{Fashion} Put some spring in your step!
This spring, FOF Shelley Zausmer is turning over a new leaf — she’s trading in her beloved high heels for comfortable, stylish flats. Since it’s been years since she’s shopped for anything below a 3-inch heel, she sought advice from our FOF style gurus on the new “Ask an FOF” section of FabOverFifty. Here are their picks for comfy-chic spring kicks, (almost) all for less than $160:
FOF Style Guru Linda Cohen: “The Cole Haan wedges are made with the same Nike ‘air’ technology used in their sneakers. They’re cushion-y with a modern wedge heel. The ballet flats have a rubberized sole. The slight heel makes them more feminine.”
Left: Air Talia Wedge 40 by Cole Haan, $119.95.
Right: Cece leather and canvas ballet flats by J.Crew, $128.
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FOF Style Guru Terry Gibralter: “The fact that loafers, spectators and brogues are in style this spring is great news for those seeking comfortable footwear!”
Left: Spectator oxfords by Candela, $158
Right: Keyman by Stuart Wetizman, $325
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FOF Style Guru Lisa C.: “I’ve had good luck lately with Sperry, the same company responsible for Topsiders. Also, ballet flats are still in style this season, you should be able to find hundreds [of pairs that] are adorable and comfortable.”
Left: Simple by London Sole, $165
Right: Madaket Slip On by Sperry, $67.99
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FOF Style Guru Linda Cohen: “The designers must have been listening to real women who want to be stylish without wearing a 5-inch platform! The ‘Thimble Clover’ by Clarks is a perfect example. The rubberized bottom and foam foot bed make them comfortable and the embellishment will make them your season’s favorite sandal.”
Left: Nasy by Corso Como, $159
Right: “Thimble Clover” by Clarks, $89.99
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FOF Style Guru Sandra Soich: “Toms are my weekend walking shoe this season. They are so comfortable. Neimans now sells exclusive styles of Toms with a sturdier sole and in fantastic tones such as a low-key pewter colored shoe I bought and wear everywhere.”
Left: Bennet Metallic Slip-On by Toms, $85.
Right: Air Bacara Ballet by Cole Haan, $148.
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FOF Terry Gibraltar: “The white boots are so unflattering on her, and the combo of heavy ruched skirt and fur trimmed jacket don’t do her any favors either. I really don’t like anything about this outfit! I say, start over.”
FOF Susan Grant: “Coincidentally, I returned from Paris just a few hours ago and can report that white footwear is a big trend. That said, this isn’t a chic way of pulling it off. The look would work better if the boots were worn with an all black outfit and a longer skirt.”
FOF Sherrie Mathieson: “A black-and-white palette can be well done–but she uses it to grab attention rather than enhance her body. The jacket narrows her shoulders, the skirt widens her hips, and her body length is chopped along the “checkerboard.” Would she switch the bottom to a sleek wide-legged black pant and black boot? Hope so!”
FOF Gail Garramone: “The boots would work better with a less complicated look up top, perhaps a monochromatic one. And the proportion of the shoes to her legs is not right–she looks like she stepped into marshmallows.”
Sandra Soich: “It’s wrong. This lovely lady just doesn’t have the right frame for this look….thick middle, heavy knees and calves. Everything is chopped and not flowing.”
“Since returning to office work, I’m looking for suit alternatives such as cardigans in flowy silhouettes and luxe fabrics or tailored clothing with a feminine touch,” says FOF style expert Gail Garramone. “I love color and always wear a bright touch somewhere. I also really believe in the perfect accessory to compliment a monochromatic outfit, and I have just invested in a handbag that looks like a giant piece of jewelry.” Check out Gail’s glam spring office wear, below. Then, discover some easy-on-the-wallet alternatives.
Practical perfection is FOF style expert Terry Gibralter’s mantra this spring. Topping her wish-list: A lightweight tote (“for everything I carry, like my iPad”), super-stylish, comfortable flats (“I’ll wear them like crazy through the summer”) and wide-leg jeans (“a welcome change from the super-skinny jeans I’ve been rocking all winter!”) And to jazz it all up? A necklace in an eye-popping shade. (“To add pizazz to my neutrals.”) See her picks below, then find out how to get this look for less.
