A Lesson on Boots

Mid-calf Louboutins

Fall and winter means boot season. There's nothing better than slipping on a pair of well worn boots with a pair of jeans on the weekend, or jumping puddles in the city in a skirt and pair of heeled boots.

When it comes to boots I apparently start to think I live in some kind of commercial.

Boots are kind of a tricky one though. With so many different heights, heels, toe shapes, and sillouetes, how are you supposed to know what works and what doesn't before you make the investment?

The sometimes daring over the knee boot is a great look, but only if you're tall and skinny. They can look great with a pair of jeans or leggings, or a fabulous mini skirt for a night out. My preference for over the knee boots is always something with a heel and small platform. It creates that enviable legs for days look. There are flats out there, but one wrong piece of clothing a suddenly you look like an extra from Robin Hood. And I mean that in the worst way possible.

Knee high boots are way more forgiving and easy to wear than the over the knee style. Pair them with anything from jeans to skirts, dresses, leggings. The possibilities are endless. Knee high also comes in an endless variety of styles.

Don't wear these. Ever. 

A motorcycle or riding boot is a great casual option that's perfect with jeans. The heel provides a little lift but is really comfortable. It's also a look anyone can wear pretty easily.

When it comes to knee high flats the rules change a little. If you're under 5'7" purchase with care. A flat shoe does nothing for your legs, and can actually accentuate a shorter leg, cutting you off at the knee and creating a gnomey look.

I say this all in the nicest way possible. As someone who is 5'4" I am well aware of my inability to flat boots. The fact that I'm curvy doesn't help either, because it makes me look like a hobbit. Good for Halloween if that's your costume. Bad for everything else.

Charles David haunts me.

If you're not a fan of knee high boots, a mid-calf boot looks great on all body types and can be easily paired with skirts and still look nice. Charles David has a great pair that's available at 6pm.com with a platform and slender stiletto heel. I'm still kicking myself for not picking those up.

Embrace boot season, and don't hesitate to make a purchase (like I did). Go for something daring, classic, comfy or whatever other kind of style and height floats your boat. Just make it your own. And please, make sure your own look isn't something from a medieval or fantasy show. Unless you're going to the Renaissance Fair, then it's probably OK.