Sexy Flats for Women Over 50

Sexy flats? I know--it sounds like an oxymoron. When I think of sexy footwear, I think of stilettos--the kind Marilyn Monroe sauntered down the sidewalk in. But thanks to this season’s trends of peep toes, sling backs and shoe trimmings, flats are looking lovely--sophisticated, feminine and, yes, even sexy in some cases. This is fabulous news for women over 50 who've had to shelve their stilettos, but still want to convey that they are alive and ready to kick up their flats. And there's more good news--many of the flats are under $50. For instance, the pair of
Anne Klein Jamila Dress Detailed (Silver) at the top of this post are on sale for $39 and come in black and gold as well. Click on the photo or shoe name for details. Here are a few more examples...

Anne Klein Grayland Dress Detailed (Purple) for $39.99.


Anne Klein Mavra Casual Flat (Green) for $49.99.



WHICH STYLE IS BEST FOR YOU?Shoes on over 50 women should exude sophistication and energy. And, yes, whenever possible, they should be sexy. Obviously, there are occasions—housework, gardening, hiking—when something practical and sturdy are needed. But for activities like office work and evenings out, a feminine shoe flatters women over 50.

If your feet are average-to-long and narrow, you can probably wear all the styles—pointed or round toe, with or without trimmings. Remember the pointy shoes that had points extending several inches beyond a woman's actual toes? Well, the days of those silly, wicked witch style shoes seem to be over. This season's pointy shoes are pretty subtle. Thank goodness.



If you’re like me, with feet that are small-to-average, you may want to be careful when buying round toes. The round toe shoe or classic ballet slipper look awfully juvenile on my smallish feet. The last person I want is to resemble Bette Davis in Whatever Happened to Baby Jane? Personally, I prefer a slightly pointed toe.

That said, some of the toe trimmings on the round toe shoes disguise the ballet styling and create a more grown-up look. Take a look at...



Anne Klein Marcella Casual Flat (Black) For $39.





Anne Klein BamBam (Purple) for $49.99.






Anne Klein Bernadet Casual Sport (Black) for $49.99.



Anne Klein Buttons Flat (Red) for $49.


TRENDY TEXTURESHow many pairs of black leather shoes and boots do you own? Maybe it's a New York thing, but my shoe rack is overrun with black leather footwear. If you dare, there are plenty of flats with textures--colorful suede, sequins, woven looks--to choose from this season. Here's a couple of examples...





GOING UP?If you can wear a slight heel or wedge, the number of shoe choices seems to explodes! Personally, I find I can wear average-height heels one day as long as I wear flat shoes--flats, boots, sneakers--on the days before and after. As long as I rotate, my feet don't rebel. Here's a few designs that caught my eye...


From Max Studio...



FLAT-6.5-SILVER for $149.



From Anne Klein...


Anne Klein Danvers Dress Detailed (Black) for $49.99.






WANT MORE?Want to see some more flats? You'll find a really nice selection of ballet flats by Cole Haan. The shoe designer is known for comfortable footwear. Most of the designs are over $100, but a few are below. Also, J. Crew has some pretty bejeweled flats for $198. I leave you with a few more under $100 flats. The pixs are tiny--sorry! However, if you like a style, click on the photo and it will take you to the online shopping site where you can see a larger version.