The rumors are true: Fashion is transporting us back to 2016. For proof, look no further than the nostalgic shoe trends making a comeback. After seasons and seasons of minimalism and quiet luxury, consumers are returning to a more expressive way of clothing themselves in 2026, and they’re starting from the feet up.
“There’s a real appetite right now for dressing with more emotion and intention, and less interest in things that feel disposable,” says Miista CEO and founder Laura Villasenin. “It’s all about balance: Soft but strong, familiar yet a little unsettling, traditional but rebellious. That contrast feels very honest — it’s how people want to show up now. You can be refined and strange all at once.”
“For a lot of people heading into 2026, that kind of dressing feels empowering — choosing pieces with character, story, and a point of view, rather than just following what’s next,” Villasenin says. However, don’t just take our word for it. Keep reading for a list of subversive shoe trends that will make your outfits feel very now indeed.
While each product featured is independently selected by our editors, we may include paid promotion. If you buy something through our links, we may earn commission. Read more about our Product Review Guidelines here.
Over wearing sky-high heels and classic flats? We feel you — and fortunately, we also have an in-between solution for you that comes in the form of mule shoes.
It’s true: the famed shoe has seen a major resurgence this year, with the classic style getting revamped into everything from flat mules to heeled shoes, platform mules, and more. These chic shoes are one of the most versatile styles out there at the moment — comfortable enough for work, while on a date night, through the airport, and beyond. The best part is that they come in an endless array of styles, so you can find the pair that’s just perfect for you and your wardrobe this fall.
As of this season, there’s really no shortage of trendy mule shoes for women that are available to shop from some of our favorite retailers — including Amazon and Nordstrom. From slip-on-heel options to black mule shoes, neutral flats, and everything in between, we have no doubt you’ll find at least one (or three!) to take home.
To make sure you get your dream pair of mules, we curated the hottest picks of the season. Keep reading to find your perfect mule match.
Do you have to wear heels on a date as a single woman over 50???
You can read the blog below or watch it on YouTube by clicking here.
I first started dating when I was in my mid 40’s.
Back then; I was dressing like a suburban mom who sits in the stands watching her kids play sports.
My outfits pretty much consisted of jeans and black t-shirts.
They came from expensive stores so I thought I was the bomb.
To top my outfit off, I wore fake Birkenstocks type sandals in either black, beige or navy (colors weren’t the rage back then like they are now).
What can I say; they were cheaper than the real Birkenstocks so I splurged.
Yes, I was a real fashion maven back then. NOT!!!!!
When I was ready to date, I’d tear through my closet looking for something to wear.
I’d try on every black t-shirt I owned with my jeans and fake Birkenstocks and not one said I feel like a sexy woman excited to date.
I wasn’t getting a lot of second dates back then and I’m sure my clothes weren’t exactly helping!
It took me into my early 50’s to figure out how to go on a date feeling girly as in feeling soft and feminine.
Want to know what part of your outfit will make you feel the most girly?
Heels.
No worries, you don’t need the 6-inch variety to make you feel girly.
1-2 inch heels can make a big difference in how you feel because heels give off a totally different vibe in the way you walk and move than athletic shoes, Uggs or even some flats do.
And men love heels on women.
They think heels make you look sexy!
Let me share a quick story with you about what I mean by all of this.
A client of mine sent me her profile pictures for me to review.
In her pictures, she was wearing a slightly different version of my Soccer Mom outfit . . . jeans, a long sleeve t-shirt, and cowboy boots.
She told me men weren’t noticing her online.
Remember you have all of 10 seconds to grab a man’s attention with your picture before he moves on to someone else and that’s why it’s so important you show your best possible in any picture you post on a dating site.
My client and I worked closely together to boost her inner confidence by helping her get back in touch with how awesome she really was.
And then something amazing happened.
Her outside look began changing, as she felt better about who she was on the inside.
She restyled her hair, went to a makeup counter and tried new makeup.
She bought clothes like dresses, skirts, and heels that reflected her feminine side for the first time ever.
She also had new pictures taken and men were jumping hoops to meet her.
These pictures were totally different from the first ones I’d seen because she was feeling great about herself on the inside and the changes she made to her appearance reflected that!
