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Shearling coat with hat, Russian scarf, GNW tight, Vince Camouto boots, gloves and Celine bag (all own)

Whether your winter weather requires wearing knee-high footwear or not, this post is your guide for looking effortlessly stylish in tall boots. Read how to wear tall boots now.

Contents
  1. Invest in Great Classic Boots
  2. Tips to Find the Right Boots
  3. How to Wear Tall Boots the Modern Way
  4. Outfit Ideas for Tall Boots
  5. Equestrian Styles Are Timeless
  6. How to Wear a Statement Color
  7. Studs Another way than under the Sole
  8. Get More Options With Shoe Accessories
  9. Final Remarks on How to Wear Tall Boots Now
  10. Stylish Monday November

 

Disclosure: There are affiliate links in this post.

 

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.

 

Invest in a pair of classic tall boots as your workhorse. #agelessstyle Click To Tweet

 

style influencer ishowing how to wear tall boots with a matching sweater color-blocked assymetric pencil skirt
Back view of purple, fuchsia, gray outfit with sloughy tall suede boots

 

stylist in purple, fuchsia, gray skirt, sweater, scarf, tights, boots classic winter look
Boots worn slougy

 

over 50 years old fashion blogger in winter American Classic outfit
Front view of gray suede boots worn pulled up

 

style book author in sexy pencil skirt
Outfit details: Rita Phil custom-made pencil skirt, Vince Camuto suede boots, Hermes collier de chien bangle, Hipstik tights, GNW cashmere merino wool sweater, Anne Klein scarf, The Pearl Source Akoya pearls

 

 

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.
When buying boots look for a classic style with sturdy heel. #OTKboots #agelessStyle Click To Tweet
details of slouchy boots
Collage of monochromatic gray outfit with gray suede footwear

 

midlife woman showing how to look chic in slouchy booties
Outfit details: Vince Camuto slouchy boots, GNW tight, Eddie Bauer skirt, striped sweater, Hermes collier de chien bangle, DIY statement necklace, and layering top c/o Adea

 

 

How to Wear Tall Boots the Modern Way

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

  1. When your legs are your favorite/best feature, try a knee-high pair 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. 😉
  2. 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. It ages every woman who was already alive at that time. Thus, if you go for the 70s style, keep everything else modern. #agelessstyle #tallboots Click To Tweet
  3. 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.
  4. When wearing a leather skirt go for suede boots and vice versa.
  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. Over-the-knee boots look great with skinnies under a long tunic length sweater or a tunic dress. More on styling over-the-knee boots (opens in new tab).

 

example how to wear tall floral print boots
GNW turtleneck sweater, DIY belt, Max Mara floral boots (all own), and studded skirt c/o Misook

 

Outfit Ideas for Tall Boots

Here are some outfits with boots for visual inspiration.

influencer showing how to style tall blue boots
Example slim suede pull-ons. Outfit details; Kieselstein Cord belt and 3 horses buckle, Pendelton skirt, L.K. Bennet pull-ons, shirt c/o Ethyl Clothing

 

blogger in street style look wearing tall studded boots
Example studded tall boots with midi skirt (side view)

 

fashion blogger in glen check skirt wearing knee-high footwear
Front view. Outfit details: Pendleton wool below-the-knee skirt, Great Northwest denim oversize jacket, printed T-shirt, and Valentino block heel tall boots

 

over 50 years old style blogger Nicole in autumn colors wearing leopard print tall boots
Example animal print tall footwear. Outfit details: Moda International cardigan dyed rust, Manelo Blahnik leopard print ponyhair boots, pantyhose, YSL bag, unbranded sweater, Maz Mara skirt, smoky quartz pendant necklace

 

street chic with aviator jacket, purple sweater, knee length skirt and below the knee studded boots
Example studded statement pair. Outfit details: Hipstik tights, Valentino studded footwear, Banana Republic hounds tooth skirt, Hermes collier de chien belt and bangle, Moda International leather bomber, unbranded sweater

 

Equestrian Styles Are Timeless

Riding boots look great with skinny jeans, leggings, denim or tweed skirts.

