My Favorite Fall 2024 Footwear Styles for Women Over 50

After wearing flip-flops, sandals, espadrilles and slides all summer long, it’s kind of a relief to put on a structured shoe or boot. Arch support, ankle support, a solid or low heel go a long way when it comes to comfort ... and confidence.

My footwear choices have evolved since I retired. After teetering around on high heels for decades (when I worked as a fashion editor in NYC), I am firmly grounded. I still embrace a graceful, leg-elongating pointy-toe pump, but it will probably have a kitten heel instead of a stiletto. I love a little bit of added height — again, to lengthen my silhouette — but my boot will likely have a sturdy block heel. A badass ankle bootie speaks of my self-assurance at this stage of my life. Comfy loafers nod to my newfound freedom to spend my days as I wish — sometimes loafing but often still running around. I have a lot on my schedule even if I no longer get a regular paycheck, and I need to be quick on my feet.

Kitten heels

Jeffrey Campbell Women’s Persona Calf Hair Slingback Pumps in Cheetah

Photo Collage: AARP; (Source: Bloomingdale's)

Thank goodness, this ladylike style is popular again. When I have an occasion to get dressed up, my go-to heel height is 1 to 2 inches. Look for pumps with a pointy toe and deeply cut vamp (the top part of a shoe) for maximum leg lengthening, such as this one: Talbots Erica Kitten Heel Pumps — Suede in Black ($149, talbots.com). Sam Edelman Women’s Blanka Slingback Kitten-Heel Pumps in Black Suede ($140, macys.com) are a must.

Perhaps consider a pair close in color to your skin tone as an alternative, such as the Nine West Arlene Pointy Toe Pumps in Blush Leather ($71, ninewest.com). Choose a “nude” shade (close in color to your legs). They will make your legs look longer, and flesh tones go with almost anything. An animal pattern, such as Jeffrey Campbell Women’s Persona Calf Hair Slingback Pumps in Cheetah ($116, bloomingdales.com) is surprisingly versatile too.

Block-heel tall boots

Blondo Tessa Waterproof Knee High Boot in Black Cow Leather (left); DV Dolce Vita Women’s Finnegan Over-the-Knee Block Heel Boots (right)

Photo Collage: AARP; (Source: Nordstrom; Macy's)

The best thing about tall boots? You don’t have to wear tights to stay warm especially if you choose a style such as DV Dolce Vita Women’s Finnegan Over-the-Knee Block Heel Boots in Mushroom ($99, macys.com). In leather or suede, a tall boot with a solid stacked heel such as the Vince Camuto Sangeti Boot in Black ($229, vincecamuto.com), the Nine West Barile Boots in Dark Brown ($142, ninewest.com) or the Blondo Tessa Waterproof Knee High Boot in Black Cow Leather ($220, nordstrom.com) will give you a nice long line as well as comfort and support. Wear them with knee-length or midi dresses and skirts or wide-leg trousers.