What shoes should a 40yo wear with this outfit?

[Positivitie]

Orange jumper and navy wide leg trousers in a short length so they look cropped around the ankle.

Do I go for trainers? Navy ballet pumps? Something else?!

Nothing like "supermarket ones" in their construction but even then in appearance not sure what you mean?

They look quite inoffensive to me compared to the other trainer horrors which have been suggested. The Hoff ones were 100% hideous. I wouldn't buy these but if forced to choose between these and the Hoff ones or go shoeless I'd take these.

All trainers look as if they come from a supermarket. I suppose if one knows the branding marks the expensive ones are identifiable.

Agree. There are many modern styles of Ballet pump. Personally I think white trainers with outfits are starting to look a bit dated now and almost like a uniform on women of around 40.

Had a look at the website -damning with faint praise but their merino trainers are some of the least ugly trainers (being more like sneakers than trainers) I've seen.

The casual ballet flats are nice.

I know this is S&B but there is no need from some posters to be so pointlessly bitchy.

Yes the outfit the OP posted is not to my taste either. But unless you're really not very bright and struggle to use language, there are more subtle ways of recommending shoes that might work better than others, rather than immediately telling her she'll look dreadful if she dare to wear ballet pumps. Or - gasp - trainers.

Is it too much to ask to be polite to a woman who's asking for help and has been through a difficult time?

As for the shoes - OP, I would wear Adidas gazelles. Because I am lazy, I love my Gazelles and I wear them with everything. I would also suggest you can do better than those trousers. But if you like them, buy them - don't listen to some randomer on the internet who pretty much only wears running kit.

It depends on your vibe / style OP. I am wearing M&S wide leg black jeans today with a similar jumper. (Similar age to you). Today I'm wearing high tops converse but I also wear various non-athletic trainers, eg Veja v-lock, NB, and adidas gazelles with this outfit.

I find the above more comfy than flat / ballet pumps and I do a lot of walking. I could also wear chunky black ankle boots (also M&S) if you feel like a more sturdy wintery option.

I also really recommend the wide leg black jeans as they do look smart but they also feel nice and structured round my tummy and bum.

Good luck choosing!

@RainyDaysareCarp , I meant they look like they were bought from the clothes section of a supermarket.

asda runners

@NatashaDancing I like the Hoff ones. 😂

I would wear orange shoes. Chunky heeled suede with a full covered toe and open heeled maybe a sling back.

Thanks to all the helpful and supportive posters, I now have a long list of shoes to google and buy this evening while DH is watching the footy.

I’ve been on here since my mid-20s and it’s never failed to surprise me what innocuous threads can generate such bitchy comments. I can only surmise that such posters are deeply unhappy with things in their own lives for them to come online and troll a thread such as this one!

I saw the jumper in real life yesterday btw. It's nice. I wanted it in black, but all sold out, annoyingly.

I've been reading the thread thinking exactly the same. Bet you wish you'd never asked!

Ballet pumps are totally back, especially with a deep almond shaped toe. Not the dolly style we all had in 2010. I'd do a nude BP with that.

I haven’t read all the posts so apologise if someone has said this; ballet pumps are probably lovely on someone who looks ballerina like - small, neat, v slim. Along with most women ballet flats look a bit rubbish on me because, although not overweight, I am not small or neat or v. Slim. OP if you have a ballerina style shape the go for it (although I think wide leg trousers are not correct with ballet flats either) but if not, trainers, brogues or loafers would be better IMO.

Ballet pumps are really bad for your feet.

@Newwardrobe , you can get ballet pumps with arch support. The completely flat ones are dreadful for your feet. I cringe when I see schoolgirls wearing them.

@KirstenBlest I know, 3 years of plantar fasciitis and an operation later and I'm very careful about footwear now.

Just wanted to add, I've seen lots of YouTubers wearing the m&s wide leg trousers, and I like the look, but on me there is to much fabric, they look to baggie, I'm petite 5ft2, maybe they suit taller people better, and sorry I don't like ballet flats, I've never owned a pair, I have tried and they make me look stumpy.

@Newwardrobe , I've always been fairly fussy with my footwear. I've had trouble from dropping something rather heavy on my bare feet. It was only a metal ornament when I was doing some dusting but my foot hasn't been the same. Any footwear that hurt never got worn again, usually change into trainers for driving and commuting etc.

Firstly, what has your age got to do with anything? Wear what ever you like, contrary to what we used to be told, there are no rules about what you can/can't wear according to age.

Secondly, please don't wear those trousers cropped. I've never seen anyone (of any age) look anything but ridiculous is cropped wide leg pants. You just look like Mr Bean or a child that's had a growth spurt.

I'd go for something chunky, platform converse, or chunky loafers, but I do think ballet pumps are a bit naff.