Are Clogs Fabulous after 40?
This basic clog should be updated with a boot
Hi Glam Gals,
Are clogs a fashion do or don’t for women 40 +? Thanks …..Nicole
Hi Nicole,
Deborah and I had an interesting chat about clogs today. I (JoJami) was commenting on how many women in the states (especially back east) seem to really like to wear clogs. Deborah, who is from Toronto was shocked! “Nobody ever wears them here!”
So then, of course, came the big question…. Are clogs fabulous after 40?
We know this is going to be a controversial topic, but we are standing by our opinion…
This is just too clunky to look fabulous
NO! Clogs are not fabulous, unless you wear them for teaching, nursing, gardening, or inside as slippers. You might get away with them when you’re off to Yoga, but even then it’s “iffy”. (PLEASE NOTE: THOSE WITH FOOT PROBLEMS ARE AN EXCEPTION!)
Why? It was hard for us to pin down exactly what we don’t like about them. … they are comfortable, easy to slide on and off, but yet neither one of us would be caught dead in them.
Looks like clogs will be coming into fashion this Spring, and we want to warn you that they have the potential to make those who are over 40 look frumpy.
You can wear these under jeans, but why not wear an entire boot that will have you looking more up to date!
So, in case you have a pair or two, we would like to share with you the Glam Gals top 5 reasons why you should put away your clogs:
- If you are wearing clogs, then you will need the appropriate outfit. That means you are wearing bootcut jeans or pants and are very casual. Never wear them with a skirt or dress!
- If you hate to part with them, have a good look in the mirror when you put them on with an outfit. Does it make you feel updated?
- They might be comfortable and easy to wear, but there are other options out there that will make you look much younger!
- The clunkier and chunkier the clog, the more matronly the look
- Clogs with the wrong outfit, can tend to make you look older than you are!
Now we can’t give clogs a bad rap and not show you some examples what to replace them with. Here’s a fresh take on the clog:
| Suede Boot:
This boot is the perfect alternative to a clog. It is much more stylish because it is finer and more streamlined, yet still gives you a little height like a clog. The suede makes it super comfortable and warm and goes with jeans and casual pants. |
 www.shoe-store.net (style:blondecorina) |
| The Bootie:
These high style booties are all the rage, you will be totally updated in them! Great with a straight legged pant or jean and can even be worn with dresses and opaque hose. |
 These boots are from Nordstrom |
| Side Zip casual boot with low heel:
You can wear these like you would a clog. They are casual but still comfy. With the side zipper they are still easy to get on and off. |
 Found at Nordstrom |
| Pull on low boot:
This pull on boot can be casual or great for work. The leather makes it a little dressier, but the elastic makes it easy to get out the door in a flash. |
 These bots are at Zappos |
| To see one other boot we blogged about way back when check out this clog blog post | |
Ugh, I am so glad you posted about this. I hate clogs – I had one pair my husband wanted me to buy and I ditched them as soon as I could to avoid hurting his feelings. He has great taste but also a blind spot about these horrible things. I do understand about being on one’s feet all day but I’d think real nursing shoes with proper support would be much better. But maybe they don’t make those any more? The ones with the corrugated bottoms? Or Doc Martens, perhaps.
Anyway, my sister-in-law wears clogs (even the name sounds outdated). I’m so sad to see her do that because she is really cute, and she’s younger than me, but her shoes (and many of her clothes) are frumpy! Surely there must be a similar shoe or boot (like the darling gray bootie above) that can substitute. Luellen, watch out – I am kidnapping you and taking you to Dillard’s for some shoes you can wear with pride.
Hi Jacque,
We are happy to post your comment. After all, the definition of “sexy” is broad and thankfully different for each of us. Fashion is most certainly something that is personal and an opportunity to express ourselves. Here at Fabulous After 40, we have our own taste that we like to share with our readers but we like to hear why others like what they like. Thanks for keeping this topic up for discussion!
I am a 50 year old man and respectfully disagree with your advice. There is nothing sexier than a women wearing clogs with no socks on. I agree that comfort and health must come first but there are many styles of clogs that are both comfortable and healthy , as well as stylish. Clogs are definitely better than pumps or wedges, or many other styles
You are generally correct with our advice, but on this issue I strongly disagree – ther eis nothing sexier than a woman in her 40s 50s or 60s wearing a nice pair of clogs with no hose nor socks
Hi CJ,
You found an older blog post that we had written a while back.
