We're all mourning that time of year again when we have to retire our flip flops to the summer clothing storage box or the back of the walk-in closet. Fear not, ladies. We are not doomed to a winter of constricted feet or pinched toes in order to look fabulous. Winter fashion can be just as effortless as summer fashion; you simply have to know what pieces to have in your fashion arsenal.
There are three T's to remember when selecting a good pair of boots. Transitional, trendy and timeless. Those last two need not be mutually exclusive. It is possible to find a great pair of boots that will last you many years and still be on trend. Keep these three words in mind as you shop for you perfect boots this season.
1. Transitional
When shopping for boots, you want something that is going to seamlessly guide you from early fall to early spring. For example: ankle boots are all the rage right now. Find yourself a great pair of comfortable ankle boots and they go with just about anything.
This writer recently purchased a pair of charcoal gray silver studded suede Naughty Monkey ankle boots. The heel is not too high 2"-3" (if you go higher, you'll feel hot for about 20 minutes and then promptly start regretting your purchase), the color is neutral and they are just trendy enough to give my look a little bit of an edge while still giving me the peace of mind that I will be able to wear these two years from now and no one is going to look at me like I stepped out of a time capsule.
Ankle boots are a great transitional boot because you can wear them with a denim skirt without looking like a street walker and when the weather no longer allows, you can switch right over to a pair of skinny jeans or leggings and a slouchy sweater.
2. Trendy
You're walking a fine line here, girls. Trendy is a word that can turn on you very quickly if it is interpreted the wrong way. Let me explain:
You know those fabulous studded suede ankle boots I mentioned earlier; well, I should have also mentioned that I am 27-years-old. Would I recommend those same boots to my 56-year-old mother? Unequivocally no! However, a nice pair of taupe slouchy suede flat ankle boots with a sweet little tie detail in the back, like the Horkey style from Aldo Shoes; yes, absolutely. They are much more age appropriate and comfortable without straying from the trend. Age appropriate is key, here, ladies. There are many a pair of shoes I have passed over because no one over the age of 25 with a college degree or a full-time job should even consider being seen in them.
Your safest bet is to take something that is currently trendy, i.e. studs, and choose a watered down version. Coco Chanel has had it right all these years with the "less is more" theory. For example: a few small studs, one buckle instead of six, or a small fur trim instead of the whole thing looking like a polar bear foot. Only go for the show stoppers if you have the money to blow on something you may only wear once or twice. I don't wear my gold glittered platforms to Target.
3. Timeless
Here's where the economical part comes in. The fact is, most of us probably own a lot more shoes for the summer months than we do for the winter. Why? Because winter shoes cost more! Boots are on the expensive side; at least if you're buying good ones they should be. So, the name of the game here is to get the most "bang for your buck." I'm not going to advocate stocking your closet with cheap boots. A few here and there that you wear with certain outfits, sure. However, if you're going to shell out the money you need to remember the third T- Timeless.
Here's another example for you: two years ago I bought a pair of casual mid-calf black wedge boots with a tie detail around the ankle. I spent more than my normal shoe budget generally allows, but I was convinced that they would end up paying for themselves. Turns out, I was more than right! Here I am two years later with boots that meet all three of the criteria. They're casual so I can wear them with a skirt in the fall or a sundress and a cardigan in the spring, they're trendy (and age appropriate) and I'm going into my third winter with them still being on trend so they are timeless.
The perfect example of a timeless ankle boot is Maly black suede ankle boot from Aldo Shoes. The heel is modest 2"-3," it has just enough detailing to make it interesting and it can be worn with just about anything. I would recommend this shoe for women of all ages.
More styles to check out for winter
- Riding Boots. Boots inspired by the equestrian style are everywhere this season. Think a more feminine take on the motorcycle boot, and also available in a knee-high and over-the-knee variety
- Wedge Boots. Wedge boots are brilliant! They can be dressed up, dressed down and the best part is they give you height and make your legs look amazing without the awful pain that comes with stiletto heels.
- Flat Boots. Throw them over a pair of skinny jeans or leggings and you have added instant fabulous to an otherwise uneventful outfit. When it's one of those days that you're just out running to the drug store, the grocery store and the dry cleaners (maybe you sneak into Target for some retail therapy under the guise you need laundry detergent) these boots will keep you looking fabulous and feeling comfortable. What could be better?
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