1. Mid-Calf Boot
Great For: Pulling off a classic but stylish look with minimal effort.
Wear Them With: A skinny jean or legging. You should wear these kicks with a really fitted style. Ashley Wakefield owner of Sophie in Joplin (531 S. Main St., Joplin, 417-782-6300) says to forget about tucking your jeans into your favorite pair of boots. You’ll get that puffing around the top of the boot. But, if you have a pair of slender-cut capris from summer, pull those puppies out. This style of pant can easily slide down into a boot without the dreaded bunching. This style of boot also lends itself well to a more moto look, and Kirks is especially into the details like fringe and studs. These pops of style add some toughness to your outfit.
Style Advice: Leggings are all the rage right now, and the mid-calf boots look great with this fashion craze. Since leggings are a bit too skin-tight to wear with a bootie, the mid-calf boot offers more coverage without compromising style. Another quick tip Wakefield suggests is to be wary of too much coverage. If you’re wearing a skirt, you don’t want the top of the boot to be too close to the skirt—it starts to look like it all runs together. For a sleek look, Tammy Kirks with Harem & Company (1638 E Republic Rd., Springfield, 417-881-0602) suggests slipping on opaque tights.
2. Over-the-knee
Great For: An edgier look that is sure to make you feel fabulous. It’s a perfect fashion-forward look, Kirks says. “This is a great boot for any occasion except black tie, even though Sarah Jessica Parker might argue that.”
Wear Them With: Printed leggings and oversized sweaters. This is a great look this time of year. To dress down that chic little night-out dress, Wakefield suggests throwing on a pair of flat, black over-the-knee boots. Keep in mind that you need to show a little of your leg here, so Kirks says not to let your skirt cover the boot. According to Kirks, the perfect outfit is flat over the knee boots, a tunic top, a cropped jacket or sweater and print leggings. It’s all about proportions.
Style Advice: If you can rock this look, you totally should! There’s no age limit for these—it’s all in how you wear them. If you’re worried about looking a little too sultry, Wakefield says to skip the heel and avoid the thigh-high version. The ideal over-the-knee boot will hit just 1 to 2 inches above your knee. For Kirks, the key is to keep it simple—not lots of details. This boot will sell itself. And unless you want to look a bit like a pirate, Wakefield says to avoid turning down the top of the boot.
3. Booties
Great For: Ladies who have trouble fitting a tall boot over their calves. Booties are great for work but can also look hot on a date night. For a dressier look, Kirks says to go with a sleek look, pointed toe and kitten heel.
Wear Them With: Anything! These are one of the most on-trend looks right now, according to Wakefield, and they can really be worn year-round.
If you’re rocking booties with dresses and skirts, Kirks says you should have the boot hit at the ankle and the skirt right above the knee. For a casual ensemble, pair them with cuffed jeans and tunic tops or sweater dresses
Style Advice: Besides skinny jeans, booties look best with tights and dresses and skirts. This look is great for showing off those fabulous legs. For an extra dash of style, Wakefield suggests throwing on a ruffled sock or some colorful tights. If you really want to make your legs pop, Kirks says its best to match the color of your booties with your tights to create a long leg line. This is especially great for petites who want the added height without losing their legs in riding boots.
Where to Find These
Love the boots you see here? Here’s where you can find them:
Mid-Calf: Troy Tan boot, $135 at Sophie
Bootie: Rachel Zoe calfhair bootie, $525 at Harem & Company
Over the Knee: Stuart Weitzman quilt boot in black, $650 at Harem & Company
