Great shoe styles which transcend the generation gap

With the help of House of Fraser, we pick out shoes that will please women of all ages

 

Blame the spend-happy shoe-obsessed conversations of the women in television shows such as Sex and the City (and us for copying them) – but shoes somehow have gained a reputation as ‘women’s “thing”’.

 

Whilst many of us might counter that our “thing” is…books….or radiology….or any other possible interest in the world, the commercial-leaning industries have decided that shoes are what make the average woman tick.

 

Whether or not you agree, there are nevertheless some excellent, enduring shoe designs and styles which particularly serve women, and which continue to be popular throughout a woman’s life, regardless of fashion. We take a look at the styles that transcend the generations gap.

 

Wedges

 

As we age and realize the pernicious damage done particularly by wearing very thin or spiky heels in younger life, high shoes tend to become a thing of the past. However, wedges are the one higher shoe style which really seems to appeal to all ages. Whether it’s a tiny kitten wedge on a sandal or a full-blown suede wedge shoe-boot as seen on 20-something feet in the UK’s clubs and bars, this gentle and more supportive high style is a firm favourite.

 

Brogues

 

Jean Paul-Gaultier had it right when he designed suits for women. We’re not calling it ‘androgyny’ or masculine tailoring…it’s just tailoring. Brogues – like blazers – look as fantastic on women as they do on men; even if the effect may be very different. Essential workwear, lifewear, citywear, the brogue is the wearable and presentable friend of every well-dressed woman.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Knee-length boots

 

This season the recent love of ankle boots might continue, but this is a trend which has much shorter shrift with elder generations. Women with longevity in mind know that a strong knee-length boot will last a lifetime, given that it is re-heeled and re-soled from time to time. Whether pirate-inspired or equestrian, these look excellent with jeans or dresses – and are 2012’s major shoe comeback.