 

style blogger looking happy in shoulder-long locks, and neutral color outfit
Lookbook Store motorcycle leather jacket, Eddie Bauer straight skirt, Anne Klein scarf, pantyhose, GNW knee high socks, Sanchez equestrian boots, pendant necklace

 

mature style blogger wearing plaid with hounds tooth and equestrarian footwear
Long sleeve Tee, Banana Republic hounds tooth skirt, GNW tight, Sanchez riding boots, and Riders by Lee buffalo plaid button-down shirt c/o Walmart

 

style blogger wearing tall riding boots with a skirt
Sanchez riding boots, GNW tights, Banana Republic houndstooth skirt, and patched sequin denim jacket c/o StyleWe

 

Studs Another Way than under the Sole

When you follow this blog for a while, you know I am crazy about studs. Thus, when I found these Valentio studded boots for a bargain on eBay my “buy now” finger couldn’t resist. Unfortunately, they have an expensive leather sole that is perfect for southern European urban environments. However, they are like sliding shoes on snow and ice. I tried to fix the problem with an anti-slip sole, but the cold ground disaggregated the clue. After a short walk, the gained grip was gone as the anti-slip sole fell off. 🙁 Thus, I now wear my Valentinos prior to the snow season and after snow melt.

 

fashion blogger in LBD with tall statement studded boots
Black dress with boat-neck c/o Covered Perfectly styled with own leopard print scarf, brooch, head band, GNW tight, and Valentino studded tall boots

 

How to Wear a Statement Color

This summer, I searched eBay for tall footwear in a statement color. Actually, I had burgundy or red in mind. However, then I saw these Jimmy Choo turquoise shearling beauties for less than $50 with shipping! I had immediately, more than three outfits in mind – one of my criteria to buy a new addition to my wardrobe. I am happy that I gave up on red or burgundy for turquoise. Believe it or not, they are so comfy despite of the high heels. Those ladies who can afford to buy Jimmy Choos at the original price tag, are so fortunate! Here two inspirations what to wear with knee highs going out for dinner.

 midlife woman looking chic in a mini skirt and tall turqoise boots
BB Dakota sheath worn as skirt, Jeanne Pierre sweater, statement belt, GNW tight, Jimmy Choo boots

 

More examples with these beauties in this post on looking stunning in turquoise in winter.

 

Get More Options With Shoe Accessories

In Alaska, tall boots have a long season. Once the first snow is on the ground and stays, skirts or dresses need knee-high footwear on clear days. In winter, days with clear sky are usually much colder than those with cloudy sky. On the warmer, cloudy days you may get away with tights and booties. However, under clear sky winter conditions, tall boots are a must with a skirt or dress.

 

fashion blogger in tall boots with boot toppers
Example with boot toppers. Vittari shearling coat, GNW tights, LeatherCoatsEtc gloves, unbranded scarf, Native American artisan-made ethnic belt,  boot toppers c/o Top of the Boot

 

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.

 

faux fur top
How to add shoe jewelry to boot toppers

 

Given that in the Interior, the cold season can last from mid September to early May, I have invested in a timeless collection of tall footwear as I am a skirt/dress kind of gal. The goal is to look ageless in boots.

In winter, Alaskan women come to work in mukluks, galoshes, booties, and alike. In their cubicles, they switch into pumps. They schlep their pumps back and forth in a tall bag. However, at the end of winter, most of them have quite a line-up of pumps under their desks. I am one of them 😉 .

 

Final Remarks on How to Wear Tall Boots Now

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.

You may be also interested in the 13 secrets of how to wear over-the-knee boots over 40 .

How do you wear your tall boots? Do you switch into pumps at the office? Let me know, I am curious.

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Stylish Monday November

My blogging friends and I are hosting a boots linkup party for Stylish Monday November. Everyone is invited to linkup their IG or blog outfit posts. See you and your friends at the party.

hostesses of the stylish Monday boot linkup party

 

Join the Stylish Monday November linkup party here.

 

Photos of me: G. Kramm

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