gave up.

The chunky, informal silhouette of these boots makes legs look stumpy and creates an unbalanced proportion with more polished pieces. They’re designed for lounging, not for making style statements. When you wear them outside of their intended casual context, they drag down the sophistication level of your entire outfit.

What to wear instead: Invest in sleek ankle boots or proper winter boots with structure when you need warmth and coverage. Look for styles with cleaner lines, quality materials like leather or suede, and proportions that complement rather than overwhelm your legs. Save the ultra-casual boots for around-the-house wear, dog walks, or genuinely casual weekend activities.

12. Kitten Heels (Especially in Nude or Beige)

Oh, the kitten heel—such good intentions, such unfortunate execution. That tiny, tentative heel height often looks more apologetic than elegant, as if the shoe is saying “I want to be grown-up but I’m scared.” The problem is particularly acute with nude or beige versions, which create that institutional, “sensible office lady” vibe that instantly ages you.

The small heel height often appears unstable and unsure, lacking the confident presence of a proper heel or the intentional sleekness of a flat. Nude and beige versions are especially problematic because they wash out your legs and create that dreaded “orthopedic shoe” association that no amount of styling can overcome.

What to wear instead: Choose either a proper low block heel (around 2 inches) that makes an intentional statement, or embrace a sleek flat with confidence. If you love the kitten heel concept, look for versions in richer colors like black, navy, or even metallics, and choose styles with more substantial construction that doesn’t look tentative.

11. Gladiator Sandals

How sandals originally created for ancient Roman warriors became a fashion statement will forever remain one of life’s great mysteries. Those multiple straps snaking up your leg create visual chaos and make your legs look shorter and thicker. The gladiator sandal trend peaked over a decade ago, and continuing to wear them now marks you as someone stuck in a very specific fashion time warp.

The numerous straps break up the clean line of your leg, creating multiple horizontal lines that cut you off at various points. This is particularly unflattering for women over 45, as it draws attention to areas you might prefer to streamline. Plus, the overall effect is fussy and complicated rather than sophisticated and polished.

What to wear instead: Opt for simple strappy sandals with minimal, strategic strapping that enhances rather than overwhelms your leg line. Look for sandals with one or two well-placed straps that create clean lines and elegant proportions. Think quality over quantity when it comes to strap details.

10. Ballet Flats with Elastic Around the Opening

Those gathered elastic openings on ballet flats create the dreaded “slipper” look that instantly makes any outfit appear casual and unpolished. The elastic gathering not only looks cheap but often creates unsightly gaps at the heel, making the shoe appear ill-fitting even when it technically fits your foot.

The problem with elastic-opening flats is that they lack structure and intention. They look like house slippers that accidentally made it out of the bedroom, and that relaxed, sloppy appearance transfers to your entire outfit. The gathered fabric creates visual bulk exactly where you want sleekness and sophistication.

What to wear instead: Choose structured flats with clean lines and proper fit. Look for ballet flats with leather or fabric uppers that maintain their shape, quality construction that doesn’t rely on elastic shortcuts, and designs that look intentionally crafted rather than hastily assembled. Brands like Rothy’s, Everlane, and Margaux create flats that offer comfort without compromising on sophisticated styling.

9. Wedge Sandals with Rope or Espadrille Bottoms

That rope or jute wrapping around the wedge sole might have looked fresh and bohemian fifteen years ago, but now it just looks dated and often shabby. The natural fiber wrapping tends to fray, discolor, and generally age poorly, giving your shoes—and by extension, your entire look—a worn, tired appearance.

These espadrille-style wedges are often associated with that early 2000s boho aesthetic that feels stale and overdone in 2025. The rope detailing, while originally meant to convey a relaxed, vacation-ready vibe, now reads as trying too hard to be casual chic. The texture and color of the rope rarely coordinates well with contemporary outfits.

What to wear instead: Choose clean-lined wedges in leather, suede, or modern materials that offer the height and comfort you want without the dated rope details. Look for wedges with smooth soles, contemporary finishes, and proportions that feel current rather than nostalgic.