Using all the dating tools I taught her, she got out there and started dating and today is happily married to an amazing man.
Ok, so back to the original question . . . do you have to wear heels on a date?
The answer is NO!
But what you do want to do is this . . . you want to feel great inside about who you are or nothing you wear will ever feel right.
Get your Inner Sexy on then wear clothes that reflect both the Inner and Outer Beautiful Sexy YOU.
When you feel girly, you come across from that softer side of you.
And as a result, as my client experienced, men will jump hoops so they can meet you!
Want to know how over 50’s men feel about dating in the second half of their life?
A man named Lee reached out to me to share his frustrations with the over 50’s dating scene.
We did an interview together that I wanted to share with you so you can see what it’s like for over 50’s men who are out there trying to find love.
Would love to hear what you think about heels and creating your inner beauty!
Believing in You!
P.S. Whenever you are ready, here are four ways I can help you find love after 50
#1: Get a copy of my book The Winning Dating Formula on Amazon
Where I will walk you through a step-by-step breakdown of the exact tools and strategies you need for attracting the right man into your life — Click here
#2: Join the Finding Love after 50 Facebook group
It’s our Facebook community where you can connect with me and a community of women ready to support you on your journey for finding love after 50 — Click here
#3: Work with me 1-on-1 or in my Group Program
If you are interested in learning more about how I can help, you can Click here to answer a few quick questions and schedule a call.
I would love to learn more about your dating journey, understand where you might be stuck, and give you a personalized step-by-step blueprint to attract the right man. And maybe even talk about how we can work together.
#4: Subscribe to my YouTube Channel
Click here to explore my YouTube channel for valuable tips on dating and relationships after 50! Discover insights that will empower you to attract the right partner with confidence.
While each product featured is independently selected by our editors, we may include paid promotion. If you buy something through our links, we may earn commission. Read more about our Product Review Guidelines here.
I’ve got a wedding-heavy summer ahead, so much so that I now consider myself an expert bridesmaid. However, as many of us know, bridesmaid duties come with hefty costs. While I’d do almost anything for my friends, going into debt isn’t one of them. That’s why I’ve been savvy about cutting costs, especially when it comes to my wedding shoes.
I’m wearing the same pair to all three weddings on my calendar, namely the Dream Pairs Chunk Low Heel Pump Sandals ($36). I virtually stumbled upon them while working on a story about the best summer shoes on Amazon, and I was immediately intrigued since they hold the number one spot among all women’s heeled sandals. Given their popularity, and the fact that the brand Dream Pairs happens to also make some of the most comfortable Western boots I’ve ever owned (these ones!), I decided they’d be a safe bet for my weddings. I scooped them up in my usual size 9.5 in a light beige color I knew would match all of my bridesmaid dresses — and that was one of the smartest decisions I’ve made this summer.
Ahead, I break down everything you need to know about them if you’re considering buying them for a special event, too.
At the time of writing, I’ve already worn the Dream Pairs Chunk Low Heel Pump Sandals to two of my three summer weddings. I’ll admit, when everyone was showing off their designer shoes before the ceremony at the first wedding, I stayed quiet since I spent practically nothing on mine. But then I couldn’t help but smile when I was the only bridesmaid who kept my shoes on for the entire reception. They were comfortable enough and stable. Even though the unhemmed dress I wore gave me some trouble walking down the aisle (totally my fault), my shoes kept me upright. Their chunky, stable block heel held up perfectly, even on the wet grass from a rainstorm earlier that day.
Beyond their comfort, they looked the part, too, which I’d like to think is evidenced in this mirror selfie I snapped at the second wedding while the bride lounged behind me. (I’m wearing the Azazie Barbie Pleated Chiffon A-Line Dress in Champagne, BTW, and felt like a princess.) I chose the light beige color (one of 31 total styles and colors to choose from) because I knew they’d go with everything. Plus, I figured that if they survived all three weddings, the versatile shade would make them perfect for future special events. Despite wearing them through two ceremonies, two receptions, and hours of questionable moves on the dance floor, they’re still in pristine shape for my final summer wedding in a few weeks.
