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Give ‘Em the Boots!
Boot season has finally arrived and with so many choices it can be difficult to coordinate the right boot with the right outfit. From the Ug boot to the western bootie there is a boot for every occasion. Here is a guide to the seasons best boot picks along with some tips on when to and when not to wear.
The Ug style boot is one that came on the fashion scene about 4 years ago. It’s a very puffy retro looking snow boot that has somehow been able to stay the coarse. They come in various shades of usually brown and have a cozy lamb’s wool filling that keep your feet toasty warm. Because the boot can be sporty, it looks great with a pair of jeans or cords neatly tucked into the boot. I believe this boot is best worn on average size to slimmer women. I would also recommend that someone that is vertically challenged (5’3” and under) stay away from this look because it can make you look stumpy.
Next is the classic knee boot with heal. Ladies please hear me on this. The heel is the most important part of this boot. If the heels are leaning or warn out, please get them repaired or replaced. There is nothing worse than a leaning heel. 2 days at the shoe repair can be well worth a new tip on the heel. Make sure that the boot fits. To the slim women, you can have your knee boots taken in so that they don’t bell around your leg. A little room is good but when the boot can’t stay up because your calf muscle is too small, get them tailored or leave the boot at the store. I have a great tip for those with a slim leg. A nice thick pair of gym socks or even leg warmers under a pair of tights will add some volume to your leg. This will make the boot fit nice a snug without looking like a straw inside of a drinking glass. The classic knee boot has a variety of cuts such as the pointy toe or round toe. Be sure to choose the cut that is most comfortable for you. Buying a good quality pair of knee boots will be well worth the investment. Remember you get what you pay for. Try Macy’s and Nordstrom. The best time to buy boots is in January when the stores are trying to get rid of them. Knee boots can be worn with skirts, pants, gauchos and capris. Just make sure that you are working with winter friendly fabrics such as wool blend and denim etc. Linen and boots don’t feel like a good pair to me.
The last boot that can really ad some flare to your wardrobe is the bootie. This is a small miracle. The booties allow you to get the look of a boot under jeans or a long pant but it stops right at your ankle, sometimes it fits like a shoe. Now I have seen some celebrities try to wear these booties with short skirts and leggings. This might work for someone that is 15 years old. Booties also allow you to stock up on a variety of colors such as cognac brown, antique red, or tan without breaking the bank. They are considerably less expensive than boots. The tip to remember with a bootie is that they look best with pants or long skirts. Never wear a white sweat socks with a booties because at some point you will sit down and that sock will show itself.
At the end of the day taking care of your boots will preserve them for seasons to come. Keep up with repairs. Polish leather boots at least monthly to keep them supple. Always wipe your boots if they become wet in snow or rain and everyone knows not to wear suede in bad weather.
-Khylah Settle
Fashion Editor for JBM Magazine: “Lifestyles of the Woman of Color”
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