With the fall and winter seasons comes many wonderful things: cooler weather, holiday spirit, peppermint mocha lattes and boots! I’ve always had a love affair with boots, but my long-standing adoration for boots has intensified this year.
In this article, I’ll show you how and when to wear three specific types of boots. With this information I can make you one life-changing, statement-making promise: purchase two out of three of these types of boots, and you’ll be set for any occasion that comes your way.
1. Combat boots
I figured I’d start with combat boots – the most feared and favorited boots this season. Combat boots are amazing because they’re trendy, in-season and kind of edgy. Many people tend to shy away from combat boots, and I know they may seem a little intimidating at first. I promise that after you break yourself into wearing them, you won’t want to wear any other boot. These boots should be worn in more casual situations, such as to class accompanied by an adorable sweater and scarf. However, these boots can easily be dressed up and converted to the perfect shoe to wear to midtown. You can even wear them to a nice dinner with a beautiful blouse and leggings. Wear them to a more casual nighttime event with tights and a cute dress. I’m telling you, combat boots are much more versatile than you might think.
My style tip: Call me crazy, but I love to wear my combat boots with high-waisted shorts and a cropped shirt. Whether the shirt is sleeveless, short or long-sleeved, I guarantee this look will have the guys staring and the girls wishing they had thought of it first!
Top left: Journee Collection Buckle Detail Lace-up Boots – Target, $49.99 (http://www.target.com/p/womens-journee-collection-buckle-detail-lace-up-boots/-/A-14269722#prodSlot=medium_1_34)
Top right: Tallulah Blue Kendall Boot – Target, $39.99 (http://www.target.com/p/women-s-tallulah-blue-kendall-boot-taupe/-/A-14154357#prodSlot=medium_5_1)
Bottom left: Mossimo® Kalare Wedge Ankle Boot – Target, $34.99 (http://www.target.com/p/women-s-mossimo-kalare-wedge-ankle-boot-cognac/-/A-14241748#prodSlot=medium_3_9)
Bottom right: Studded Combat Boots – Forever 21, $39.80 (http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?BR=f21&Category=shoes_boots&ProductID=2030187946&VariantID=)
2. Ankle booties
Ah, booties. One of fashion’s best finds. Booties are perfect for a more “fancy” occasion. I like to wear mine for a night out in Gainesville. You can pair them with a cute dress, leggings and an oversized top, or even with jeans and a sweater. But don’t underestimate the power of the bootie! These adorable shoes can also be worn during the day because they can easily be dressed up or down thanks to the wedge they have that still looks somewhat casual.
My style tip: I always like to rock a mixed palette of looks when I get dressed. With a cute floral printed dress, these brown booties would provide an extra level of “dressiness,” but with an edge.
Left: Hailey Jeans Co. Lace-up Wedge Bootie – Target, $39.99 (http://www.target.com/p/hailey-jeans-co-woman-lace-up-wedge-bootie/-/A-13805500#prodSlot=medium_2_8)
Right: Mossimo® Kylin Ankle Boot – Target, $29.99 (http://www.target.com/p/women-s-mossimo-kylin-ankle-boot-assorted-colors/-/A-14092094#prodSlot=medium_1_11)
3. Tall boots
When I say tall boots, I don’t mean heel height (although that works, too!), I mean the height of the actual boot itself. You always see high boots – they’re the easiest to wear. This is because you can own one single pair of high boots and wear them with just about anything.
I’ve picked three different kinds of tall boots: tall boots with a heel, riding boots, and slouchy boots. Tall boots with a heel are often associated with evening attire or a dressy occasion. But it isn’t unheard of to wear these during the day — as long as it’s done right. Also, these boots should be worn with conservative clothing because they are more on the sexy side. They are trendy yet sophisticated. The buckle on the riding boots gives them an added detail, and the height makes them very versatile. You can wear riding boots with pretty much anything. Finally, slouchy boots are definitely on the casual side. The term “slouch” itself implies a lazier look. Slouchy boots look cute with dresses and skirts, too, but only if they are more casual.
My style tip: Black-heeled boots with black tights and a nice, dark colored dress make for a perfect fancy evening look. Riding boots with corduroys create a textured and interesting look. I love pairing my slouchy boots with leggings and an oversized tee.
Left: Scrunched Platform Boots – Forever 21, $39.80 (http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?BR=f21&Category=shoes_boots&ProductID=2030553665&VariantID=)
Middle: Mossimo® Kelli Tall Boot – Target, $34.99 (http://www.target.com/p/women-s-mossimo-supply-co-kelli-tall-boot-assorted-colors/-/A-14087925#prodSlot=large_1_3)
Right: Buckled Trio Boots – Forever 21, $39.80 (http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?BR=f21&Category=shoes_boots&ProductID=2000048891&VariantID=)