Footwear Over 50: Booties Made for Walking

Note to my tall boots: I still love you and expect to wear you as soon as the temps drop. However, until conditions turn frosty, I’m all about my booties. Of course, booties aren’t new to footwear fashion. I’ve got a pair of Nine West booties, circa 1990s, that I’ve been wearing every winter all these years. However, this fall the trendy ankle boot has taken on mammoth popularity. With many, many styles to choose from, there appears to be a bootie for just about every babe, including us over 50 babes.

BOOTIE APPEAL
Prior to this fall, I had two pairs of booties in my closet—the Nine West ones and a pair of brown suede VANELi boots. I love them both buckets. They have 2-2 1/2” heels which are flattering, making my legs look a little longer. Unfortunately, though, I can’t wear them when I'm on my feet all day. So…this fall, I took advantage of the bootie trend and got a pair of Easy Spirit Daryn Booties. (photo above and below) for running around the city as well as long walks along the harbor where I live. These days, I'm practically living in my new flat booties.

Why do I love flat booties? Because they are…  

• Comfortable. I can wear them all day in the city. 
•  Warm. They’re perfect for moderate fall and winter weather. 
•  Edgy. These are not your demure ballet flats.

BOOTIE STYLE
In the city, you’ll see the younger set wearing booties with micro-shorts (in the 70s, we called them hot pants) and micro-mini skirts. Clearly, those aren’t options for this over 50 woman. Instead, I’ve been experimenting with my booties and skirts at my knees or longer. So far, I like the way the booties look with skirts of various lengths.  I also like the way they look with cropped slacks (below).

It's no news that nylon stockings are a big no-no among the younger set. This fall, the 20-somethings are wearing their booties bare-legged (above). Personally, I’m devoted to tights and color stockings because my over 50 knees look like mashed potatoes. (If I could, I would wear tights year-round!) I like simple solid tights as well as textured tights. Another plus to wearing booties is they show more of my textured tights' pattern than my tall boots do. Here are my ancient Nine West booties, which I still love.

I've been experimenting with my booties and nylon stockings (below) and have been happy with the result. Nylon stockings may be uncool, but I’ll take being uncool over exposing my starchy legs in November.

BUYING BOOTIES
My friend Loretta went bootie shopping with me. She can’t wear pointed toes, so she chose the Easy Spirit Linnton Booties. (below) I love the buckles. The Easy Spirit booties are well-made and well-priced. Both Loretta and I have been very happy with ours. Now through November 28th, Easy Spirit boots and booties are on sale. You can receive Up to 30% Off Boots & Booties at Easy Spirit. Ends 11/28.





You won't find my exact pair of Nine West booties on the brand's site, but you will find some nice flat bootie styles. My favorite: Nine West Nada Bootie in black suede. And Pssst! Enjoy Up to 50% Off Select Styles at Nine West. Ends 11/24.

If you can wear heels for extended periods (you lucky girl!), Nine West has lots of bootie choices in high heels and wedges. I love the Nine West Coral Bootie - Size 7 in taupe suede with a 3" heel (below). Hmmm--they look a lot like my old Nine West booties.