You might like to read our recent post about clogs that pass the fashion test. Great to hear from you!!
Many clogs are ugly, and there is certainly a wrong way to wear them. I wear some lower-heeled clogs with jeans/pants, but you can’t really tell because my pants cover them. I don’t wear a full boot usually because they are too hot. But the high-heeled, not-as-chunky clog can be extremely flattering. Come on, bottom line, there can be some ugly clogs and some awesome ones, just as with anything else.
I caught this article about wearing clogs. I do love wearing mules but not clogs unless your camping or live Alaska. Mules are the most comfortable heels I wear. Usally about 2 to 3 inch heel and I have a few 4 inch. There are quite a few nice high heel clogs out these fall that are very sexy.
Hi Lucy,
We agree!!!! (did you get a chance to read our past post on clogs….I think you will be in our camp on this topic!
I think the Chanel style high heel ones would be ok with jeans but only if you could stand the heel height. The lower ones are hideous. That being said I won’t be buying a pair.
Just need to say, Aerosole brand shoes are a wonder. They are fashionable and as comfortable as you can get. I love heels, but I can’t wear them all day long or walking to and from the office. I got some aerosole mid-height heels and now I don’t have to wear ugly tennis shoes or some other unflattering shoe on the street.
Thanks Joy, the readers of that article seem to agree with us. Clogs may be in fashion, but boy are they one ugly hunk of shoe!
Hello Ladies:
I just happened to catch this short article and thought of both of you!
http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/beauty/are-we-really-going-to-wear-clogs-again-815972/#photoViewer=1
Be well! And, be fabulous(lol)
Joy
I could never pull off the clog look at my age. In my eyes they are hideous.
Hi Joy,
If you want to wear clogs and you pair them with a more boho look, then we like the shoes you have sent! We think another blog post on this topic is in order….There’s too much of a gray area around clogs to let this go, and it seems like everyone has such strong feelings both ways! This is what it is all about, taking fashion ideas like this and dissecting them! We’re so glad that you have pushed this topic forward! Thanks
Hi Deborah and JoJami:
You don’t have to publish this comment if you don’t want.
However, I wanted to show you two versions of the updated clog:
1)http://www.socashoes.com/servlet/the-23/wood-clogs-high-heel/Detail
2)http://www.zappos.com/roper-high-heel-clog
Yes, though they are classified as clogs, they look more like “mules.” However, they are really the same shoe.
I agree that some of the older version of the clog is really out dated. But, these two versions worn with nice trousers really do look fashionable.
Thank you for putting up with my argumentative nature:) And, yes, I do have a life!
Joy
Hi Mia,
Your comment is not at all mean spirited… we are glad to get others opinions out there. We are realizing that many women do have a more bohemian casual look and we are surprised at how passionate about it they are! I hope some of you will send in some photos for us to share!
I have been looking at this fantastic and fun site for a year now and have found myself in agreement with everything you have shown and written about. I was surprised by this recent clog article. I don’t want to be mean spirited, but I found the boots (especially the last two) much more aging and unattractive than the clogs. Jeans, clogs (even with socks for those of us who haven’t seen temperatures above freezing for 2 months), and appropriate casual wear on top look great. I especially like the last black pair and would even wear them out with black jeans and a great silk top or cashmere shawl.
HI Sherry,
Thanks for speaking up! You make some valid points. This is a hot topic and we hope that it will continue to hear both sides of this debate!
Hi Sherry,
We agree. Clogs aren’t a classic. They’re just a trend that has come around again. Channel is showing them for Spring, but we don’t even think they are very flattering on 20 years olds. Take a look. All this aside, clogs can be fun to wear , and at 20 something, we say fine – go for it if you like them, since your 20′s is the time in your life when it’s o.k. to be trendy and experimental. As for clogs on a grown up gal… our feeling is that they are too clunky, chunky, horsey (will all those studs), rather crude and bit tough.
Wow, the mere mention of clogs started quite a firestorm ! I disagree with Lilly who considers a clog to be a truly “classic ” fashion item. Many fashions reappear from previous decades, but that doesn’t mean they are flattering. For example big 80′s hair is back, but is no classic….just trendy fun. I feel that only teenagers and those in their 20′s can get away with wearing clogs,and only with bare legs in the summer. Clogs with socks ?? YIKES ! My 71 year old mother wears clogs with winter socks and long pants and they are aging. Period. I am not a slave to fashion. I mix things up and wear what looks good on me, but mature women are only kidding themselves if they think a clog flatters their legs. Comfortable, perhaps, but certainly not flattering.