These sandals are not the most comfortable shoes I’ve ever worn, which, to be honest, I kind of expected given their price tag. The buckle at the ankle dug into my skin a bit at the first wedding, but in retrospect, I’m confident that was a user error from securing them as tight as possible to prevent a walk-down-the-aisle stumble. I was still able to wear them all night, which is more than I can say for some of the pricier heels I own. At the second wedding I didn’t secure the strap as tightly and found they were comfortable from the time I slipped them on at 3 p.m. until 11:30 p.m. post-ceremony. No blisters, no blood, no regret.
Another thing worth noting is that shoppers seem a bit conflicted over the fit. I hover between sizes 9.5 and 10, and since multiple shoppers noted that they run big, I went for the 9.5 and found they were a perfect fit. Many reviewers suggest ordering a half size down, which made sense for me, but a handful of others found that sizing down made them too small. So, if you’re ordering them on Amazon without much time to spare, it might be worth ordering two sizes to find your ideal fit and returning the pair that doesn’t work.
The Dream Pairs Chunk Low Heel Pump Sandals are perfect for those looking for a reasonably priced, comfortable, and versatile pair of heels for a special event. While they might not be the most comfortable shoes in the world, they’re the number one bestseller on Amazon in women’s heeled sandals for plenty of other reasons. They’ve checked a big box off my summer wedding wardrobe checklist and will suit you well for any event where you need a timeless heel.
I purchased the Dream Pairs Chunk Low Heel Pump Sandals on Amazon, which was ideal because they arrived very quickly with Amazon Prime shipping, but they’re also available on the brand’s website.
The Dream Pairs Chunk Low Heel Pump Sandals come in a total of 31 colors and styles.
They have a three-inch block heel.
They’re available for fast shipping with Amazon Prime.
Rating: ★★★★
Marisa Petrarca is a contributing editor for PS Shopping and has more than five years of experience writing and editing beauty, fashion, and lifestyle content. Her work has been featured in Cosmopolitan, Allure, and InStyle, among others.
Let’s be honest: Most of us seem to be seeking out looks that scream wealth without breaking the bank. It’s no surprise that the obsession with all things quiet luxury is still going strong, no matter how many times we’ve heard the now-ubiquitous term. There is just simply nothing like the confidence boost you get when you are wearing a great outfit that gives off a rich vibe—or the boost you get from all the compliments when you are out and about in one of these looks.
In fact, I have noticed that when I wear certain pieces, friends start doling out comments like, “You look so rich in that,” or something to that effect. Any time this happens, I make sure I take a mental note of the key part of the outfit so I can replicate the vibe in the future. As of late, this has looked like everything from trendy scarf coats all the way to camel-hued classics. Scroll on to check out five key pieces that are guaranteed to give any outfit an instant rich-looking feel.
It’s important to remember that we’re talking about *the* Posh Spice, though. We’re not meant to question her sometimes daring fashion choices, even at the airport, where practicality almost always wins out over style. Clearly she made it onto her flight and to NYC just fine. More than fine, really, because we all know that heels and a good outfit are paramount to the Beckham matriarch’s happiness. Sure, I probably wouldn’t follow her lead in this exact instance, but more power to anyone who wants to try.
Scroll down to see Beckham’s TSA-defying in-flight look in full. In the off chance that you’re also not ready to press copy and paste on her Balenciaga bottoms but still want to mimic the overall airport ensemble, I went ahead and added a few pairs of leggings that don’t have heels attached to them for you to shop ahead of your next trip.
When it comes to putting together a casual denim outfit, I have it down to a science (with the low-key wardrobe to fit), but lately, I’ve been yearning to bring my usual denim looks to the next level. Essentially, I am focused on giving my favorite jeans an elegant, more expensive-looking feel this season. When in need of inspiration, I, naturally, turn to my top fashion follows on Instagram to get a fresh set of styling tips. This latest perusal more than exceeded my expectations.
As we enter the winter of 2024, some particular elevated pieces are key in achieving an elegant denim outfit. This ranges from long coats to kitten heels and slingback heels to classic basics like tees and button-downs, loafers, cozy sweaters, and more. Ahead, I rounded up seven chic ways to wear jeans and broke down how to re-create each stylish look.
