No matter who you are or what your age is, if you are a woman, you need as many boots as you can get. Well, within reason. Why? Boots are a hot look for FW 2011/2012, but more importantly, boots are more stable, more convenient, and more practical than most shoes. And, boots are cute.
High Heel Boots Are Stable
If you are over 40 (or 50) and you wear high heels, you can fool your public into thinking you are:
- Taller than you really are.
- Skinner than you really are.
- Sexier than hell.
However, if you are a Baby Boomer (or older), you may not have the balance you once had in your disco days. Well, I have found that boots are more stable than pumps or high-heeled sandals. And, that’s because boots, if they fit properly, will hold your ankle in place, thus keeping your boot’s heel under your foot’s center of gravity. And, that’s a good thing, even if you aren’t out dancing, drinking, and/or doing the crazy things you used to do when you were young and single.
Boots Are Convenient and Practical
I don’t like to wear jeans because I burnt out on them after wearing denim non-stop during my former hippie days. Additionally, I find slacks to be hard to fit, unflattering, and uncomfortable. So, I can tell you the advantages of knee-high boots over regular shoes, especially if you have more important things to do than obsess over fashion and beauty. Boots are better because:
- You don’t have to waste time finding the right color tights or hosiery to coordinate with or match your shoes or hemline.
- You don’t have to shave or wax your legs as often because your boots will cover your legs.
- It is easier to find two boots that match, when your closet is a disaster, than to find two shoes that match, because boots are bigger and easier to spot.
- Boots will keep your legs warm when it’s cold and raining or snowing.
Wearing Boots With Slacks and Jeans
Boots look fabulous with pants. It’s so easy to upgrade your favorite slacks or jeans outfit with some cute ankle boots, a huge Parisian-style purse, and a pair of big sunglasses. Good boots will save you money, in the long run, because you can wear your same old jeans (or basic pants) without looking old and dowdy, because boots are always a young look.
If you hate pants, you can wear leggings (or jean jeggings) tucked into your knee boots for a cute alternative to that ugly suburban uniform of jogging suit and white tennis shoes. Jeggings also look good with flat knee boots for days when you’re walking (or with Wellies for days when you’re off to the dog park).
Why look like an old lady who shops at the local mall when you can look like a hipster celebrity? Looking hot doesn’t take much money. It just takes imagination and the courage to wear what looks good on you.
What Boots Are Hot for Fall/Winter 2012?
Do you really care what’s new and hot? Most of the newest styles are too edgy for women in their mid 40s, however, if your gay hairdresser and your granddaughter approve, you can try knockoffs of boots like these:
- Burberry Prorsum Over-the-Knee Stiletto Boots
- Stuart Weitzman Snake-Print Boots
- Jimmy Choo Leopard Print Boots
- Alexander McQueen Wrapped Strappy Knee Boots
- Prada boots that look like shoes with knee socks (for extreme hipsters who work with artsy types)
In reality, older women will do better avoiding trendy extremes and embracing subtle details like the 1970s-retro heel on Diane von Furstenberg’s Suede Chunky Heel Knee Boot. Actually, DVF's boot is great for several reasons:
- The heel is solid and stable.
- Suede will stretch to fit swollen feet.
- Black goes with all dark clothing; beige looks like long bare legs.
Cute Boots for Real Life
Real women who want good solid boots should check into new styles like these.
Investment-grade boots:
- Cole Haan Air Kendall Tall Boot (Air Nike cushioning)
- Cole Haan Violet Air Mid-Heel Boot (cushioning, rounded toe, side zip)
- Tory Burch Aaden Riding Boot (timeless elegance)
- Belle by Sigerson Flat Leather Boot (very Euro-chic)
Reasonably priced boots:
- Sofft Vondra Boots (These are my everyday go-to boots: good comfort and cushioning, fab for wider feet.)
- Frye Miranda Back Zip (These have that trendy zipper, the platform balances the heel height, and they're good for a narrow calf.)
- Nine West Elspet (I’ve always had good luck with Nine West.)
How to Build a Boot Wardrobe
If you are just starting up your boot wardrobe, get a pair of versatile knee-high black boots and a pair of knee-high beige boots. Both should have solid, stacked heels and insoles with great cushioning. Buy these basic boots in the best quality you can afford; you will be wearing them for ten years or more. (If you are the type of woman who wears pants or jeans most of the time, you’ll only need one pair of knee-high boots in black.)
Next, get knee-high or ankle-high flat boots to replace your reliance on those ugly Nike-style white sneakers or loafers or flip-flops. After you have some basic boot styles in your closet, copy the well-dressed Europeans and look for amazing boots in colors you love.
You would have been astounded by how many striking, elegant Parisian women were wearing black winter clothing with bright red, mustard yellow, or cobalt boots. So, go ahead and have a little fun this year.
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Christina Gregoire - Christina Gregoire writes about divorce, fashion, and baby boomers. Her forte is explaining complex ideas in simple language.
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