Women Over 40 Never Forget About These 7 Basic Shoes
We often turn to women over the age of 40 for top-notch style advice. Yes, age is just a number (and you should always wear whatever you want), but it’s women in this bracket that are often considered sartorial experts, as they've been able to really hone in on their personal style over the years. And given their expert status, they’ve more or less developed a wardrobe of timeless essentials as a result. While we recently highlighted the going-out basics this set swears by, we thought we’d shift the focus next to the shoe staples women over 40 can’t live without.
Because we look to celebrities in general for shopping inspo, it seemed appropriate to showcase the footwear A-listers like Jennifer Lopez, Victoria Beckham, and Katie Holmes love. With all that in mind, keep scrolling to check out the seven basic shoes some of the chicest women out there never forget to buy—and shop the coolest selects in each category as well.
On Katie Holmes: Khaite Blythe Trench Coat ($2401); Jimmy Choo Romy Mesh Pumps ($750)
It’s impossible to think about a flawless shoe wardrobe without the ideal pair of black pumps. As one of the most elegant and versatile footwear picks out there, these beauties look as sophisticated with jeans on the weekend as they do with dresses for work.
On Tracee Ellis Ross: Balenciaga bag
As just about every fashion girl and celeb (including Ross) agrees, knee-high boots add a polished and fashion-forward spin to a look. Try your pair with skirts, dresses, jeans, or trousers.
On Victoria Beckham: Victoria Beckham blazer and leggings; Balenciaga boots
You simply can’t go wrong with the perfect pair of black booties. They’re timeless, chic, and work with a range of ensembles.
On Jennifer Lopez: Hermès bag; Alexander McQueen Sneakers ($440)
When it comes to the standard sneaker choice among this fashionable set, classic white trainers reign supreme. They can legit go with anything—from a dress-and-jacket situation to a look like this with leggings and a crew-neck.
On Nicole Kidman: Prada dress and shoes
While colorful heels might not seem like basic footwear, solid-colored iterations have really become staples in many wardrobes, as they have the ability to add a playful, dressed-up feeling to formal outfits.
On Jennifer Aniston: The Row bag; Gianvito Rossi boots
A pair of flat motorcycle boots not only are comfortable for a day of running around but also have the ability to instantly add interest to any outfit. Try them with an all-black look like Aniston is showcasing here.
On Sarah Jessica Parker: Cynthia Rowley dress; SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker pumps
Sure, classic pumps and stilettos will always be shoe-closet heroes, but chunkier Mary Janes—similar to these stunners on SJP—will elevate any look.
Bobby Schuessler is a fashion editor with over a decade of editorial experience covering shopping, style, and beauty. He's spent over seven years at Who What Wear, currently leading the market team to deliver highly covetable and convertible content. He creates data-driven shopping guides featuring top retialers like Nordstrom, Shopbop, and Net-a-Porter and is at the forefront of Who What Wear's shopping tentpole strategies, including Amazon Prime Day. He also works on branded content initiatives and appears on camera in video and shopping livestream franchises. He has also worked across a variety of other media brands and fashion retailers like Refinery29, PureWow, Men's Health, and Gilt covering commerce, trend reporting, women's and men's fashion, home, and lifestyle.
-
Rosie Huntington-Whiteley Wore 2024's It Bag to Victoria Beckham's Birthday
It's finally getting restocked.
By Eliza Huber
-
I'm a Fashion Editor—I Reach For These 2 Pieces When I Don't Know What to Wear
Ready in 10 minutes or less.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
J.Lo Wore the Chic Heel Color Everyone Will Wear Instead of Black This Summer
It makes every outfit look pricey.
By Allyson Payer
-
Katie Holmes and I Both Swear By This Brand's Anti-Trend Staples—6 I Deemed Worthy of Investment
See how I'm wearing each.
By Anna LaPlaca
-
Olivia Rodrigo Just Found the Next It Shoes to Wear With Dresses
They're fresher than Western boots.
By Allyson Payer
-
The Only 9 Jackets You Need for Spring, According to Fashion People
There's something for everyone.
By Remy Farrell
-
J.Lo Wore the Classic Two-Item Outfit That Looks Elegant Every Single Time
The Birkin helps.
By Eliza Huber
-
Jennifer Lopez Just Wore Her Anti–Skinny Jeans With a Surprising Spring Shoe Trend
A Gen Z favorite.
By Natalie Munro