8. Ankle Strap Shoes (Especially with Thick Straps)

Here’s a hard truth about ankle straps: they cut your leg line at its narrowest point, making your legs appear shorter and your feet larger. This effect is particularly pronounced with thick ankle straps, which create a heavy horizontal line exactly where you want to create length and elegance.

Thick ankle straps are especially aging because they add visual weight to your ankle area and can make even the most elegant outfit look clunky. The strap creates a stopping point for the eye, chopping up the line from your leg to your foot and destroying the smooth silhouette that elongates and flatters.

What to wear instead: If you must have ankle straps for security, choose delicate straps that barely interrupt the leg line, or better yet, opt for shoes that elongate your legs without any horizontal interruptions. Pointed-toe shoes, nude-toned footwear that matches your skin tone, or styles with strategic cutouts can all create the illusion of longer, leaner legs.

7. Chunky White “Orthopedic” Sneakers

You know the ones I’m talking about—those oversized, clunky, bright white sneakers with massive soles that make your feet look twice their size. While the “dad sneaker” trend had its moment, orthopedic sneakers weren’t part of that trend. These shoes are hard to style and can make your entire outfit look dated.

The problem isn’t that you need comfortable, supportive footwear—it’s that these particular styles scream “I’ve given up on looking good.” These massive, utilitarian sneakers with their thick, white rubber soles and bulky silhouettes overwhelm your proportions and make you appear heavier than you are. They’re the footwear equivalent of wearing a hospital gown to dinner.

What to wear instead: Opt for a sleek fashion sneaker with arch support. Brands like Allbirds, Veja, and Cole Haan have created stylish sneakers that offer comfort without sacrificing style. Look for sneakers in neutral colors like cream, gray, or navy rather than stark white, and choose styles with cleaner lines and more refined proportions. Your feet will thank you, and so will your mirror.

6. Clunky Multi-Strap Comfort Sandals

We all need comfortable sandals, but those beige, rubber-soled, multi-strap comfort sandals just aren’t it. They bring down your outfit and instantly date your look. These utilitarian sandals with their multiple velcro straps, thick treaded soles, and institutional beige color scheme are the antithesis of chic.

The issue with these sandals isn’t the comfort factor—it’s that they look like medical equipment rather than fashion accessories. When styled properly, with an outfit that is flattering, a chunky sandal can be a hip and fun look. But when worn with something conservative or even classic, it can look stodgy. These styles feature thick straps, chunky soles and dated details that overwhelm your outfit.

What to wear instead: Try a stylish wedge sandal with orthopedic insoles or a sleek comfort sandal with a more modern design. Look for natural materials, neutral tones, and minimal straps for a fresher look. Brands like Vionic and Clarks now make sandals that offer serious comfort with contemporary styling. Choose leather or suede over rubber, and look for streamlined straps rather than the hiking boot aesthetic.

5. Outdated Frump Pumps

You’ve seen them—the beige, matte leather heels with an awkward 1980s-style heel shape and squared-off toes. These shoes tend to make your legs look shorter and your outfit appear out-of-date. The pump is a classic for sure, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t get tweaked and updated from time to time.

These particular pumps are what I call “meeting room relics”—shoes that were probably purchased for a job interview in 1995 and have been limping along in closets ever since. The combination of the unflattering nude-beige color, the chunky block heel, and the overall frumpy silhouette creates the perfect storm of unstylish footwear.

What to wear instead: Choose a modern pump in suede, patent leather, or a sophisticated neutral. A well-structured heel can provide the same comfort while keeping your look current. Look for pumps with pointed or almond-shaped toes, sleeker heel shapes, and richer colors like black, navy, or deep burgundy. Even if you need a lower heel for comfort, you can find styles that look intentionally chic rather than accidentally dowdy.

4. Square-Toe Anything (Including Sandals)

According to fashion experts, the era of the square-toe sandal is now winding down, and for good reason. Square-toe shoes had their moment in the early 2000s, but continuing to wear them now makes you look like you’re stuck in a fashion time warp. Whether it’s sandals, pumps, or loafers, that geometric toe shape is unforgiving and aging.

