Shoe Styles That Are Making You Look Older

For people of a certain age, it's pretty common to plan your wardrobe around aging gracefully. For example, certain dress mistakes could be making you look older, and it's only natural to want to avoid them. However, there's one part of our clothing that can age us but is often forgotten: footwear. "The shoes you wear, though often overlooked, can significantly impact your overall appearance," confirms John Smith, vice president of design at Poshéle, a United States-based fashion house known for redefining modern style with a timeless approach. In an exclusive conversation with Glam, Smith explained that certain shoes can leave you looking older, even if the rest of your 'fit is geared toward a youthful image. 

"Outdated or unflattering shoe styles can unintentionally age your look, detracting from a polished or youthful vibe," Smith goes on, highlighting that anything heavy and chunky, in the vein of combat boots, can add on the years, as can unnatural silhouettes. But the good news is there are still ways to work these shoes into your ensemble if you really can't go without them. If you're ready to update your shoe closet, Smith recommends several styles that will help to make you look younger, including the Carrie Bradshaw-approved strappy sandal. 

The first kind of shoe that John Smith warns against if your goal is to avoid an aging look is any kind of heavy boot, explaining that the clunkiness can "weigh down an outfit" and make you look stiffer. "Also, shoes and sandals with square toes can age the appearance by making your feet look wider and shorter," he tells Glam exclusively. Square-toe boots may have been the sophisticated shoe trend of fall 2023 and beyond, but this unnatural shape is anything but flattering. Lastly, Smith advises steering clear of monochromatic shoes — that is, shoes that match the color of the rest of your outfit. "The matchy-matchy look can be overly coordinated, giving a dated look," he explains. We note in our guide to putting together the perfect monochromatic outfit that balance is important, so opt for shoes that complement the shade of your clothes rather than copy it.

All of that said, Smith believes that wearing the wrong shoes can have an unexpected benefit: When pulled off, going rogue with your footwear can give off high-fashion vibes. This concept is otherwise known as the "wrong shoe theory." If you really love a particular style that may be aging you, he suggests going all the way and making a fashion moment out of it. "For instance, you can try pairing your clunky boots with a feminine dress," he says. Otherwise, balance is the key to looking good in these styles. "If wearing heavy, clunky boots, pair them with a fitted top or a flowy blouse with skinny jeans," Smith advises. "Style embellished shoes with simple, monochrome outfits with understated details for a balanced look." Easy enough!

You know the old saying: When life closes a door, she opens a window. For all the shoe styles that may make you look older, there are more that create a youthful look. By knowing which is which, you can actually increase the size of your shoe closet rather than restrict it. 

Firstly, boots aren't off the table. John Smith recommends going for svelte boots in the way of pointed ankle boots or minimally embellished knee-high boots. And that's just as well since chunky boots were outdated in 2024 in favor of many sleeker options. Another heeled shoe that can help you look younger is the classic strappy sandal. "Another ongoing trend to hop onto for a modish look, strappy sandals can create a young, feminine look," Smith shares exclusively with Glam.

When it comes to flats, Smith has two favorites: sneakers, which will make anyone look young and agile, and trendy flats. "Pointed toe mules, loafers, and ballet flats in rich colors add a touch of personality to your outfits," he observes. Something like the Women's Pointed Toe Bow Knit Ballet Shoes could fit the bill for the warmer seasons, while the MUSSHOE Mules are a great choice for colder weather.