One note about clogs… we see how a sleeker clog can work for a woman with a very casual, bohemian style, but many times we see big, rounded, clunky masculine clogs on older, dowdy women who have no style..so it does depend on the woman and on the clog.
If you feel like your style is frumpy and you are wearing clogs, get rid of your clogs. Clogs worn with the wrong outfit, will make you look 10+ years older than you are!
If you are fashion conscious with a more casual style, or you have foot problems, or you need to be super comfortable at work, then they clogs are o.k., but pick one that doesn’t look like you are wearing an ugly wooden block.
1) Depending on the type of clothes one wear with clogs, one can look very stylish and chic if that is the goal.
2) I’ve seen women wearing some of the boots you suggested with the wrong outfits and looked frumpish and out of style.
3) I personally don’t like or want to follow current “trends.” I do, however, want to look good, and do believe that certain styles can look too young on me. But, sorry, for me clogs (and cargo pants) will always be my personal fashion statement. Perhaps not worn together:)
Hi Jaimee,
I think what we don’t like about clogs is that they look like you are wearing bricks on your feet. Some look like fat, wide wooden crocs, and the other more streamlined ones with the thick, peg-like, wooden high heels and giant studs can sometimes look sort of “hookerish”. …..But, hey we’re open. Send us a pic of a pair of clogs that you think look more elegant, and we may reconsider. Personally, we like something finer and more sophisticated, but that’s just our taste.
I think it really does have a lot to do with the style of the clog. The chunkier the better. A more streamlined clog (like the black one you show) make most women look heavy. They look like they are too much weight for the shoe. I feel this way about mules in the summer. Only a small slip of a woman can wear them. Normal women look like they are overwhelming the shoe.
So as I was saying…a chunkier clog is OK. But only if it complements a fun kind of retro 60s vibe outfit. If worn with a plain sweater/jeans combo I say its a no.
I wear clogs due to health problems and because I wear a 12 wide. I also wear them with boot cut pants so the whole shoe does not show. Unfortunately, a lot of shoe stores do not think we want fashionable shoes at an affordable price. A shoe at Zappos could easily cost you over one hundred and fifty bucks.
I’m 47 and have bunions. Clogs are about the only shoe I can wear that doesn’t kill my feet. Any suggestions for other shoes or brands I should check into would be appreciated. I bought a dressy suede pair that doesn’t look bad with black pants.
Thanks Cindy for pointing that out. Check this out: Louis Vuitton
We rest our case. Cheers, The Glam Gals
Perhaps you are unaware that Louis Vuitton and Chanel both showed clogs in their Spring 2010 runway shows.
I am 50 years old, and I can assure you that I am not frumpy. I am also old enough to realize that the job of the fashion industry is to make us believe that we have lost touch if we don’t throw everything out every year or so and buy lots of new trendy things that will be outdated in another year. There are truly some classic items that keep coming around because they are, and always were, appropriate and attractive. Clogs are one of those things, and there are many updated styles that are flattering and stylish. As always, the best fashion accessory is a full-length mirror, and I would dare say that some of the desperate looking mature women I see wearing those clunky “booties” need to get one.
Hi Marcia,
You have a great point about having to be on your feet all day. We will have to update our post to include exceptions… like being a teacher or working on your feet all day in any type of job. Deborah living in Toronto, where fashion is much more European and updated than in the states, found it surprising at how many women wear clogs in the states and really did not know what they were when I mentioned them to her!
We are trying to help women see that clogs are not that flattering to wear, since most styles are clunky looking. Why not try something more updated? One more thing…we are saying that they are not fashionable because that is the truth. If you go wear fashion is like LA, NYC you will not see them as much. What is the definition of “fashionable”? If they are fashionable in your area or your circle of friends then that might mean it is fashionable to you, but in the world of fashion right now, they are not. Thanks for your comment, we are sure many women feel like you, but we are hoping to open everyone’s eyes to other options! Let us hope as we age we can keep our wardrobes updated and not get stuck in a rut!
