2022 - Page 3 of 3 - Uufey Shoes

Fashion

Trends Spotlight: Bohemian and Preppy

As we settle into 2022, the new year brings with it a chance to freshen up your wardrobe with the latest trends. Two trends in particular that gained attention in 2021 and show no sign of stopping down are bohemian and preppy style.

Trend Spotlight: Bohemian

Bohemian, also know as ‘boho’, is a trend that originated from hippie culture, consisting of a lack of structure, various earthy colours and patterns, and vintage influence. Boho style comes from a place of practical fashion, with flannel, jeans, and leg warmers being popular boho staples.

Boho first appeared in the early 2000s with celebrity influencers Kate Moss and Sienna Miller being popular trendsetters, and the cross-generational appeal of the boho style led to its ascent and lasting hold on popular fashion. Accessories and distinctive patterns are also popular in the boho look, with a pagan influence happening in the more recent boho phase. Boho can be defined as a lifestyle of vintage appreciation with grunge influences.

Bohemian Style: Shoes

The Chelsea Boot has risen to popularity over the last few years for its versatility and utility, as well as it’s timeless style. Chelsea boots are named after the part of London that their popularity emerged in during the fifties and sixties, Chelsea, West London. The elastic side panel makes the Chelsea boot more distinctive than a typical ankle boot, and its simple but unique style has made it an iconic fashion piece.

Chelsea boots are the perfect addition to any boho outfit due to their practicality and signature style unchanged since their popularity in the sixties. Chelsea boots match with jeans and skirts alike, making a great wardrobe staple.

Try pairing Kene Chelsea with a flannel layered over a t-shirt with ripped mom jeans for a modern boho chic look, or with a vintage midi dress with bold pattern distressed denim jacket for a laidback and hipster inspired boho aesthetic.

Trend Spotlight: Preppy

Preppy is a form of fashion aesthetic with collegiate fashion origins, its name derived from ‘university-preparatory’, also known as ‘prep school’, a type of private American school typically for the upper class.

Taking inspiration from college dress codes, and with a focus on quality and classic clothing, preppy fashion takes both the college dress code and nerd culture fashion and builds its own distinct style. V-neck jumpers, argyle print, blazers and blouses are all staples of a preppy wardrobe.

A focus on high-quality is preferred to fast fashion, and looking sleek, structured and coordinated is a must. Tradition is favoured in preppy aesthetic, and individual variants of the preppy style have emerged as people incorporate their own traditions.

British preppy style favours toward Oxford, Cambridge, and British high society inspiration – think bowler hats, Oxford shoes, Cambridge satchels and the classic British tweed. On the other side of the pond, American preppy style constitutes as chinos, polo shirts and sweaters.

Preppy style: Cill Cut-Out Bootie

Cill Cut-Out Bootie is a low-rise ankle boot with cut out sides in a beautiful mahogany brown leather. Cill is the perfect boot to go with a preppy outfit due to its classic and versatile style, additionally, it’s built for comfort!

With a removable insole, Cill offers arch support and is great for sensitive feet so you can be fashionable and comfortable. Pair Cill boots with slim jeans, a loose-fitted blouse and a V-neck knitted jumper for cute preppy aesthetic. For a more structured look, opt for a tie-bow blouse and earth tone blazer.

Uufey 18th January 20226th April 2022

Evolution Of Foot Structure and Why Traditional Styles Can Cause Strain

According to The American Podiatric Medical Association, ‘42% of women admit that they would wear a shoe they liked even if it gave them discomfort, 73% admit to already having a shoe-related foot issue.’ Sadly, this statistic is not surprising as the majority of women do not know the negative impacts of their daily footwear.

Different Footwear Styles: What Is Causing Strain?

High Heels

For decades high heels have been the staple footwear style for women which has only resulted in decades of unnecessary foot pain. Whilst it is not totally wrong to wear heels, it is recommended that you don’t, especially for such long periods of time. When wearing heels, your foot is in the plantar flexed position. This position is unnatural for your foot alignment and as your muscles are stretched you begin to feel pain.

According to Healthline: ‘An injury to any of the muscles that support plantar flexion can limit your ability to flex your foot or stand on tiptoe. Ankle injuries, including sprains and fractures, are one of the most common causes of plantar flexion problems.’ It is important to remember that other parts of your body can be injured due to your choice of footwear, especially areas such as your ankles, legs and lower back.

Pointed Toes

Footwear with a pointed toe design can cause many problems. When wearing the shoe, your toes are confined to a small space, similar to high heels the positioning then creates an unnatural alignment. This is backed by Piedmont who says ‘The awkward positioning of your toes can also cause them to contract and eventually curl under permanently, a condition known as hammertoe.’ As well as Hammertoe occurring, these shoes also increase the likeliness of developing Bunions. If left untreated Bunions can then lead to problems such as arthritis and ingrown toenails.

