Shoes That ‘Supposedly’ Make Women Look Older Than What They Are

When it comes to fashion, each their own. You may have a sweatshirt that makes you feel your best and most confident or a pair of shoes that give you a sense of comfort and nostalgia. But sometimes, some of those favorite clothing items in your closet can make you look older. If you're someone who likes keeping up with fashion trends or doesn't want to age yourself with your fashion choices, then you may want to rethink some of your shoe styles. Best Life, a lifestyle magazine, collaborated with style coaches and fashion experts to compile a list of shoes that make women look older.

One of their style coaches said that shoes are the "most powerful tool" women have in their style toolbox. "They can single-handedly turn a ho-hum dress into a super stylish outfit, [and] they can also ruin a potentially cute outfit and turn it frumpy," they wrote.

Different heels are always going in and out of style, but the magazine points out that wedge pumps are dated. "The silhouette tends to skew frumpy, so look for sleeker design details like a slanted or contoured wedge, almond-toe or pointed shapes, and high-vamp or low-cut styles for a more contemporary look that won't date you," said their certified image stylist.

Interestingly, the wedge shoe hit the scene around the 1930s, according to the FIDM/Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising. The New York Times reported that the wedge’s popularity can be traced to the mid-1960s. Another outlet mentioned their popularity reached a peak in the 2010s when wedge sneakers were the must-have footwear. So, there may be a workaround if you simply can’t part with your wedges.

Comfort is always a must when it comes to shoes, but if you’re a slip-on sneaker person, then you’ll be sad to see that they made their list. They said, "Open back, slip-on sneakers take effortless-casual to the extreme, and not in a good way.” But don’t fret. Their experts suggest wearing Velcro shoes if shoelaces are too much. Apparently, Velcro shoes have a cleaner look compared to slip-on sneakers.

Also on their list are shoes with too many embellishments. You may have seen this style of shoe at concerts, festivals, or an art fair. But how do they make women look older? The shoe's over-the-top colors and abundance of embellishments can easily age us and have the "unfortunate effect of making it appear like we're desperately trying to stay young and hip."

Other shoe styles on the list include "technical" sneakers, clogs, and strappy sandals, among others. Check out the full list here.

Fashion is a fascinating, ever-evolving phenomenon that embraces both innovation and nostalgia. It's interesting how certain styles from past decades tend to resurface and find their way back into contemporary fashion. Many fashion trends we once believed were gone for good have made a surprising comeback, proving us wrong and demonstrating their relevance in today's world.

The minimalistic fashion of the 1990s has experienced a revival in recent years. Clean lines, neutral colors, and simple silhouettes have become prominent in modern wardrobes. Timeless pieces like slip dresses, trench coats, and tailored suits evoke a sense of refined sophistication that continues to resonate with contemporary fashion enthusiasts. Celebrities like Hailey Bieber, Emily Ratajkowski, and Laura Harrier have embraced a clean and minimalistic style, often opting for tube tops and strapless dresses as part of their fashion choices.

Also, making a comeback is the tailoring and polished looks of the 1950s. Midi skirts, high-waisted trousers, and tailored blouses have become staples in many wardrobes, offering a classic and versatile approach to dressing. Numerous celebrities, supermodels, and even royalty have traded their reliable wardrobes for a more polished looks.

The fashion of the 1940s has influenced modern designs, emphasizing practicality and functionality. Cargo pants, boiler suits, and workwear-inspired pieces have found their place in contemporary fashion, celebrating the beauty of simplicity and comfort. Forbes even wrote a piece on how to style cargo pants because they’re the look of choice for 2023.

The resurgence of styles from past decades is a testament to fashion's ability to draw inspiration from history while embracing the spirit of modernity. As fashion continues to evolve, we can expect to witness more of these delightful comebacks, creating a blend of nostalgia and innovation that defines the essence of contemporary style.

Check out these six nostalgic fashion trends that have made a stylish comeback and are finding their way into the closets of fashion enthusiasts.

During the 1980s, sneakers took center stage as the go-to footwear choice, according to Complex magazine. They are often paired with Levi's jeans or a fun skirt. Today, this trend has experienced a remarkable resurgence, with prominent designer brands like Yeezy and Gucci introducing some of the chunkiest and most fashionable shoes to date. Olivia Rodrigo seems to appreciate the trend's return.

According to Harper's Bazaar, some key styles to keep an eye on include the timeless ankle boot, a modern take on the classic cowboy boot, lace-up designs, and versatile platform boots. These fashion-forward options come in various shades of white, vanilla, and cream, perfect for everyday dressing. You'll even spot celebs like Rihanna rocking a pair of white boots while scrolling social media.

Gone are the cargo pants and shorts from the '90s that might have caused some embarrassment. Instead, the revamped cargo pants of today are sleek, form-fitting, and exude an edgy vibe. Embracing a slim-fit design, these cargo pants can be effortlessly paired with stylish sneakers and graphic tees. It’s a “nostalgia for the styles from back in the early 2000s that Gen Z tends to be gravitating towards,” Liz Teich, a New York-based stylist, told The Post.

The tight, elastic hair bands of the past are gradually being replaced by a gentler and more delicate option – scrunchies! The resurgence of scrunchies has gained popularity among both celebrities and the general public. Not only are these hair ties a fashion hit, but they also prove to be much healthier for your hair compared to traditional elastic bands. Scrunchies minimize hair friction and breakage while avoiding unsightly bends in your hair after being tied up. This revival has garnered support from celebrities like Hailey Bieber, Bella Hadid, and Khushi Kapoor, who have been spotted sporting this trendy accessory.

Pleated skirts have made a significant comeback, becoming a major trend in the fashion world. Whether it's pleated cargo skirts, denim minis, or classic black pleated skirts, these versatile pieces are taking center stage. To create different looks, you can pair them with crop tops, socks, and loafers for a chic denim or chino style, or opt for tank tops and strappy heels to rock the leather versions. Embrace a preppy, glamorous, or retro aesthetic to perfectly complement these stylish skirts.

Belly chains have become the latest social media sensation, catching fashion enthusiasts' attention. Past stars like Christina Aguilera and Aaliyah were known for flaunting these shimmering accent pieces, pairing them with corset tops and cropped tanks. The appeal of body jewelry lies in its ability to elevate any outfit, making a bold statement. Whether you opt for harnesses or waist chains, the options are boundless, allowing you to express your unique style in countless ways.