Thursday, 31 July 2014

Finding Fashionable Boots and Making Them Work



Boots are a classic way to express your personal style during the colder months. Finding the perfect combination of fit and fashion can be daunting given the number of choices, but, once you find the right pair for you, they will give your wardrobe a boost.

Finding the Perfect Fit
Shopping for boots can be more complicated than shopping for other shoes because you have to find the right shoe size as well as the right calf size. Unless otherwise stated, assume that a pair of boots has a regular width calf. If they feel snug or don’t zip all the way up, ask if they are offered in a wider calf or extended calf. Similarly, if they are too loose, ask if they are available in a narrow calf size. If you plan on tucking your pants in your boots, make sure you wear pants when you’re trying them on. Added material may make a noticeable difference in the fit, resulting in a wider calf size being more comfortable.

High Heels
Boots that extend to your knee with high heels or wedges are easier to wear than you think. Stiletto heel boots are a great cool weather shoe because they will keep your feet and lower legs warm while being fashionable at the same time. If you feel more comfortable in something lower, kitten heels are a wonderful alternative. With either choice, don’t trade style for safety. If you’re going out in ice or snow, you should make sure to choose something with adequate traction.
To maximize the versatility of your boots, go for a simple style in black or brown that will go with most anything. A pencil skirt and a fitted button-down shirt with a thin-heeled boot just below the knee will look great at the office. Flouncy, feminine tops pair well with jeans and boots for going out at night..more after the cut

Flats
The design influence for the equestrian style is horseback riding boots. The defining characteristic of these timeless boots is their simple look. The shaft is just below the knee with a small buckle and short strap on the side.
To achieve a classic preppy look, pair this style of boot with a blazer and khaki pants or denim.

Mid-Calf Boots
Mid-Calf refers to where the boot hits on the leg. They can have any heel height, from high stiletto to flat. As a general rule, you shouldn’t tuck your pants in them. Since they have a shorter shaft, they appear to cut your legs in half rather than elongate them. Wear these boots with trousers, and leave them under the pant leg. They give a fresh look to knee-length skirts and dresses.

Introducing: Ankle Boots
High-heeled ankle boots, also known as booties, are an old trend that is new again. They typically have thin heels and sparkle with design flourishes. They are an ideal alternative to wearing mid-calf length or higher boots under dress pants or denim because no one will know the difference. You will stay much cooler, especially in an office that overcompensates for the cold by turning up the heat.
If you are lucky enough to have long, lean legs, it will be easy for you to pull off ankle boots with skirts and other shorter bottoms that will let you show them off. However, if you are short in stature, ankle boots may leave your legs looking even shorter. For the office, they’ll work well with knee-length pencil skirts and trousers. Flouncy or bubbly skirts, dresses and any sort of denim can also be worn with these.

Chic Cowboy Boots
Cowboy boots will instantly add flair to your wardrobe. To make them more versatile, opt for a classic pair that doesn’t have too many metal embellishments. If you’re unsure as to what to wear with them, try a corduroy skirt with a V-neck sweater in the fall and, as the temperature rises for summer, floral summer dresses will add femininity.

Tips on Tucking to Reduce Bunching
The most common pet peeve that women have with wearing knee-length boots with denim is the bunching around the knees that can occur. To prevent this, tuck the bottoms in a sock and then slide your foot into the boot. Another tip is to leave your pants unbuttoned and low on your hips while you put on your boots. You can then pull your pants up until just the right amount of pant leg comes out, decreasing the chance of bunching. Also, take a look at the type of jeans you’re trying to wear with the boots. Try a pair of skinny jeans without the extra material that flared or bootcut styles have. Lastly, you may want to try your denim capris from the summer, which have even less fabric to tuck inside the boot.



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