I loved reading all the above posts. It made me look at the "question" with different eyes. I have since found that I don't mind seeing younger people wearing clumpy boots with light clothing. Would I follow suit? No, sorry, I would feel like a bag lady, but I certainly wouldn't "condemn" another old Biddy doing so.

Fashintern: You are absolutely right! I actually read your resume as your post amused me so much and guess what? We share the same birthday!! :O)

Good job Eirlys for appreciating something different!
Your reply got me to look up my book that I bought myself in December 2009, actually in Saskatoon, Canada, where I was holidaying with hubby’s brother and his Canadian wife, who live there. But it’s a British book, from the Design Museum in London. I couldn’t resist a book called “Fifty Shoes that Changed the World”!
So the answer to the origins of Doc Martens is: 1947 Germany then 1960 expansion to the UK.
And platform shoes: a pic of Salvatore Ferragamo’s shoes he made for Carmen Miranda in 1938!

Ooh -- love the history, Jenni!

Eirlys, you will look wonderful and current no matter what you wear! And it's okay to have preferences!

You can dress as you please and enjoy the looks you don't wear on others. Clompy boots are getting more appealing as I get older for practical reasons. They do not seem like old lady shoes but would be stable on wet pavement or snow or to look tough when you are not. I just need to find some light weight ones that have zippers for easy on and off. I remember this look from the 60's (stompy boots with skirts).

Jenni: I actually wore similar shoes when I was younger. The pic brought back some memories!

Now wear Mary Jane shoes with trousers and Cuban-heeled shoes with sling backs with dresses. Slingbacks are a necessity often as I take a size 2/2.5 (UK) and cannot find my size easily.

All my shoes and boots now have to have non-slip soles!!