The dos and don’ts of boots

Tafadzwa Zimoyo  Fashion Talk 263

While it’s easy to find boot styles to love — or lust after — figuring out how to wear them well is not so simple. We’ve scoured city streets for real-life examples of what works — and what doesn’t.Don’t overdo itIf you’re going to go for the gold (boots), you should keep the rest of your, um, ensemble simple.DO try the equestrian look

Don’t wear mid-calf boots like the riding boots if you have thick lower legs. This look is best left to women with slim calves
Don’t wear mid-calf boots like the riding boots if you have thick lower legs. This look is best left to women with slim calves

If you’re going to go for the gold (boots), you should keep the rest of your, um, ensemble simple.

DO try the equestrian look

It’s both cozy and cool to pair your favourite riding boots with a tailored blazer and slim-cut jeans.

Don’t be a rubber maid

Yes, we know that rainy weather is sometimes fun for your puddle-stomping inner six-year old, but that’s no excuse to wear childish cartoony rain boots. As an alternative, try the equestrian look from . . .

Do remember the classics

A classic rain boot is just as important as a classic trench: Both are timeless pieces you will wear proudly — and stylishly —for the rest of your life.

Don’t double up

Yellow boots and a yellow slicker? Not unless your style icon is a rubber ducky. Plaid boots and a plaid sweater? Um, no. Fur-trim boots and a fur-trim parka? No way, Jose, and the same goes for any other matchy-matchy look.

DO watch your hemlines

Don’t wear a dress or skirt that hides just the top of your knee-high boots —unless, of course, you are trying to achieve that boots-as-pants look. (Which, last time we checked, wasn’t a good look.)

DO shift into neutrals

When shopping for a new pair of boots, look for a pair you can wear with everything you own. Choose a neutral colour to get the most mileage out of em.

Don’t be afraid of the mid-calf boot

While the trendy calf-hugging boots can seem scary, if you pair them with a sleek and simple skirt or coat that hits at the knee, they can actually have a sveltering effect.

DO know that a little colour goes a long way

Bright boots spice up a simple outfit in mere seconds.

Don’t let your boots dictate your whole look

Ladies, don’t get us wrong: We love your pinks boots — we just kinda wish you would not then wear pink everything.

Don’t get sucked in

Don’t bunch your too-wide jeans into snug boots, much less snug booties. Opt for leggings or opaque tights instead (under a long tunic or dress).

DO show some skin

So how DO you wear booties with denim? Just pair the boots with tailored, ankle-length jeans and show a little (emphasis on little) skin, like you would with a pair of pumps.

Don’t underestimate the power of a boot

Most of the time, a good pair of boots can make (or break) an outfit. Boots don’t do much to keep your busy patterned dress and wild lace tight combo from looking wacky. Try pairing your basic black boots with opaque tights and a simple sheath, and you are all set and super stylish.

Don’t . . .

Don’t wear tall boots with loose fitting or flared pants.

Do . . .

Wear them with tights, stocking, leggings or skinny jeans.

Don’t . . .

Don’t wear tights or leggings that are a completely different shade to your boots.

Do . . .

Wear shades from the same family for a co-ordinated, more flattering look.

Don’t . . .

Don’t wear uggs and fur boots with formal outfits.

Do . . .

Wear uggs with skinny jeans or leggings and a cuddly jumper or jacket on top to balance the proportions.

Don’t . . .

Don’t wear mid-calf boots if you have thick lower legs, as they can accentuate your calf muscle.

Do . . .

Wear tall boots, or if you have a problem with fit go for ankle boots. More substantial boots flatter heavy legs (e.g. detailed, wedged, platforms).

Don’t . . .

Wear ankle boots with long skirts past the knee as this tends to look frumpy and matronly.

Do. . .

Wear ankle boots with tights, skinny jeans and leggings teamed with short winter dresses, oversized jumpers, jackets and trenches.

Don’t . . .

Don’t wear boots that are so tight up the leg that it results in “spillage” at the top.

Do . . .

Choose boots that fit and look comfortable. Ask a member of the Shoe Show team to suggest a style to suit you.

Don’t . . .

Don’t think your boots will just look after themselves in the winter weather.

Do . . .

Respect your fashion investment by protecting them with the recommended care routine. Get the correct polish or cleaner.

Don’t . . .

Wear over the knee boots with skimpy or statement clothing.

Do . . .

Wear with something simple and conservative eg a long sleeved short knitted dress, or with skinny jeans, a white shirt and a leather jacket. Let your boots make the statement.

and FINALLY Don’t . . .

Don’t wear ankle boots with 3/4 pants and mid length skirts capris as they can make you look shorter.

Do . . .

Wear ankle boots with tights, leggings, skinny jeans and long cropped pants.

 

glamour.com/shoeshow.com.au

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