How to Wear Ankle Boots for Women Over 40: Dos and Don'ts
Many people know that style changes as you age. You weren’t wearing the same things when you were 15 as when you were 25. But now that you’re over 40, your style is likely changing again.
As you ponder what continues to work for you and what should evolve to keep up with your current aesthetic and age, The Willow Tree Boutique is here with some commentary on ankle boots.
These boots are one of the most versatile footwear styles out there. And at 40+, you can rock them like nobody else. Wondering how to wear ankle boots over 40? Check out our favorite ways to wear fashion-forward booties like the boss you are.
Some Simple Tips
Booties are a wardrobe staple for women of literally any age because they’re stylish, comfortable, and easy to wear with nearly anything. However, as you get older, you become hypersensitive to pieces that might make you look frumpy or dated.
Since fashion trends are always changing, you do need to have a little know-how to ensure you’re keeping up. So, no matter how you wear ankle boots over 40, we have a few dos and don’ts to ensure you’re on track to perfect style.
Ankle Bootie Dos
- Pair contrasting styles with your ankle booties. If you’ve got something chunky or masculine, a silky, lacy dress is the perfect choice.
- Experiment with unique details. Look for booties with cutouts, studs, embellishments, fringe, and other unexpected materials.
- Let your booties dip a bit to show a little bit of your ankle. Booties with a v-shape at the front can make you look taller!
Ankle Bootie Don’ts
- Avoid anything that’s floor-length because the hemline won’t allow your ankle boots to shine.
- Don’t be afraid of wearing booties with bright colors or bold prints! How you wear ankle boots over 40 is still a way to share your fun personality.
- Forget tucking in wide-leg pants! If you’re going for a wide leg, wear something cropped, but under no circumstances should wide pant legs go into your boot.
Now that you have some of the basics of how to wear ankle boots over 40, we can move on to our favorite outfit recommendations.
A Denim Focus
Pairing denim with an ankle bootie is never wrong—they’re a classic combo for sure! If you’re new to wearing ankle booties, take a look at a couple of these outfit ideas to combine the best pair of jeans with every boot.
1. The Skinny Jean
While skinny jeans are losing a bit of their popularity, they’re the perfect choice for a woman who wants a longer hemline that still shows off a killer pair of boots. Choose your favorite skinnies and tuck the jeans into the booties.
Tucking the denim, in this case, is essential because it helps you avoid awkward bunching at the bottom of the pant leg. Balance your skinnies with a flowy top or oversized sweater to complete the look.
How you wear ankle boots over 40 may mean wearing clothing that’s a little more modest, so the full-length leg and a looser top could be the perfect choice for you!
2. The Bootcut Jean
If skinny jeans just aren’t for you, but the flared leg is too much, you can choose something in between with a bootcut silhouette. The straight leg provides a tiny bit of flare that can balance the proportion of your booties for a slimmer look.
How you wear ankle boots over 40 that still offer a modern spin could be a pair of Chelsea-style booties and a distressed graphic t-shirt. It’s giving you something casual, chic, and trendy without working too hard.
3. The Cropped Jean
Cropped jeans are definitely the ideal denim for a bootie. You’re showing off just a bit of skin and allowing your booties to fully shine through. You also have the chance to wear slightly higher booties than usual!
With cropped pants, how you wear ankle boots over 40 can get sloppy unless the rest of your look is a bit more tailored. Top your outfit with some structure, like a tailored button-down, fitted blazer, or cropped moto jacket.
Outfit Ideas for the Everyday
We’re obsessed with a denim moment, but we can’t wear them for all our activities. For a few more ideas on how to wear ankle boots over 40, check out these three looks.
1. Leggings for Errand Days
Leggings are now widely accepted as the go-to choice for comfort—and they can look super chic if you style them just right. Pair your booties with tucked-in leggings and complete your look with a slimming tee and a duster coat.
You’ll feel super comfortable, but your outfit will exude thoughtful sophistication!
2. Dresses for Events
Whether you’re heading to a networking event or an office cocktail hour, pairing booties with dresses can look amazing—especially if you’re wearing a dress that falls above your knee.
You might have thought that short hemlines were over for you, but you can balance them with a little more coverage at your ankle to ensure you look appropriate for a work event. You can even add tights to guarantee you’re completely comfortable!
Styling is key when considering how to wear ankle boots and a dress when you’re over 40. With a blazer and a large leather purse, you’re keeping your outfit stylish, age-appropriate, and totally chic!
3. Jumpsuits for a Night Out
Are you heading out with friends for a night out on the town? A jumpsuit is the new you! It’s comfortable, flattering, and so easy to style—and it looks like you put in a ton of effort.
Choose a jumpsuit that has a slim, tailored silhouette because baggy and boxy won’t look good with your boot. And if it’s hot out and you’re feeling extra confident, try a romper with a bootie to elevate the look!
Booties Are the Answer
If you’re ever not sure what shoe to wear with your outfit, the answer is likely a bootie! With all these tips on how to wear ankle boots over 40, you can mix and match all your favorite styles with a fresh, new shoe.
Give booties a try when you shop our women’s clothing boutique and experiment with all the fun styles in store for you today!
