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7 Pairs of Shoes Every Woman Over 40 Should Own

After four or more decades dressing yourself, you’ve figured out what clothes work for you. (Yes to waist-defining dresses, no to hip-hugger jeans.) Make sure your shoe collection matches your wardrobe, and invest in these seven pairs of timeless kicks.

5 Pieces of Clothing Every Woman Over 40 Should Own


woman wearing a printed skirt and ankle strap heels
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Pumps You Can Actually Walk In

Sure, a four- or five-inch heel is going to make your legs look hella long, but that doesn’t really matter if you can’t make it ten minutes without needing a Band-Aid—or a foot replacement. Find a lowish or block-heel pair that matches grace and sophistication with utility and comfort.

Get the look: Vince Camuto ($100); Botkier ($138); Mark Fisher ($160)

woman wearing white sneakers and pink skirt
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White Sneakers You Can Dress Up Or Down

A crisp pair of light sneakers look great with everything from boyfriend jeans and slim-cut trousers to midi skirts and shirtdresses. Just make sure to keep those white sneaks super clean.

Get the look: Superga ($65); Adidas ($90); Cole Haan ($130)

woman wearing polished loafers and white pants
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Polished Loafers You Can Wear Every Day

Borrow from the boys and pair ’em with everything from slouchy jeans to cropped wool pants. And while you could certainly opt for any color, material or level of embellishment, a simple black leather version will never go out of style.

Get the look: Free People ($98); J.Crew ($158); Gucci ($730)

woman wearing leather pants and tan ankle boots
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Ankle Boots You Can Wear With Anything

In the fall and winter, wear them with skinny jeans or black pants. Come spring, slip them on with a swingy skirt and you’re good to go. Stick to a mid-height, stacked heel, which is shockingly comfortable, easy to walk in and adds a flattering amount of length to your legs.

Get the look: Mark Fisher ($189); 8 By Yoox ($209); Saint Laurent ($995)

woman wearing leather and cork sandals
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Sandals You Can Wear Instead Of Flip-flops

Real talk: You’re a grown lady, and it’s time to move past the flops—unless you’re at the pool. To ease the pain of letting go, try a pair of chic flatform sandals in a neutral color (or something metallic) that you can wear with casual shorts and maxi sundresses.

Get the look: Steve Madden ($60); Bella Vita ($80); Chloe ($595)


woman wearing fringe skirt and colorful heels
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A Fabulous Investment Pair You Bought 'just Because'

Speaking of being a grown-ass woman: You deserve to blow half a paycheck on a pair of shoes you just love at some point in your life. This pair might not be the most practical, but they'll make you smile every time you put them on.

Get the look: Saint Laurent ($995); Manolo Blahnik ($965); Valentino ($995)

woman wearing shiny raincoat and hunter rainboots
Melodie Jeng/Getty Images

Rainboots That Don’t Ruin Your Outfit

Rainy days are a bummer, but that doesn’t mean your outfit has to bring you down. Invest in a pair of water-resistant boots that won’t totally throw off your sartorial vibe. Think: neutral colors and classic silhouettes, not polka dots or rainbow stripes.

Get the look: Hunter ($165); Jeffrey Campbell ($55); Jimmy Choo ($350)


sarah stiefvater

Wellness Director

Sarah Stiefvater is PureWow's Wellness Director. She's been at PureWow for ten years, and in that time has written and edited stories across all categories, but currently focuses...