Flats and Flip Flops

These styles of shoe can cause a lot of pain as they lack a very important feature, arch support. Arch supports help to distribute pressure when standing and walking. Without the correct support, your feet are put under pressure because of your body weight, this then causing pain in sensitive areas of the foot like the ball, heel and arch.

Cincinnati Foot and Ankle Care recommends using supports because ‘Arch supports serve as extra cushions for the plantar fascia, providing elevation and shape for the foot as you walk and run.’ Flat shoes may be seen as a comfortable solution compared to high heels however it is suggested not to wear them too often in order to prevent these conditions from occurring.

Alternate Styles Better Suited For Support

Ankle Boots

Ankle Boots are a style which can be worn all year round. Often made with extra space around the toes, boots are less likely to cause problems like hammertoe and bunions. As well as this, they will support the wearer’s ankle, whilst looking after your feet is a priority it is also important to remember that ankles need to be cared for as they too take a lot of pressure whilst walking.

Wedges

Wedged heels are a great alternative to traditional high heels. With weight pressure evenly distributed across the Wedged heel provide the wearer with complete support, with this stability and comfort are both improved, and you won’t be left with painful feet after walking. This is supported by Dr. James Amis who speaks about the benefits of wedges rather than heels, in the SheFinds article he says ‘Wedges can actually relax the gastrocnemius (or calf muscle) a bit, which in turn reduces the linked tension on the plantar fascia. In most cases, my patients will experience short-term pain relief for their foot and/or ankle ailments when wearing a wedge shoe compared to high heels.’

Trainers

With people increasingly seeking comfort, trainers have become the most purchased shoe style in the world. Trainers are a reliable are made with the intention of protecting the users’ feet from injury whilst exercising. The tip of a trainer is also often wider to allow help increase stability and movability. Other features often included are arch support and heel cushioning, trainers are constructed in this way in order to minimise pressure on the feet whilst walking.

Uufey 11th January 20226th April 2022

Fashion

Over 40s Fashion

Fashion in your 40s can be a challenge. The fast fashion trends of the youth aren’t your thing, but you’re still a stylish, mature woman in need of feel-good outfits that are practical, comfortable, and look good!

Too often women reach their 40s and end up in neutrals and dark colours, fitting in with the crowd, or want a big change and aren’t sure how to go about it. So, here are some fashion tips for compiling a wardrobe for your 40s:

Be Utilitarian

Comfortable, convenient and functional is a must for wardrobes of all ages. Chinos are a great alternative to jeans that can have a new level of comfort and are available in many different colours and fits. Tie-waist wear adds dimension to your outfit, tie-waist jackets often feature multiple pockets, especially when in a military-style, and can be paired with a dress up or dress down outfit. Tie-waist trousers are a great style choice that are not too form-fitting but add a feminine outline to your outfit. You can find many more examples of utilitarian fashion by looking for functional clothing.

Be Classic

Building a lasting wardrobe that can fit your needs can be a challenge because of the variety of fashion choices available. By choosing classic staples for your wardrobe, you pick the looks that have stood the test of time for a reason. Classic looks also come from a time when the utility was valued and a product that would last a long time was an important feature. You could try classic and traditional coats and jackets in styles like pea coats, duffle coats and trench coats as a great way to add a classic look to your over 40s wardrobe.

Prioritise Quality

Quality clothing that looks and feels like a quality piece will make you look put together and sophisticated. You can pair one quality piece with a more relaxed outfit and look put together and stylish. Having one great quality jacket is a great way to add sophistication to an outfit in a hurry, or a great pair of shoes that stand out. In maintaining quality, keep your clothes and shoes in top condition by researching the best techniques for maintenance such as oiling leather or dry cleaning.

Search For Smaller, Independent Retailers

High street stores tend to tailor towards fast fashion and trends for younger consumers who make up the bulk of the fashion market. By shopping with smaller independent shops, you will find stores that tailor towards slow fashion and timeless classics. Some styles for over 40s might include midi style skirts and dresses, alongside patterns and colours such as floral and earth tones.

How Can Uufey Shoes Fit Into Your Over 40s Wardrobe?

Uufey offers a range of classic designs with boots, sandals and trainers with orthotic comfort. Orthopaedic footwear also aids in the prevention of foot conditions so could be used as a preventative measure for later in life. Kene Chelsea Boots and Sarah Zest Ankle Boots are some of our top picks for an over 40s wardrobe addition because of their versatility and classic style.

Uufey 4th January 20226th April 2022