Mastering Boot Season: Choosing the Perfect Style for Every Outfit
With colder weather around the corner, we are officially back in boot season! Not that you can’t wear boots and booties all year long, you really can - it just depends on your comfort (heat) level. There are so many different options to choose from; over-the-knee, knee high, slouchy, ankle, kitten-heel, riding boots, rain boots, Ugg boots (in my opinion not really a fashion staple), you name it. And on top of it you got a ton of textures and pattern options. Croc embossed, snake print, leopard print and suede are just to name a few and those are huge this season.
Figure Out The Purpose First: With a million choices out there, finding the right boot/bootie can be pretty confusing. Before starting the search, establishing their purpose is a good starting point to find the right boots or booties for you. Do you need a flat and functional pair for facing the winter elements or chasing after your toddler? Or a style that looks instantly elegant to go for an evening out right after work or be ready for an upcoming holiday party?
Pick Your Material: Patent leather, velvet and satin are perfect materials for dressy occasions. You can wear those super dressy for a night out or event look or also dress them down with a pair of jeans for example. Suede in general got a casual touch. If your boot or bootie is pretty chunky with a block heel on top of it, it’s even more casual. Pointed toes and skinny heels are always the most dressy styles.
Choose the Right Fit: Finding the right boot or bootie is not always the easiest task. Besides the style, they generally have to be comfortable for your feet but also have to fit your calves and ankles. If you are petite (5.4 and under) or have got shorter legs, the knee high boots often literally hit the knee, which not only looks out of proportion but also is very uncomfortable. Always check the calf circumference and shaft height before ordering or purchasing a knee-high boot.
Now, which boot or bootie to wear with a certain outfit? Here are some ideas:
Knee-high boots:
Those are super versatile and are a footwear staple when it comes to smart winter dressing. You can wear them with skirts, dresses and pants. If the boot has got a bigger gap around your calves, I would suggest wearing them with either jeans or pants. Skinnies but also with wide leg pants work for this look. The knee-high boots wide leg pants combo is a more edgy look and fashion forward look. A block heel, round, square or almond toe is always more casual than a skinny heel with a pointed toe. With skirts there really are no restrictions on which kind of skirt to wear them with. A knee-high boot pretty much works with all skirt styles and length.
Booties:
Current styles vary from low-cut ankle to regular ankle booties. Some women are thicker above and around their ankles, which certainly makes it harder to find a bootie with the perfect fit. For those women it’s almost best to go with a sock bootie style which has stretch to it. A sock bootie style is also perfect for petite women as they compliment their body type very well. Booties are also super versatile and can be worn with skirts, dresses, jeans or pants. But if you have got thicker legs, I would suggest wearing tights in the color of the booties (darker colors like navy, brown, burgundy, olive or black) are always more slimming than lighter ones.
For a sleek look tuck skinny jeans or leggings into ankle booties. You can also cuff your jeans just above the boot. Make sure the shaft is still covered by the jeans. If you want to go shorter with your jeans and expose a bit of your leg, you have to understand that this now has a shortening effect on your legs.
Layer with Socks and Tights:
Add socks that peek over ankle booties for a cozy touch, especially with cuffed jeans.
Tights under dresses or skirts:
This not only adds warmth but also sophistication. Opt for opaque or patterned tights to add texture and visual interest. And don’t be shy to add a color for a fun look!