The square toe creates a harsh, angular line that can make your feet look wider and your legs appear shorter. It’s a shape that lacks the elegance and sophistication that comes naturally with more flowing, organic curves. Plus, there’s something very “office casual circa 2003” about square-toe shoes that immediately dates your entire look.

What to wear instead: Fashion houses are reimagining silhouettes with modern touches like pointed toes and playful metal embellishments. Choose shoes with almond-shaped or gently pointed toes that elongate your legs and create a more sophisticated silhouette. If you’re concerned about comfort, look for styles with cushioned insoles and lower heel heights rather than compromising on the shape.

3. Platform Wedge Sneakers

This trend faded years ago, but somehow, wedge sneakers still pop up in some wardrobes. They try to be both a sneaker and a heel, yet they’re neither comfortable nor stylish. Platform shoes were once a must-have, but they can appear bulky and outdated now.

The concept behind wedge sneakers—combining athletic comfort with height-boosting heels—sounds good in theory, but the execution rarely works in practice. These hybrid shoes create an awkward silhouette that makes your feet look enormous while providing neither the comfort of a proper sneaker nor the elegance of a well-designed heel.

What to wear instead: If you want height, choose a proper heel in a contemporary style. If you want comfort, choose a sleek, well-designed sneaker. Following the pattern of footwear slimming down for 2025, we are seeing the refined silhouette of the slingback heel rising to the top, described as having a “relaxed vibe with an elegant touch” as a versatile style that can easily transition between casual and formal looks.

2. Overly Masculine Loafers

The right loafer is a magical thing. It can give you that hip, effortless style that so many women strive for. Or, it can make you look like a man. Certain loafers and slip-ons look more like men’s shoes than stylish footwear for women. Boxy, basic, and uninspired, these shoes lack style and can make an outfit feel frumpy.

The difference between a chic loafer and a stumpy one often comes down to proportion, color, and detailing. Case in point, the same loafer style in brown leather can look lazy and masculine, while in cobalt suede, it becomes chic and feminine. The details make all the difference—look for more refined proportions, softer materials, and feminine touches.

What to wear instead: Look for modern loafers in suede, metallic, or a stylish color. A sleek, structured loafer can be just as comfortable while elevating your outfit. Gucci’s Jordaan Loafer boasts an elongated toe and signature horsebit hardware, while Prada’s Brushed Leather Loafers are among the most sought-after styles of the season. Even affordable brands now offer loafers with more feminine proportions and contemporary details.

1. Rubber Crocs-Style Clogs (For Anything But Gardening)

Some clogs are chic, but the rubber-soled, perforated, ultra-utilitarian ones? Not so much. They often look outdated and lack style. While practical for certain activities, these particular clogs have no place in a stylish woman’s everyday wardrobe—unless you’re literally working in your garden.

Yes, I know they’re comfortable. Yes, I know celebrities have been spotted wearing them. But comfort doesn’t automatically equal style, and just because someone famous wore them to walk their dog doesn’t mean they’re appropriate for your lunch date or shopping trip. These rubber clogs, with their healthcare-worker aesthetic and playground-supervisor vibe, instantly make any outfit look juvenile and unstudied.

What to wear instead: If you love clogs, choose a structured option in leather or suede with stylish details like studs or a wooden sole. The reign of chunky sneakers is officially over, and in their place, fashion houses are reimagining clogs with modern touches. Brands like Miu Miu, Burberry, and Ulla Johnson are leading this refined clog revival, creating versions that maintain comfort while adding sophistication. Look for clogs with architectural elements, quality materials, and thoughtful design details that elevate them from utilitarian to stylish.

The Bottom Line

Remember, the goal isn’t to suffer for fashion—it’s to find shoes that make you feel confident, comfortable, and authentically stylish. The footwear industry has finally realized that comfort and style can coexist, and there are now countless options that offer both support and sophistication.

When shopping for shoes, ask yourself: Does this shoe enhance my outfit or detract from it? Does it make me feel put-together or frumpy? Am I choosing this because it’s truly stylish and comfortable, or because I’ve given up on looking good? Your shoes are an investment in how you present yourself to the world—make sure they’re saying the right things about the fabulous woman wearing them.

 

References

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