Sorry to all you flats lovers who experienced pure joy in 2023 when styles of the ballet and Mary Jane variety were all anyone wanted to wear. Heels are slowly but surely making a comeback, and now that one particular ’90s style has been spotted on Florence Pugh, I have no doubt that its arrival on the 2024 charts will be a splashy one.
On the day after the Golden Globes—where Pugh wore a custom red Valentino gown and Jean Schlumberger by Tiffany & Co. jewelry—the Dune actress was spotted in West Hollywood after a shopping trip at Fred Segal. For the bit of retail therapy, Pugh wore all black, including a bomber jacket, straight-leg jeans, cat-eye sunglasses, and a chic pair of point-toe stiletto boots à la the ones that so many off-duty models and actresses wore nonstop in the ’90s. But she’s not the only one who’s been donning the growing boot trend. From Hailey Bieber to Kendall Jenner, A-listers aren’t shying away from tall, skinny-heeled boots for the year ahead.
While the winter weather keeps your flats away in storage, snag a pair of stiletto boots below to replace them (for now), and while you’re at it, check out Pugh’s shopping-day ‘fit.
If you were to ask me who has been a consistent style muse for me since I started working in fashion (beyond the Olsen twins, of course), it would be Toteme’s co-founder and creative director, Elin Kling. If I could only wear one brand for the rest of my life, it would be Toteme, and I declared as much some years ago. When it comes to Kling’s personal style, it dawned on me that I still reference just about all of her looks from a decade ago up until today. That’s impressive in my book, to say the least.
Below, I take you through some of my favorite ensembles from Kling that date back 10 years or more. How does she do it? It’s all thanks to her continued commitment to elevated basics like tailored black blazers, classic jeans, simple shoes, and other genuinely timeless pieces. Keep scrolling to see seven incredibly chic outfits from Kling’s stylish archive that you can wear now and for many years to come. Seriously, these look like they could have been shot yesterday.
We’re no more than mere days into 2024, and already, the year’s first footwear phenomenon has taken hold, commanding over Instagram and single-handedly ushering in a very chic but slightly uncomfortable 366 days. Its name is Lee. Crafted by Saint Laurent’s creative director since 2016, Anthony Vaccarello, the Lee is a 4.25-inch geometric stiletto with a heel that’s varnished in the same color of the exaggerated buckle that fastens its patent-leather slingback straps to the rest of the shoes. Some variations are available with a black heel if too much gold isn’t your thing. Available in six colorways, the style made its debut at the French house’s fall/winter 2023 show alongside ’80s-inspiredcorporate ensembles fit for the office siren, and now that its shoppable, fashion’s elite, including Laura Harrier and Hailey Bieber, can’t seem to get enough.
Scrolling through my Instagram feed over the last few days, I’ve noticed the vampy stilettos on a near-constant basis, often styled alongside other pieces from the fall collection, including pencil skirts, sheer and low-cut tank tops, and shoulder-padded oversize blazers. Hosiery is a must with these, and extra-sheer tights are the primary pick for most of the wearers I’ve seen. According to Vogue, the goal of Vaccarello’s collection was to hit on the concept of elegance and “being dressed.” There was a time not long ago when putting on a pencil skirt, stockings, and heels this sky-high would’ve sent a shutter down most of our spines. That’s no longer the case, though, and 2024’s early obsession with the Lee silhouette is further proof that comfort is no longer king. This year, a “look at me” outfit will reign supreme over one that satisfies your sense of touch and feel. I love my trusty Uggs, too, but they just don’t show off like the Lees will.
Scroll down to learn all about the first viral shoes of 2024.
I’m an unapologetic lover of HGTV. (Yes, you may DM me if you have suggestions.) In one episode I watched recently, the husband-and-wife duo were discussing landscaping for a craftsman-style house they were renovating in the South, flower boxes in particular. It turns out there are three key types of plants to know about when it comes to flower boxes: thrillers, fillers, and spillers. Thrillers are the hero flowers of the season that are the main event, fillers are the low-key shrubs that fill in the gaps, and spillers are the ones that hang down over the edge and add dimensions and, most importantly, create a little drama.
