Old money shoes for women are comfortable, well made and easy to walk in. You will not see towering heels, loud logos or trendy platforms. The classics are loafers, ballet flats, low heels, simple sandals and, in winter, a pair of riding boots. Here are the styles worth owning, how to choose them and what to wear them with.
What makes a shoe look old money
- A low heel or no heel. Old money style is about walking easily. Most classic shoes are flat or have a heel under 5 cm.
- Matte materials. Leather, suede, raffia, woven fabric or a good matte synthetic. Avoid anything shiny and plastic-looking.
- Neutral colours. Cream, white, beige, tan, brown, navy and black. A metallic touch in bronze or gold is fine in summer.
- Small or no logos. A plain shoe always looks more expensive than a branded one.
- Well cared for. Clean, polished shoes matter more than new ones.
The 6 old money shoes for women
1. Leather loafers
Loafers are the most useful old money shoe. They look smart with tailored trousers and relaxed with jeans or a skirt. Choose a slim shape in white, cream, tan or black, with a simple penny strap or a small metal detail.
Our Old Money Slip-On Loafers are a white slip-on with a small metal ring on the front. Outside BLENIN, Gucci and Tod's are the classic names, and Massimo Dutti has good loafers at a lower price.
Shop the look
2. Slingbacks
The slingback is the most elegant shoe you can walk in all day. A strap behind the heel, a pointed or rounded toe and a flat or very low heel. The two-tone version, beige with a black toe cap, is a Parisian classic because it goes with almost everything and makes the leg look longer.
Our Ankle Low Heel Shoes are a two-tone slingback in beige with a black toe cap. They work with midi skirts, tailored trousers and simple dresses. Chanel made this shape famous, and Mango and Massimo Dutti usually have an affordable version.
3. Ballet flats
A plain ballet flat is the easiest shoe for city days. Pick soft leather or suede in black, cream or navy, with no big bows. Wear them with cropped trousers, straight jeans or a shirt dress.
We do not sell ballet flats at the moment. Repetto and Margaux are well known, and COS usually has a simple version.
4. Horsebit flats and flat sandals
In warm weather, old money shoes stay flat and simple: a slingback flat with a small gold horsebit, or a sandal with thin leather straps. They look right with linen trousers, a cotton dress or a long shirt over a swimsuit.
Look for a woven or leather flat with a small gold buckle, or a sandal with two or three thin straps. Tan, cream and brown are the easiest colours. For classic leather sandals, K.Jacques and Ancient Greek Sandals are the famous names. For warm days in town, our slip-on loafers and two-tone slingbacks go with the same outfits.
5. Flat slides
Slides are the relaxed summer shoe. A square toe and a single wide leather strap look clean and modern. Brown and tan are the easiest colours to wear.
We do not sell slides at the moment. If you want one easy flat shoe for summer, our Fabric Slip-On Loafers are just as quick to slip on.
6. Riding boots
For autumn and winter, tall leather riding boots are the old money classic. They look best in brown or black, with a slim leg and very little hardware. Wear them with wool trousers tucked in, a knit and a long coat, or with a skirt and tights.
Ralph Lauren and Fairfax & Favor are good places to look.
What to wear with old money shoes
- Loafers: high-waisted tailored trousers, a fine knit top and a leather belt.
- Slingbacks: a midi skirt or wide-leg trousers with a crisp shirt.
- Ballet flats: cropped trousers and a striped top or a cashmere sweater.
- Horsebit flats, sandals and slides: linen trousers, a cotton dress or a knit set.
- Riding boots: wool trousers or a skirt, a cable knit and a camel coat.
How many pairs do you need?
Four pairs cover most of the year: leather loafers, slingbacks, a flat sandal or slide for summer and boots for winter. Add ballet flats when you want more choice.
How to look after your shoes
- Use a protector spray on new suede and leather before the first wear.
- Wipe white leather with a damp cloth after each wear so marks do not set.
- Keep boots upright with boot shapers so the leg does not crease.
- Take worn heels and soles to a cobbler early. A good repair adds years.
FAQ
What shoes do old money women wear?
Leather loafers, ballet flats, slingbacks, horsebit flats, simple flat sandals and tall riding boots, mostly in neutral colours.
Are sneakers old money for women?
Very plain white leather sneakers can work with a casual outfit. Chunky or colourful sneakers do not fit the look.
What colour shoes are most old money?
Tan, brown, cream, white, navy and black. Bronze and gold work in summer in small details.
Are high heels old money?
Rarely. Low block heels, slingbacks and kitten heels are more typical because they are elegant and comfortable.
Where can I see all BLENIN women's shoes?
In our women's loafers, sandals and flats collection and the quiet luxury edit for women.