Hi Mary,
Yes, we do understand that many of you can’t wear heels. That is why we suggested the low boots as an alternative. We can’t imagine clogs on cobblestone streets either. Your feet would not be supported in them!
Hi Janice,
You make a good point about wearing clogs for comfort at work. If you have to work on your feet all day, we agree that you should have on comfortable shoes. If clogs work for you then that is fine. We just wanted to point out that many women wear them all the time. It is part of their wardrobe. We want everyone to be comfortable, but we hope that many woman will be aware that when you choose certain “comfortable” shoes, like clogs you are going to sacrifice looking updated. The problem is women come to us for advice on how to update their look, but then we we tell them how to update it they don’t want to change. We are all for having women be who they are and be comfortable we are here to give advice on how to do that in an updated and fun way!
Hi Betty,
We are thrilled that at 70 you are reading our blog! We will have to update our site to mention the fact that our feelings about clogs are not meant for women with foot problems. That being said, clogs do not ,in fact, offer very good foot support, so you might want avoid them for that reason as well!
We are glad you are here and love hearing your voice!
Hi Victoria,
Sadly, the women who are wearing clogs (and writing in angry mail to us) are not the ones wearing stylish clogs like you mention. They wear their clogs for comfort and we do understand that. That is why we are suggesting low flat boots that are comfortable and much more youthful. I (JoJami) am in Miami, Florida for a few days where it is filled with Europeans. NO ONE has on clogs. As a matter of fact, most are wearing leggings, with tall flat boots and scarves. My mother is in Paris right now, but it is cold there too…she is reporting mostly flat or high heeled tall boots. I will have to take some photos to share!
Hi Joy,
We are glad to have your opinion on our site and that is why we posted it. We are not trying to be the fashion police;our goal, as stated, is to help women update their image. One thing we might mention in defense of clogs is that they are a better choice than white tennis shoes.
Well, shame on me for even being on this website. (Sorry, no offense, but who has the right to decide what we should or should not do.) That being said, I do agree that certain fashions, such as leggings, probably look ridiculous on “most” women over 50. But, clogs!!?? They are comfortable as you know what, and there are many “good” looking clogs out there. In fact, I would say that we women over 40 or 50 are better off wearing clogs than, let’s say, stillettoes!! P.S. I happen to wear my clogs with long, wide pants to work. They feel and look great:)
Sherry, I totally agree with you! I am also 52, just returned from a week in Mexico on a fabulous adults only resort and I saw women there in CROCS!! Really, if there is somewhere lovely sandals can be worn in this endless winter (I live in Alberta, Canada)then surely it should be at a hot, holiday resort. I wore dresses, high heels, cool jewellry, my only problem was my “Monika Hair” …you remember from Friends when they went to Hawaii, well that was me, but I survived.
Glam girls, keep us posted, oh and just for the record I wore a bikini too!!
I think alot of it has to do with the style of the clog. If it has a higher heel, and an almond,pointed or open toe, then a clog can look very European, sexy and chic – and very youthful! This is what you see all over Paris and Milan right now. Certainly a high heel clog is waaaay more sylish (not to mention more flattering to your legs and overall figure) than those dumpy,frumpity flat heeled boots you’ve shown here – those brown ones are FRUMP personified! P-eewww!
I am far older than most of your readers. At 70 years old I want comfort! Sure I would still love to be stylish but age has given me numerous medical issues with my feet. Anything other than well cushioned, low heeled shoes will cause me severe pain. I don’t happen to wear clogs but I certainly don’t mind seeing them on other women.
I am 63 years old, plan never to retire, if possible, and consider myself relatively fashionable. I travel around the country training teachers and when I work, I am on my feet for about 6 hours at a time. I have tried wearing shoes like the ones you recommend and can barely walk when I am finished working.
I wear Dansko clogs with boot cut pants and a coordinating jacket. I neither look nor feel frumpy. I also choose tailored clothing that skims my body because having lived through the girdle in my 20′s, I refuse to wear anything constricting, and that includes Spanx.
While I enjoy pretty, flattering clothing, I refuse to be a slave to fashion. I like myself and my clothing should enhance who I am, not make me uncomfortable and unhappy.
I don’t wear clogs but I wear comfortable shoes because I have knee problems. You ladies that can still wear heels are lucky. I am in too much pain to wear more than an inch heel. I also have to walk a lot on cobblestone streets and I couldn’t manage that with heels.
