I have had a love affair with boots for years. The last couple of seasons we’ve seen more and more styles. Many women are embracing the tighter jean/legging look and tucking them in. Now we have even more reasons to wear boots. This fall the “over the knee” look made it’s way to the US. In my opinion, a girl has just got to have more than one pair of black or brown boots!
Need help? As a special for Style by Karen readers, ONE LUCKY reader will receive a FREE 3o minute Virtual Boot Consultation. I will help you find the right boots while we are both online. Make a comment and you are entered. If you do NOT win, and would still like this offer, please CONTACT me. For just $35 you will receive 30-45 minutes of my time finding you the perfect boots. If you are overwhelmed with online sites, hate shopping the stores, I can help save you time and money! Contest Ends Saturday, October 9th at 9 AM PST.
Karen’s TOP Reasons to wear boots:
1. Comfort! It’s all in finding the right pair.
2. Perfect combo with skirts. Many women complain about the low rise jeans. Put on a casual skirt and a pair of boots and you’ve got comfort! Skirts generally sit a little higher and this helps “reign” in weight around the middle.
3. Practical Outerwear. In the NW we can wear boots from September to June. There is no better option when it’s pouring down rain and you have to dodge puddles.
4. If you do not like your legs, worry about wide calves, hate wearing hose because your work requires it. Put on tights, boots and be happy!
There are so many choices this fall, it was really hard to limit what I showed. Boots are all over. What do you look for? If price is your criteria over comfort, start with options like Kohl’s, Target, Payless Shoes. Check the materials. Many lower priced shoes/boots are made from great faux leather. They don’t necessarily look plastic. On the other hand, leather breathes, it gives and lasts for years. Consider your feet and CPW when choosing.
DSW is a great source. Nordstrom Rack, Marshall’s and TJ Maxx will give you some great name brands for less. I enjoyed shopping with a client at DSW recently. Their site is VERY user friendly. I was pleased to see wide widths and you’ll even see WIDE CALF options. When shopping online you will see reviews as well as all the details from materials to dimensions. The circumference numbers are VERY important if you have wide or narrow calves– not all sites list this. They also have a good mix of man made materials for lower prices and leather that is reasonably priced.
Franco Sarto Torch, Naturalizer Brightly, Blowfish Jasper. All under $100 at DSW.
Next I’ve shown boots in range of prices. I’ve varied the style, heel height. My recommendation: Google search the brand name/style name I have listed. Then choose the store or site depending on your personal preference and availability. It’s also a great way to price compare. My allegiance is to Zappos and Nordstrom because of shipping/return policies. Be sure and read the fine print on the site before you order.
Under $100:
Steve Madden Candence, Naughty Monkey Detective
$150-$250
Fergie (specially designed for Nordstrom) Eric Michael Liat, Sam Edelman Naharra
Matisse Thea, Enzo Angiolina Saylem, Pikolinos Brujas
Corso Como Randy, Naya Juniper, BCBG Generation Sanji
Born Kamryn, Calvin Klein Logan (wide calf) Miz Mooz Jasmine
And finally… A girl can dream can’t she? I’ll never be wearing anything like this in my lifetime due to price or heel height, but it’s sure fun to look!
Stuart Weitzman($695) and Martinez Valero Tonya (4 inch + heels)
Coming Tomorrow: Higher End Choices, My Personal Finds including “over the knee” and a few Booties! Don’t forget to make a comment or CONTACT me. I would love to help you. I know my stuff when it comes to boots!
I don’t own a pair of boots but would love to try a pair — with your help of course. Thanks.
I love the look of boots ~ on others. I have a wider calf and have had a hard time finding any that fit, glad to hear that they are now making boots that accommodate this feature. I will definitely take a look around the sites you mentioned. I’d love to have a consultation with you, hope I win but if not, I will call you. Thanks for sharing your passion with all of us!
I love boots! I agree that they are perfect for our NW weather. I need to find some new ones. I got my black boots at Mervyn’s. How many years has Mervyn’s been gone? I could use a new pair. : ) I would enjoy having your help finding some. Thanks Karen!
I’ve never known what to do with boots but have embraced them in the last year or so. I lived in my ankle-height black Impo boots all last winter! Now that the weather is changing my friends are out again (but sadly, need new soles). I’d love some fresh ideas for what to do with these and also the knee-length ones.
I’d love to get a pair of boots. Enter me in your contest!
Great article Karen. I love the boots I have but I cannot wear my tall ones for very long before my feet start to hurt so new ones are in order. I could not tell from the photos but what about the toe on the boots, I have seen everything from square to super pointy what is “in” right now???
Great comments everyone! Andrea, that’s a good question and honestly I’m seeing everything. There are definitely certain style of toes that are more flattering on certain feet/legs but you personally can get by with about anything. A more pointed toe will help your leg look a little longer. A rounded point might be the most comfortable for you.
Great timing Karen, I’d like to try to get a pair of boots picked out. I actually saw someone at work with tight leggings, high (knee) boots, gray sweater and the look was equestrian-ish. I see not what you were talking about.
Hi Karen,
Great timing on your boot article! I have 2 pairs and wouldn’t mind getting another; but they have to be comfortable or they won’t get worn.
I have been a boot lover forever! I have many pairs in various styles. Over the years I have bought cute boots with a substantial heal that looked cute to my eyes, but my feet said NO WAY! Those boots have gone by the way side. I see myself as a bit of an expert in this department. I think a good quality leather boot is the way to go. Classic riding boots look great for years. In my opinion faux leather is a temporary investment. If I invest in leather boots I avoid the trends. Super pointy or extremely square toes will look out of style sooner. I have had most of my boots for several years.
I found a pair of boots this year I am very excited about. Dansko Rylan. It has a stylish (even sexy) 2 and 1/2 inch heal. I put them on and couldnt believe the comfort! The boot has a platform in the front which makes the higher heal much more comfortable. This boot offers the amazing Dansko high arch support. I am seriously considering another pair, I bought black and want the brown too. One last word on boots. I have gotten rid of boots and really had regret later. My personal policy now. Store them lovingly and keep them. They always come back in style and without a doubt far more expensive when they do.
Karen, Thank you for talking about boots! Yay for fall! Boots and tights season! Booo Yah! Elizabeth