HOW TO WEAR ANKLE BOOTS WHEN YOU’RE OVER 40

Age is just a number, and that definitely applies to style! Ankle boots are a wardrobe staple, but you might wonder if there are tricks to rocking them over 40. The answer is a resounding no! In fact, ankle boots can be incredibly flattering and versatile for any woman. Whether you’re looking for edgy, polished, or comfy-casual looks, there’s a perfect pair (or two!) out there for you. Let’s dive into some tips and outfit ideas to show off your unique style with confidence.

TYPES OF ANKLE BOOTS

Ankle boots come in a wide variety of styles, so you’re sure to find a few (or more!) that suit your taste and wardrobe. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most popular types:

Chelsea Boots: These classic pull-on boots feature elasticated side panels for a snug fit. They come in various heel heights, from flat to platform, and can be dressed up or down.

Combat Boots: Channel your inner rockstar with a pair of combat boots. These boots typically have a lace-up closure, a thick sole, and a round toe. They add a touch of edge to any outfit. 

Ankle Booties: Ankle booties are a more delicate take on the ankle boot. They often have a shorter shaft, a pointed toe, and a stiletto or kitten heel. They’re perfect for dressing up a skirt or dress. 

Chunky Heel Boots: These boots offer both style and comfort with their thick, block heel. They’re perfect for all-day wear and can be dressed up or down.

Loafers Boots:  Loafers get a stylish upgrade in boot form. These boots typically have a lace-up closure and a moc-toe design. They add a touch of polish to any outfit. 

Sock Boots:  Sock boots hug your legs like a sock, creating a sleek and streamlined silhouette. They come in various heel heights and materials, making them a versatile option. 

Western Boots:  For a touch of country flair, consider a pair of western boots. These boots typically have a pointed toe, a slanted heel, and intricate stitching. 

STYLING TIPS FOR ANKLE BOOTS

TRY SOME CROPPED PANTS WITH A NICE BLOUSE

Cropped pants and a blouse are a match made in outfit heaven, and ankle boots are the perfect partner to complete this look. The cropped pants will showcase your boots, adding a touch of polish and elongating your legs.  For a more relaxed vibe, choose a flowy blouse that drapes over the waistband of your pants. If you’re aiming for a polished look, try a tucked-in blouse with a fitted silhouette. Don’t be afraid to experiment with textures and patterns! A silky blouse adds instant sophistication, while a patterned blouse can inject some personality into your outfit. No matter your style, this combination creates a flattering and versatile look that works for work, weekend errands, or a night out.

CUFF YOUR JEANS TO SHOW OFF YOUR BOOTS

Cuffing your jeans is a stylish technique to showcase your favorite ankle boots, adding a touch of effortless coolness to your outfit. To achieve the perfect cuff, consider your jean style – straight-leg and boyfriend jeans work well for cuffing, while skinny jeans can be cuffed with a smaller, single fold to avoid bulkiness. Aim to reveal a sliver of ankle, about an inch or two, for a balanced silhouette. Choose between a double cuff for a polished look or a single cuff for a more relaxed vibe, and experiment with different cuff widths and heights to find what suits you best. Ironing the bottom hem beforehand ensures a clean, crisp fold that stays put all day. Ultimately, cuffing is a personal style choice that allows you to play with proportions and highlight your footwear in a way that feels uniquely you.

PAIR A PATTERNED T-SHIRT DRESS WITH SOLID ANKLE BOOTS

Ankle boots can make a simple outfit look more interesting. A T-shirt dress is comfy and cute, and to make it even better, you can add some extra stuff. You can wear heeled ankle boots to make it more girly or flat ones like Doc Martens to make it cooler. Also, add some nice jewelry like a necklace and bracelet. If you wear a belt, it can make you look more stylish and show off your body shape. Plus, wearing ankle boots with heels can make your legs look longer!

SPICE UP A SWEATER DRESS WITH COMBAT BOOTS

Adding combat boots to your cozy sweater dress can make your outfit look really cool! Here’s how to do it:

First, make sure your dress isn’t too loose. Wear a tight top underneath, like a turtleneck or a fitted T-shirt. This will balance out the baggy look of the dress. Next, add some edgy accessories. A leather jacket, chunky scarf, or a bold belt can give your outfit some attitude. A crossbody bag with a rock-and-roll style will complete the look. Don’t forget about tights! They can totally change the vibe of your outfit. Try opaque tights for a warmer feel, fishnet tights for a grungy look, or sheer tights if you want to show some skin while still keeping the edgy vibe. Lastly, have fun with your jewelry. Combat boots can handle bold pieces, so layer on some chunky necklaces or statement earrings to complete your cool look!