I’d like to see you “fashionistas” wear your illustrated shoes while standing up and walking all day in a hospital setting. Ha! Sometimes fashion becomes a little too obsessive, if not completely subjective. YOU may not like them, but plenty do, in the right circumstances. Not everyone gets dressed up to go to the grocery store, etc. Some people’s styles are “sporty” and would look ridiculous wearing the top fashions. So, let’s remember, just because you don’t like them doesn’t mean they are not fashionable!
I’m stylish. I’m 45. I know how to put an outfit together and I have to work especially hard because I’m petite and have to keep an eye on proportion. Having said that, I think there’s a place for all types of shoes in a wardrobe. I have heels, I have flats, I have most of the alternatives to clogs mentioned above. But I also have CLOGS and when I wear them, I wear them! Full tilt, 100%, no apologies. They’re full clogs so they don’t have an open back, and they’re the coolest brownish alligatorish pattern you’ll ever see. I live in a very fashion forward area where women have money, aren’t afraid to spend it on themselves, and know their labels. And without a doubt, almost every time I wear those offensive clogs, I get compliments. So perhaps it’s not the clogs, it’s how you wear them.
Hi Jill,
Can’t say we are in love with Zappos boots, or the other alternatives we posted. All the boots we selected are nice, but too traditional and basic for our personal taste. We chose them because they are plain like clogs, but several notches up from a clog–finer than clogs- We figured that clog lovers might like them. They seem an improvement from the telephone books we see some women wearing on their feet.
I agree and disagree with you. The clogs you have shown are hideous (so are some of the alternatives…the boots from Zappos). My 75 year old mom wouldn’t be caught dead in those clunky things. However, there are some really cute clog options that you have forgotten about.
http://www.zappos.com/apepazza-parma-tuscany-suede These clogs are fabulous!
http://www.zappos.com/frye-lacey-fringed-clog-cognac-antic-brush-off Here’s another example and Frye is always in style and cool.
Clogs can be hip and relevant but I think you needed to dig a bit deeper to show your readers more alternatives.
I’m a 52 year old mother of two little boys (7 & 10)and I LOVE my clogs; once again, “stylish” is in the eye of the beholder. I have two pairs of 4 inch platform clogs (one by Frye and one by Cole Haan) that are fabulous and a pair of Danskos that show off my handknitted socks. The Danskos are all the rage with the under 30 set; it’s the always-in-boots crowd that looks matronly and old fashioned. I wouldn’t be caught dead in those square-toed blocky heeled atrocities from Nordstrom and the low boots from Zappos look like Beatles boots. (I don’t do 60′s retro.) But I do agree that clogs are only for boot cut jeans (trouser cut, for me).
Hi, I love clogs, wear them with jeans to work in the yard, and definitely wear clogs to work (i.e., I am a nurse). They are great for your legs for long hours of standing. When I am out and about, i wear my “fab” shoes, clogs are great but not to be fab in.
crocs were made to be worn where… they are the ugliest things made for our feet except for post operative booties after foot surgery. and plastic (stinky toes)
diane
Sorry — it’s about the style of the shoe.
The suede boot and bootie are just ugly. I wouldn’t waste my money on them. And if you’re trying to avoid “chunky” that suede boot is a brick on your foot.
The side boot and casual boot are very nice — I have boots similar to those.
But, if I’m out and about and one of the things I’m going to do is visit someone’s house — I want something that’s easy to slip off and on in the winter because almost everyone wants you to take your shoes off when you go to their house in the winter.
Clogs are a pet peeve of mine ! UGH ! I totally disagree with Maureen. I’m 52 , mother of 3 grown kids and I will never give up looking and feeling sexy and stylish just for ” comfort ” .There are plenty of fabulous shoes that are comfortable and hot looking !I wouldn’t be caught dead in clogs. Don’t even get me started on those godawful ” crocs “, which should only be worn by hospital workers, nurses, etc.
Yes, we know there are many of you out there that do love your clogs. However, if you are interested in updating your image they will not do. If you like the way you look and feel in them, then of course wear them. We know they are comfortable, but “fabulous” they are not!
I think they are a must for any age.
I live in mine and I am in my mid 40′s. I know a number of women that are older than I and they are quite attached to their clogs as well. I think after a certain age it is comfort that is key.