How to look ageless in tall boots

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Invest in great classic boots

Boots are a great investment in your wardrobe from both a style and price point of view. You don’t buy them every year, but rather when you need a new pair either because the old ones need to be retired or a life event has changed the size of your feet. Since their tenure in your closet will be several years, your best bet is to go for an ageless design, i.e. a classic style that can’t be pin-pointed to the year you bought your boots. Thus, this is a case where you don’t search for a bargain, but splurge. Go for the best quality that you can afford without breaking the bank.

Tips to find the right boots

Here my tips what to look for when you shop for a new pair.

1. Skip styles that end at the widest part of your calves. Remember that any horizontal line draws attention to the point where it occurs. The point of your calves is surely not where you want the attention. It would make you to look heavier than you are. Nobody needs that!
2. Stay away from cuts that are too wide at the top for you unless they are slouchy. You should be able to put two fingers into the top when you intend to wear them also over jeans. Otherwise one finger is enough for comfortable fit and style. Great fit at the leg is important to avoid a cold gap. You also do not want to look like you are “standing in your boots.” You are not Grandma Duck. That look is reserved for styling rainboots and wellies.
3. When the boots are the only pair you will own, go for a sturdy heel (that you feel comfortable walking in), leather in a neutral color of your color palette and classic style. This design will work for the commute to the office, visiting clients/customers, having a work lunch with your boss and walking on snowy sidewalks.
   1. Let the colors of your wardrobe be the lead in the choice of the neutral.
   2. Go with black or gray when cold colors dominate.
   3. Tan or brown are good options when most of your clothes are in warm colors.
   4. Only go for a statement color or style, when the pair is your second pair, i.e. never buy a statement piece, when you need a work horse.
4. The fit on your feet is critical. Your toes should not be squeezed in the toe box to avoid cold feet. Recall air is a good insulator. Thus, you want a thin air layer between any winter footwear and your feet.
   1. When you live in a cold climate region, the toe box should have enough room for wool socks and a shearling or foam insole for insulation. Consider going a size up.
   2. Waiting for the bus or tram can be uncomfortable when due to lack of insulation to the ground your feet get cold. A thick sole is also a factor to consider.
   3. On very cold days, you may consider to add socks or boot toppers as they “elongate” the boots and close the gap between the leg and the boot. See this post for how to style boot toppers over 40.
5. In cold climate regions, consider wearing over-the-knee boots to keep your knees warm. When buying OTK boots look for a classic style with sturdy heel and stir away from patent leather (wrinkle alert) and stiletto heels (pretty woman alert, dangerous on ice). Leave stiletto patent leather OTKBs for exotic dancers like Jasmine Dubrow in Independence Day and women in the horizontal profession like Vivian Ward in Pretty Women.

Styling tall boots

Here are a couple of styling ideas, dos and don’ts for work appropriate looks with boots.

1. Unless the 70s are a trend, avoid to wear a midi skirt that covers the upper part of your boots. Well, this look is so 70s and ages every woman over 40. Thus, if you go for the trend keep everything else modern.
2. It is so much sexier to show some skin between the boot and the hem of the skirt. However, be aware that this glimpse of skin – even when covered with tights – is a cold gap. Thus, make sure to wear a long coat.
3. When wearing a leather skirt go for suede boots.
4. Over-the-knee boots look great with skinnies under a long tunic length sweater or a tunic dress.
5. Going for a riding-style or over-the-knee boots are other great option. Pair them with slim pants (skinnies, riding pants, jeggings or leggings), a button-down shirt, blazer and scarf. Add a pearl necklace and diamond studs for a posh casual business winter outfit.
6. When your legs are your favorite/best feature try knee-high tall boots with an above the knee-skirt. Don’t go shorter than 4 inch (10 cm) above the knee. You don’t want to be mismatched from behind with your daughter or look like you are reliving the 60s. 😉

Outfit ideas for tall boots

Here are some outfits with boots for visual inspiration.

How to vary your footwear

You can easily change the vibe of a pair by wearing mature looking boot-toppers. It’s also a great way to increase the insulation on a cold day.

Stylist’s tip: You can easily make your own pair by sewing faux fur at the top of knee-high socks. To save even more, consider buying a pair of men’s socks.

Final remarks

When you live in a region with cold and/or snowy winters, tall boots are a Must-have. Invest in a timeless pair in a neutral of your wardrobe. Add a second timeless pair in a different neutral when you can afford it. When the tall boots are just for style, either go for a cheap trendy pair and wear it again and again that season, or invest in a classic neutral pair for seasons to come.

How do you style your boots? What kind of boots do you need? Let me know, I am curious.

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Photos: G. Kramm

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