WEAR WIDE-LEGGED TROUSERS AND HEELED BOOTS

Wearing wide-legged pants with heeled boots is a great fashion choice that makes you look awesome without much effort. Here’s how to do it: First, pick boots with heels that make your legs look longer, like stilettos or block heels. It’s up to you if you want to get your pants tailored to fit neatly over your boots. For tops, you can try tucking in a tight shirt for a neat look, leaving a loose blouse out for a relaxed style, or wearing a short top with a jacket for a trendy vibe. Keep your accessories simple and stylish, like a nice belt to show off your waist and some pretty jewelry to finish off your outfit. Follow these tips, and you’ll rock this cool and flattering outfit!

STAY WARM IN A TRENCH COAT AND CHUNKY BOOTS

A trench coat and chunky boots are a powerful combo for conquering chilly weather in style. The trench coat, with its wind-resistant fabric and optional belt, acts as your first line of defense. Layer chunky knits or turtlenecks underneath for added warmth. Don’t be afraid to play with textures! A chunky cable-knit sweater adds a cozy element, while a sleek cashmere turtleneck provides a more polished look. Chunky boots provide both insulation and traction, keeping your feet toasty and secure on slippery surfaces. For extra warmth, consider adding thermal socks or layering thinner socks underneath. With this winning combination, you’ll be ready to embrace the crisp air while looking effortlessly stylish.

WEAR ANKLE BOOTS WITH A BLAZER AND MINI SKIRT

Ankle boots, a blazer, and a mini skirt are a fashion trifecta, creating a look that’s both effortlessly chic and undeniably cool. It’s all about balance! Pair a slightly shorter mini skirt with a blazer that hits at the mid-thigh or goes longer for a more polished feel. This creates a flattering silhouette that’s both playful and sophisticated. When it comes to footwear, ankle boots offer endless possibilities. Stilettos add instant leg-lengthening drama, while chunky heels provide comfort and a grounded vibe. Kitten heels strike a perfect balance between style and wearability. Complete the look with tights for cooler weather or bare legs with patterned or sheer tights when the temperature allows. Keep accessories minimal and elegant – a delicate necklace or statement earrings will add a touch of personality without overwhelming the outfit. A clutch or crossbody bag finishes the look for a night out, while a tote bag adds practicality for daytime adventures. This outfit formula is a timeless winner, ready to take you from work to weekend with just a few tweaks.

PAIR POINTED-TOE ANKLE BOOTS WITH WIDE-LEGGED JEANS

Wearing wide-legged jeans with pointed-toe ankle boots makes you look really good. The pointy toe of the boots makes your legs look longer and balances out the wide jeans. It keeps the focus on your ankles and gives you a modern style. You can wear this combo for different occasions, whether you want to dress up with a nice blouse and jacket or keep it casual with a t-shirt and leather jacket. Either way, the pointed-toe ankle boots add a fancy touch to your outfit.

TRY SKINNY JEANS WITH FUN, PATTERNED ANKLE BOOTS

Breathe new life into your trusty skinny jeans with a dose of playful personality! Fun, patterned ankle boots are the perfect way to add a unique touch to your everyday outfit. Let these statement pieces be the stars of the show.  Pair them with a simple, solid-colored top in a neutral tone like black, white, or gray. This ensures the boots take center stage without any competition. When it comes to the patterns, the world is your oyster! From bold florals and geometric prints to playful animal textures, choose a design that reflects your personality and complements your existing wardrobe. Remember, with patterned boots as your statement piece, keep accessories minimal and elegant. 

WEAR ANKLE BOOTS WITH TAILORED TROUSERS AND A CABLE-KNIT SWEATER

Ankle boots, nice pants, and a warm sweater make a classic and stylish outfit that you can wear to work or on the weekend. The pants should fit well and make your legs look good with the boots. Choose boots that match the outfit, like cool Chelsea boots, fancy heeled boots, or chunky heels. For accessories, pick eye-catching pieces like a necklace or earrings, and keep your bag simple. You can change your accessories or add more clothes to stay warm when you switch from work to the weekend.

ROCK JEANS AND A T-SHIRT FOR A TIMELESS, CASUAL LOOK

The jeans and t-shirt combo is a fashion staple for a reason – it’s effortless, stylish, and endlessly adaptable. This timeless pairing is perfect for casual outings, errands, or just relaxing at home. The beauty lies in its versatility.  A crisp white tee and dark wash jeans create a clean and classic look, while a graphic tee and ripped jeans add a touch of personality. No matter your style, there’s a jeans and t-shirt combination that works for you.  With the right shoes, you can take it anywhere. Sneakers keep it casual, while boots or heels can add a touch of polish. So next time you’re reaching for something comfortable and stylish, remember the timeless appeal of jeans and a t-shirt.

