To Boot or not to Boot

Its been a while since I posted (we can blame the shoulder surgery for that) and since the last post we are now in full on Autumn fashion frenzy. The first thing that women love to do most in Autumn is to get a great pair of boots. But boots are not a cheap affair, and we could all do with a healthy sense of self-awareness when buying them. Too many times my friends and I have bought Boots that look AMAZING in the store and INCREDIBLE on that model, but back home in the cold hard light of day, reality sets in that you do not in fact look like Rachel Bilson in those pixie mid-calf boots.

So first of all, before you even go shopping take stock of your body shape and be realistic. If you are a curvy girl or carry more weight around the thighs you cannot get away with mid-calf boots at all, unless you wear them under jeans (which is a whole other story). Only girls with super slim legs can get away with ankle boots over jeans or with skirts and dresses. I'm sorry but a normal human being should not try this at home. Even if they look utterly gorgeous, you are going to have to do so much work to even out your look. My husband laughs at me when I say 'do these shoes make me look fat?', because he thinks it is a ridiculous question. it isn't, sometimes if you need a shoe to even you out.

So here are a few boots kicking around at the moment and a few ideas on  how to wear them.

1. The staple, the classic knee high boot with a mid heel:

Everyone should own one pair of these boots. If you find the right ones they will last you 4 to 5 years as they never go out of fashion. Always always get real leather (it gives for tucking in jeans) and always go for a mid heel so that you can actually walk in them AND most importantly get a side zip. The boots look fab with skirts and dresses and hosiery as well as with slim cut jeans tucked in. (Tip: if you struggle to tuck your jeans in get a thin but small and tight pair of black socks and tuck your jeans in first. The way to do it without hurting your legs is to fold the material around the leg not stuffing it in the sock haphazardly). The zip will help here. Expect to pay $250 and upwards for a decent pair and look after them to get your cost per wear!

2. The flat pull up knee high boot

So what do we do with these? These boots are great for a more casual or country weekend kind of style. You can even go for a loser fit pair of jeans with these as they won't look silly with a bit of baggy denim. If you wear these with dresses and skirts make sure you are keeping fabric and cut as slim as possible otherwise you will end up looking bulky. Again only models can get away with these and tiny denim shorts at festivals. Don't do it. Ever.

3. The mid Biker Boot

This is where it starts to get a bit trickier. OK, These boots aren't for everyone and they can be very hard to work with your existing wardrobe. I have this pair of Boots from Country Road and I have learnt that it is a specific look for the average woman. I wear these boots with black skinny jeans tucked in, but always with long tops and jumpers that come to my mid thigh to even me out. If you are slimmer you can get away with these boots and floaty florals like the grunge look that was popular in the 90's. It can work if you are blessed with incredibly long and thin legs. I would never wear these boots with blue denim tucked in, it doesn't look right and its all a bit old man wearing jeans AKA Jeremy Clarkson. Stick to coloured denim and black only.

4. The shoe boot

A very very hard look to pull off. Again dose of reality here, unless you have slim legs these will make you look like you are wearing school shoes. If you do (have slim legs) - then go nuts with these because you can wear them with everything and I mean everything. If you don't, have a think about wearing them under straight cut jeans and smart trousers. Don't wear them with skinny jeans curvy girls, as beautiful as they are they just don't work.

5. The hybrid boot

So what is this boot all about? Its like a an old school Chelsea Boot for the present. Because these boots are a bit chunkier you can actually wear these no matter your shape with hosiery and longer skirts (And I mean long, otherwise it will look wrong). Think above the ankle a-line midi skirts and full length skirts.  Always cover your knees if you want an even look, again unless you are blessed with thin legs. If you are, then again these look great with skinny jeans and dresses and skirts. Curvier girls can get away with these boots with a boot cut pair of jeans (go-figure) and straight cut jean, but wear them under not over.

6. The girly platform boot.

These boots are what I call fast fashion, this style will come and go and you won't wear them all the time as they are quite specific, so don't spend a lot of money of them. They are cute and fun to go out in with black tights and well fitted flirty dresses or tulip skirts. Again only attempt with skinny jeans if you are blessed with pins. Curvy girls don't ever wear these with jeans period. Always wear with tights. Stay classy!

OK so I know I haven't covered every boot style so here are a few other insights. boots with lots of draping and extra material are very hard to wear so avoid spending loads of cash on them unless you are confident in what you can wear them with. Don't be afraid to take them back. Flat ankle boots can be very useful and versatile as long as you wear them under things and not over. Outdoor UGG boots are great for the snow and the only time you will get away with wearing an UGG in public.

Oh and steer clear of over the knee boots. You will look like a pirate or puss in boots unless your name is Kate Moss.