Feminine, Comfortable Sandals for Women Over 50

A Flattering50 reader recently asked if I could share some pretty sandals. It sounded like a simple  request until I started look around the Web. When I think of pretty sandals, I think of thin straps and narrow heels. This spring, however, thick ankle straps and chunky heels or wedges prevail. After a little bit of digging, I did find plenty of feminine sandals...with 5" heels. Since, I don't know too many over 50 women who have the stamina for that kind of torture, I continued to dig. With a little additional perseverance, I did find some pretty sandals with reasonable heels (3" or less) and moderate price tags. I've collected a handful of styles for this post that represent some of this spring's hottest trends. All of the sandals are less than $150 and most are less than $100. For example, bright colored sandals, like this orange Nine West Yeelied T-strap Sandals (was $79, but right now it's $59), are everywhere. These sandals have a 2" heel. If you're shopping for sandals right now, you might want to take a peek at the $20 Off Select Sandals at Nine West. Ends 4/29



T-STRAP STYLES
Sandals with T-straps are very popular this spring. Here's another T-strap sandal in a bright-colored suede from Nordstroms...



ECCO 'Rivas' Wedge Sandal ($149.95) with a 1 3/4" wedge.



And here's another T-Strap style from Nine West. This Nine West Gaget T-strap Sandals isn't on sale, but is still a good value at $79.





OFF WHITE ON TREND
Last year's hot nude-colored sandals--a great way to elongate the look of your legs--are back. Here's a Ann Taylor Norris Strappy Leather Sandals, Luxury - Size 11 ($128) with a 2 1/2" heel. Available in sizes 5-11.




SUEDE SANDALS
Fashion's current love affair with texture has led to more suede or partially suede sandal styles this spring. For example, here's a Ann Taylor Geri Suede Ankle Strap Heels, Lapis Blue - Size 11 ($128) with a 3" heel. Available in Sizes 5-11.




THICK ANKLE STRAPS
While I tend to think of thin straps as more feminine than thick ones, I do like some of the thick-strapped, thick-heeled sandals. In my mind, the addition of other design elements, like a narrow heel or a bright-colored leather or a two-tone look, create a pretty sandal. For example, I love these Ann Taylor Arlena Leather Shooties, Black - Size 7 with a 3" heel. The thick strap paired with the skinny heel is feminine and edgy. Available in sizes 6-11.



I love the entire spring sandal collection at Banana Republic. Unfortunately, most of the styles have heels above 3", which is too high for me. Here's a comfortable two-toned Banana Republic Lara Sandal - Black natural ($128) with a modest 2" heel.




Or for something similar with suede, check out this Pelle Moda 'Berlin' Sandal ($144.95) with a 2 1/2" heel from Nordstrom...






EMBELLISHED
Sandals with all forms of embellishment--bows, jewels, buckles and other hardware--are trending again this season. Here's a super feminine Nina 'Circe' Slingback Sandal ($78.95) with a glittery curved strap and a 2 1/4" silver metal heel.




Or if you're in the mood to rock out, you might take a peek at these Betsey Johnson 'Rock' Sandal ($149.95) with a 3" heel.



TALBOTS

One final note...Normally, I don't think of Shop Talbots.com as a sandals site. However, in my search for sandals, I noticed that Talbots has several good-looking styles, including strappy ones, nubuck ones and a T-strap style with a demi wedge (1 1/4")--all in lot of bright colors and as low as $79.

As always, I love to hear where other over 50 women are shopping for spring sandals, so please leave a comment.

Happy Sandals Shopping!