Are these shoes old lady-ish? - YouLookFab Forum

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Are these shoes old lady-ish?

Karie

(website)

Veteran

I have such trouble finding shoes that fit! One size is always too big, the other too small, plus I have a narrow foot. These shoes seem like they will be comfortable, but I'm not sure if I like the heel or if it looks old lady-ish. I swear I must have had about 400 pairs of shoes rotating through my house in my effort to find a comfortable and stylish pair - The UPS man is going to think I'm Imelda Marcos. I just wanted a beige low-heeled shoe for slacks, possibly skirts.

So give it to me straight, are these shoes old lady-ish?

They're from Zappos, so returns are free. Keep or keep looking?

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27 replies

Latest reply was from Karie

Liz A.

Veteran

Off the bat, I would not say they are old ladyish. I don't think my grandma would wear them. That said, I like a higher heel for pants. Just my 2 cents. After 400 pairs, I would probably keep them.

Karie

(website)

Veteran

Liz, I'm tall (5'8") but I don't mind wearing heels - no more than 3 inches, though. I should add I wanted a low heel as kind of a "step above flats" thing.

Deborah

Veteran

I find them to be quite classic, Karie. AND it's how we wear things and I don't think any of your outfits read as "old lady" so it's very unlikely the shoes will either

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Hmmm. I think they would be fine when styled in an outfit if they are more or less nude for you. The heel is a bit...not "old ladyish" ... but something. But I don't think that would come across when you are wearing them. They may not be the most current shoe, but if they are comfortable....

Lyn D.

Veteran

It is interesting how our perception changes over the years!
I am wondering if you have tried a nude Oxford-style shoe lately?

cheryle (Dianthus)

(website)

Veteran

I am sorry but the shape and color with the low heel does read OL to me. Perhaps in an outfit they would look great but on their own, they have that vibe. It could just be me. Maybe they stir a distant memory.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Please don't take this the wrong way, but my mom had a pair that looked almost exactly like them -- she was 80, and even if she was a pretty stylish 80-year-old, I have to admit that association is the first thing that comes to mind with this combination of color, heel and style.

It may help to see them with an outfit? I hate to be a killjoy.

Anonymous

I'm sorry, but I have to echo Janet. My mom had similar shoes when she was in her early 80's.

I think there's a better pair out there for you.

rute

Veteran

Yes, i agree with janet

rachylou

Veteran

Eh, yes, I think they are. But wearable trumps all in my book. I think they would be fine with slacks, skinnies, and dresses. Skirts would probably start to emphasize the OL factor...

Sara L.

Veteran

I think they could read slightly OL-ish, but with slacks they will probably look fine. Since you've had such a hard time finding a good pair of shoes, I would keep these. Your styling will keep them from looking frumpy.

Karie

(website)

Veteran

Thanks ladies! I think my mom had a pair decades ago, which is probably what is throwing me off...maybe an oxford, those are easier to fit for me anyway since they tie.

Deborah

Veteran

This in an interesting conversation. I just popped back to check out the other comments and I am now wondering what it takes to 'get past' past associations. And this is something I have been thinking about a lot, for example, just because my mum may have worn something similar... is that a negative, how can we turn it around? Because associations aside, this is a very nice shoe. Just thinking out loud.

Mo

(website)

Veteran

Well, I was not raised by my mom, and my step mom wore heels twice that I know of. So, I have no association with seeing any ladies of my family in them. That said - I do see them as old lady ish, since you asked - sorry.

Karie

(website)

Veteran

Thanks for your honesty everyone! I think Lyn's suggestion of an oxford is the way to go, and meanwhile I'll keep searching for a wearable pair of beige pumps. No matter how comfortable they are, I'm really not happy with that heel. And they'll always be the shoes with that heel.

Off to try on pair of shoes #401. And #402.

Thistle

Veteran

Sorry, but I echo Janet. Keep looking, I know your perfect pair is out there!

Anonymous

They look dated. My mother used to wear shoes like that, and I had a pair or two of them back in the early 1980s to wear to work with pants. I would not dream of wearing them now. I'm not sure I'd go so far as to call them Old Ladyish, but they're definitely dated. Keep looking. I'm sure you'll find something.

Pink

I understand, I have trouble finding shoes too. No, I think they look fine, I love the color.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Karie, how about something like this:

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/tr.....tback=3171

I know these have more detailing and the black accents but I think they're pretty cute and would look great with your style:

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/na.....tback=7904

I hope you have success soon! I'm sorry it's so hard for you to find comfy shoes. I tend to take it for granted that I can wear all kinds of shoes on my non-fussy feet, so I can only imagine how frustrating this must be. My mom had extremely narrow feet ( when she was very young she wore a 8AAAA!), and I remember Trotters and Naturalizer usually worked well for her.

siniestra

think of them as classic i don't think it looks dated ! if you feel good in them ! wear them! anyways trendy things aren't that fab always, and ppl get inspiration in vintage clothing! also doesn't it old trends are comming back? i shouldn't be worry ...my mom wore lots of things that now are trendy !

Day Vies

Veteran

It will depend on the outfit you pair these shoes with. Everything will depend on the styling. These shoes are neutral, as a result it is up to you to impose your style preference onto them.

Karie

(website)

Veteran

Ruth, that's it, my mom had a pair in the 70's or 80's! Day Vies, that was my thought too - that it would depend on the styling - but I don't think I want to be so concerned with having to style these correctly - I just want to have a pair that I can jump into and run out the door.

And Janet, I like both the Nordstrom pairs - I haven't seen the second pair before, but the first pair is on my list of possible tries. Thanks!

Liz A.

Veteran

I keep looking at these shoes and just wishing they were wedges. A low wedge like that would be nice.

Glory

Veteran

I agree that there is a better pump out there for you. I think the two that Janet linked to have some potential.

Karie

(website)

Veteran

I know, Liz, same here! I wish they were wedges or kitten heels. Oh well, they went back to Zappos today. On to the next pair!

Aida

Veteran

I like the pairs that Janet linked! Karie, you might be better off looking for NON beige but still low contrast shoes if you need lower, comfort heels. Something camel, or mustard, or gray perhaps. Or snakeskin!

Karie

(website)

Veteran

I like your ideas, Aida, especially a mustard shoe, or even gray. I have a pair of Calvin Klein snakeskin/cream colored flats and they see a lot of wear. Now I'm off to search Zappos for mustard pumps and oxfords! Or maybe mustard colored oxfords?....