As I hunted through Nordstrom’s current markdowns to share the best of the sale, my HGTV-riddled brain started filtering them into corresponding buckets. You’re just going to have to trust me. Here they are, and they’re all on sale and very deserving of your attention.
Given our editors’ history with shoes, it would be the understatement of the century to say that we know how to shop for them. Boots, heels, ballet flats, and loafers are our vices, so when we’re browsing the Nordstrom new arrivals section, it’s imperative to shop smart, meaning it’s time to check the “price: low to high” box.
Just ahead of the holidays, Nordstrom unleashed a ton of chic, affordable shoes, from runway-ready slingbacks to classic, minimalist loafers. Scroll below to see the best new shoes under $150 available at Nordstrom.
When looking for outfit inspiration this year, two names always come to mind: Olivia Rodrigo and Selena Gomez. The singers each have their unique style, but in addition to excellent voices, they also have superb taste in fashion. So, when we spotted both wearing a pair of black high-heeled Mary Janes in the same week, you can bet it caught our attention.
Mary Janes have been around since the 1900s, and it’s safe to say they’ve evolved quite a bit over the past century. Today, stiletto or stacked heel styles can be found just as often as the original flat version of the shoe. From affordable $50 pairs to pricier designer takes on the trend, there’s a Mary Jane out there to suit just about any outfit.
But, let’s keep it simple: taking a cue from Gomez and Rodrigo, we’ve pulled 14 of the prettiest black high-heeled Mary Janes available to shop now. Suede, satin, and patent leather prevail, with heels coming in a variety of heights and shapes. Not all Mary Janes look the same—and that’s a good thing—so keep scrolling to find the pair that speaks to you, and get ready to strap ’em on for the holidays.
This may be the season of gift giving, but if you ask me, receiving gifts is just as nice. I love taking a moment to review my holiday wish list and treat myself, and because I live, breathe, and work in fashion, this list can be extensive. So this year, I decided to narrow it down to one category: shoes. Nordstrom‘s shoe selection has been beckoning me all season long with some of my most-wanted styles including The Row’s Almond Toe Pumps and the ever-popular Ferragamo Astro Sculpted Heel Sandals. So naturally, I headed to this retailer to start checking these shoes and more off my list. Keep scrolling for all the pairs that made it to checkout.
If there’s one item that will never go out of style, it’s a black dress. Whether you’re going for the classic LBD, a flowy midi, or something in between, there is no shortage of options to choose from. And if you’re over playing it safe and want to actually make a statement with your wardrobe choices, get out your notebook because fashion school is officially in session.
One of our favorite things to do is take inspo from our favorite fashion people on Instagram. If we see an outfit we like, we save it and try to recreate it ourselves, oftentimes with a fun spin. And lately, we’ve been seeing lots of black dresses with fun shoe choices. There are loads of shoes to wear with black dresses, but a select few styles are worn by the fashion people setting the trends.
From this year’s hottest shoe style ballet flats to tried and true loafers, knee-high boots, and more, wearing a black dress does not have to be boring. In fact, you can still set yourself apart from the sea of normalcy and repetition. From statement-making ensembles to everyday outfits, finding the perfect shoes to wear with black dresses is all too easy with a little help from us. Below, take a look at the shoes to wear with black dresses, including some of the best shoppable shoe options and some cute dresses, too.
No one does date night like George and Amal Clooney—period. On Wednesday night, the couple, who’ve been married since 2014 and spotted together more than usual thanks to George’s press tour for his movie AboutTheBoys in the Boat, were seen leaving Polo Bar in New York City after a dinner date at the Manhattan hot spot. And as they always do, the duo appeared the epitome of style and elegance.
For the occasion, George pulled a George by wearing the same casual jeans-and-chore jacket look that he wore earlier in the day to the NYC premiere of the film, whereas Amal turned things up a few hundred notches, opting for a festive feather minidress, a tuxedo-style blazer embellished with fringe, and the very right-now shoe trend that *everyone* should own: metallic heels. Specifically, she chose a pair of shiny, gold stilettos.
