It is that time of year again: boots weather! If you are like me, you have a ridiculous boot collection, considering Florida is only cold enough to wear them for maybe two months a year. Whether you are just starting to accumulate boots or you are like me and already have way too many, here are some tips for buying the right boots for the right outfit.
When you are shopping for boots, it is important to make sure you have a variety of boots in different colors, materials, and heights, because you need something that can go with any outfit. What I recommend is making sure you have at least one black pair, one brown pair, one pair with a heel, and one shorter pair. This spread covers all your bases and makes sure you have at least one pair that can go with any outfit.
Boots that come up lower on your leg look great with dresses and tights. My shorter pair is black with a cute bow in the back, and they are perfect for dressing up or dressing down. A pair of heeled boots is great for a night out with friends or your significant other. Be careful when shopping for heeled boots: they often feel comfortable in the store when you try them on, but if you plan on wearing them for a longer period of time, make sure they are truly comfortable or have room for a cushioned insert to keep your feet happy.
The first priority of shopping for boots should be finding those staple black and brown pairs that are the foundation for your collection. Having solid color boots in neutral colors is particularly important because winter wardrobes often lean toward darker colors, and these will go nicely with that color palate. A great website/store to find basic boots is DSW; they have hundreds of boots to choose from in all different shades and styles. Tyrone Mall in St. Pete just added a DSW so be sure to check there when beginning your search!
Another thing to keep in mind while shopping for boots is whether you want leather or suede. I love my suede boots, but if they get wet they never look the same. Leather boots can dress up any outfit, whereas a nice suede pair can be great for a casual day on campus or running errands.
No matter how many boots you do or do not have, shopping for boots can be easy and fun if you know what you are looking for. Before you begin shopping, make sure you decide what style or colors you are looking for to make your search easier and stress-free. Even Florida girls need to have a well-rounded boot collection!