PAIR FAUX LEATHER WITH ANKLE BOOTS FOR AN EDGY LOOK

There are endless ways to rock this edgy combination.  Think sleek faux leather leggings paired with chunky combat boots for a street-style vibe.  For a more polished look, try a faux leather skirt with pointed-toe ankle boots and a tucked-in blouse. Don’t be afraid to experiment with textures and colors.  A glossy black faux leather jacket adds instant cool to a simple tee and jeans, while a wine-colored faux leather skirt paired with neutral boots creates a rich and sophisticated edge. 

WEAR ANKLE BOOTS WITH A WRAP DRESS IN WARM WEATHER

You can wear ankle boots with a wrap dress even when it’s warm outside! It’s a stylish choice for sunny days. Just remember a few things: Choose a wrap dress made of light fabric like cotton or linen to stay cool. A shorter dress looks nice with ankle boots and gives a relaxed feel. Pick ankle boots that are light and summery, like ones with cutouts or sandals with ankle straps. If it gets chilly in the evening, you can add a light jacket over your dress for extra warmth and style. With these tips, you’ll look fashionable and feel comfortable in your ankle boots and wrap dress combo, even in warm weather!

SHOW OFF YOUR CONFIDENCE WITH A BODY-CON DRESS

Ankle boots complement this fitted style perfectly. Show off your figure by pairing a mid-length black body-con dress with a leather jacket and heeled ankle boots, guaranteeing attention-grabbing style. Complete the look with chic sunglasses for that ultimate fashionista vibe. According to fashion expert Joanne Gruber, confidence is key in your outfit. “Your style starts with how you feel inside,” she emphasizes. When you wear your outfit with confidence and feel fantastic in it, that’s when you truly shine.

ROCK A BOMBER JACKET AND GRAPHIC TEE FOR A YOUTHFUL LOOK

Show off your unique personality with graphic tees, a comfy choice to express your interests, such as your favorite band. Add a touch of edginess to your outfit with a bomber jacket. For a rocker vibe, pair it with ankle-length combat boots, or opt for ankle boots with a bit of a heel to add a feminine twist.

CONCLUSION

As you can see, age is just a number when it comes to rocking ankle boots! With a variety of styles to choose from and endless outfit combinations, there’s a perfect pair (or a few!) waiting to be incorporated into your wardrobe. So don’t be afraid to experiment, embrace your personal style, and strut your stuff with confidence. After all, fashion is all about having fun and feeling fabulous, and ankle boots can be a key player in achieving that for any woman over 40.

GUIDE TO JAPANESE SUBSTYLES

This is a list of various substyles within fashion, along with their definitions. Keep in mind that styles often overlap and mix, so don’t worry too much about labeling your outfit under one specific substyle. In the end, it’s all still girly kei!

Core Styles

CASUAL GIRLY

As the name implies, this substyle is casual girly kei. The clothing is often oversized and made from comfortable materials, promoting a relaxed vibe. Hairstyles, makeup, and accessories tend to be simple, with braids and twintails commonly seen. This versatile substyle can range from modest to flashy, depending on how you choose to coordinate your outfit.

SWEET GIRLY

The most popular substyle is known for its playful, over-the-top details like lace, ribbons, and plenty of cute prints. Pastel shades dominate, though darker colors can also be found. Decorative elements are more extravagant compared to other styles, and hair accessories like headbands and ribbons woven into ornate hairstyles are common. Accessories and even main pieces often feature bijou detailing, adding a touch of sparkle. When it comes to footwear, platforms are the most popular choice, though tea party shoes and Mary Janes are also frequently seen. During winter, ankle boots become a stylish and practical option.

FRENCH GIRLY

French girly is a substyle that embodies the romanticized image of a young French woman, similar to the popular “French model aesthetic” seen on TikTok. Outfits typically feature lower platforms and a monochromatic palette of black, white, and gray, often mixed with creams and off-whites. Key elements include hairbands, pearl and gold accents, curled hair, berets, tweed, and ruffled sleeves. Many wearers incorporate high-end European fashion designers into their looks through accessories or cosmetics. While French text is common on accessories, it’s rarely found on clothing.