They might not seem it, but metallic shoes are surprisingly versatile. Not only can they be styled à la Amal for a night out, paired with a minidress and blazer, but they can just as easily be dressed down with jeans and a white tee (maybe that same blazer too). No matter what they’re styled with, these shoes become the focal point, making them a perfect finishing touch to any outfit.
Scroll down to see George and Amal’s winter date-night looks and shop the shoe trend that just got the latter’s official stamp of approval.
When it comes to putting together an expensive-looking wardrobe, many people get caught up in the idea that the pricer the pieces are, the better. I’m here to completely change your mind. With the right pieces, any closet can look designer, regardless of the price tag. It’s all in the cut, the fabric, the fit, and, most importantly, the styling. One type of fashion item that almost always achieves an expensive feel is an elevated basic.
One retailer that is well-known for offering stellar elevated basics that only look expensive is H&M. I recently did a deep dive with all this in mind and came up with a plethora of options that fit the bill—all but one piece is under $100. Below, you’ll find a chic selection of sweaters, dressed, coats, shoes, and even bags that will easily give you that rich-girl vibe you seek. Make sure to take note of how each piece is styled for the added benefit.
As POPSUGAR editors, we independently select and write about stuff we love and think you’ll like too. If you buy a product we have recommended, we may receive affiliate commission, which in turn supports our work.
You have the outfit, the jewelry, and the pre-and post-party plans; now it’s time to polish off your holiday party ensemble in the most festive way possible with some fabulous footwear. Maybe you have your heart set on a pair of knee-high boots to team with a cozy sweaterdress? Or perhaps a chic pair of suede slides feels like the move? No matter your vision, we’ve curated a guide with options for every holiday style aesthetic (though you’ll love them the rest of the year, too).
The options we’ve compiled feature no shortage of covetable details, including bows, rhinestones, textures such as faux suede and buttery soft faux leather and more, along with styles at various price points. These Amazon finds won’t disappoint this holiday season, from investment pairs from designers like Steve Madden and Loeffler Randall to options that only look like a million bucks. Keep reading to shop our 12 favorite holiday heels, boots, and more — all from Amazon.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned about Sofia Richie Grainge in the last year, it’s that she really can pull off any look. She went viral on TikTok for her quiet-luxury wedding looks, but at the same time, consistently shows off her ability to style neon, printed, and feather-embellished ensembles just as well as neutral, minimal ones. And her latest outfit is yet another example of her versatility and propensity to make really anything look elegant and chic.
On Tuesday, the Nudestix beauty director posted a slideshow on Instagram featuring a mirror selfie of one of her recent fall outfits. The look in question was a simple one, and yet, it proved just how advanced Richie Grainge’s style skills are. Why? Because it showed her making jeans, specifically very casual vintage straight-leg jeans, look equally as fancy as a pencil skirt, dress, or pair of slacks. I know, I know, she makes it seem so easy. But anyone who’s tried to get this outfit formula right knows that dressing up a pair of light-wash jeans is trickier than it looks.
Her trick lies in the pieces she paired with the ankle-length, mid-rise denim. Unlike a standard black blazer, Richie Grainge’s in the shot is a tuxedo-style silhouette with padded shoulders and large, satin lapels that instantly made her appear tenfold more formal. On her feet are simple black sling-backs with a not-too-high but not-too-low stiletto heel. Effortless and yet perfectly put together, the outfit is a true masterclass.
See the fancy AF way Sofia Richie Grainge styles her denim below and shop the uniform that looks amazing every single time.
As a shopping editor, I use my expertise to put together an edit of seasonal must-haves each winter. My typical list will include everything from cozy cashmere knits to the perfect heel for holiday parties, and I can always count on the new-in sections of retailers to come through. But this season, the endless scrolling started to give me fashion fatigue, and that made it hard to find pieces that really excited me.
That was until I landed at Bloomingdale’s. For the past week, I haven’t been able to stop thinking about the retailer’s selection of luxury accessories (particularly the trendy mesh slingbacks from Jimmy Choo and a pair of vintage-style sunglasses that’s just begging to go on vacation with me). These pieces have put the thrill back into my shopping experience, and I’m ever so grateful. Keep scrolling for all the items that I can’t get off my mind.
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