NATURAL GIRLY

At first glance, natural girly may resemble mori fashion, sharing a vintage-inspired aesthetic. It features a soft silhouette with longer skirts and delicate embroidery. Earth tones are popular, along with square-toed shoes, loafers, canvas bags, and minimal or no-makeup looks. Thrifting is a common practice among natural girly wearers, who often prefer pieces made from all-natural fabrics.

OTONA GIRLY

This substyle caters to those looking for a more mature look. Outfits typically feature longer skirts and a toned-down aesthetic with fewer details. While not always the case, colors tend to be muted, creating a more understated appearance compared to other styles. Solid colors, simple floral patterns, and polka dots are common, along with designer handbags and high heels. Newcomers may find it challenging to distinguish otona from general feminine fashion, as the style emphasizes subtle cute details, even in its simplicity!

RETRO GIRLY

This substyle draws inspiration from retro fashions, making you look as though you’ve stepped right out of the past! It often includes outfits resembling old-fashioned school uniforms, with browns, creams, and lots of plaid being key elements. Folded socks, tights, Mary Janes, and hats are also common accessories. Despite the vintage feel, the clothes in this style aren’t actually vintage but are designed to have a retro aesthetic. It’s all about capturing the charm of old-school fashion while keeping it fresh and modern!

DARK GIRLY

Despite its name, this substyle isn’t just girly kei in dark colors—it has a distinctly edgy vibe. Unlike sweet girly, which focuses on cuteness, dark girly embraces a bolder, more rebellious atmosphere. Key elements include heavy makeup, bondage-inspired accessories, and dramatic platform shoes. Religious iconography, like crosses, hexagrams, and rosaries, is commonly featured. Lace socks and fishnet stockings are popular in this style, with ripped fishnets being a common touch to add to the edgy aesthetic. This substyle blends a sense of mystery with a tough, fashion-forward attitude.

Related Styles

HIMEKAJI

Contrary to what some in the West may believe, himekaji is not solely a gyaru substyle! This fashion is defined by floral prints and abundant lace. While short skirts were prevalent during the gyaru boom, longer garments are now popular and can also be styled for girly kei. Pearl details and accessories are just as common as bijou elements, with an emphasis on keeping accessories elegant and cute.

MENHERA

If you’re not familiar with the menhera subculture, it’s a good idea to start with articles by Menheratic. The style often features vent art prints, with a variety of clothing options, including girly pieces. Outfits typically consist of an oversized top worn as a dress, minimal accessories, platform shoes, simple hairstyles, and byojaku makeup. However, it’s important to remember that menhera primarily focuses on mental health awareness, and the true essence of a coord lies in the meaning assigned to it by the wearer!

JERSEY MAID

Since around 2020, Japanese alternative fashion enthusiasts have embraced (often kawaii-fied) tracksuits and a general gopnik attitude, which has influenced various styles, including girly kei. Although the term suggests a maid-like appearance, it applies to all sorts of frilly tracksuit-inspired outfits, regardless of whether they feature an apron. It’s worth noting that searching for “tracksuit” won’t yield the desired results; they’re referred to as “jersey” in this context. This trend is closely tied to the mizuiro aesthetic, popularized by Tenshi Zyoshi.

CHINA KEI

This style has been around for some time but is often unfamiliar by name. China kei is a kawaii-inspired take on traditional Chinese clothing, including tangzhuang, qipao, and hanfu. Accessories like bun covers, hair sticks, and Chinese knots are common. While Japanese brands may occasionally release similar items, it’s much more prevalent among Chinese indie brands on platforms like Taobao.

OtherJAPANESE TRADITIONAL

JAPANESE TRADITIONAL

Many reinterpretations of traditional Japanese clothing exist across various styles, and girly kei is no exception. This aesthetic includes numerous kimono and yukata designs, as well as girly kei brand releases that incorporate iconic collars and sleeves while maintaining the fashion’s essence. Wearers often pair these outfits with girly kei accessories, intricate hair ribbons, and decorative nails to complete the look. Some may even choose non-traditional platform shoes instead of tabi and geta!

GIRLY-INSPIRED COSTUMES

Given the fashion’s popularity, it’s no surprise that there are costumes inspired by the girly kei style. Themes like jiangshi, nurses, maids, and nuns often receive a girly kei twist, especially in Halloween specials of Larme magazine. Essentially, if you can imagine it, you can make it girly! While not always shown, it’s also common to see idol costumes infused with girly elements.

conclusion

While this may not be an exhaustive list, I hope you found it informative! If there’s a specific substyle you feel is missing and deserves attention, don’t hesitate to reach out to me in my inbox!