Ankle Boots and How to Wear Them
UPDATE – Top 3 boot styles for Spring 2011
Let me start this post by first distinguishing between ankle boots and booties. Many people and stores are using the terms interchangeably, creating a lot of confusion.
The difference is in how tall they are. Ankle boots usually stop at the top of the ankle while booties only go to the top of the foot.
Ankle boots are almost always closed-toed while booties often have peep-toes.
They are both trendy this season, but should be worn in very different ways. That’s why it’s important to put them in their own categories.
For how to wear booties, read one of these posts: Fall Fashion Trend: Booties or Boot Trends for Fall.
Read on for how to wear ankle boots.
Celebrity Inspiration
(Images from InStyle.com)
Notice how Catherine Zeta-Jones and Lindsay Lohan pair their ankle boots with tights in the same color. This helps to lengthen the appearance of their legs. Rihanna and Sandra Bullock’s boots are contrasting and make their legs appear shorter. This is fine for them because they’re both tall. If you’re short, go for the lengthening look.
How to Wear Ankle Boots
This is a somewhat tricky trend to pull off. As I mentioned before, some attention should be paid to your body type as you put an ankle boots outfit together.
If you are short or have short legs, ankle boots worn the wrong way can make you look even shorter. To avoid this, wear ankle boots with dark tights or leggings. Better yet, match your tights with the color of your ankle boots. You can also pair ankle boots with Skinny Jeans. Just make sure the jeans are quite tight at the ankle so they fit inside your boots. If you wear a skirt, go for something fairly short with dark tights underneath to make your legs appear longer. If you’re feeling very daring, wear short shorts with dark tights.
If you are tall, you can wear ankle boots with pretty much anything. Tights, leggings and Skinny Jeans are all good. You can also wear ankle boots with bare legs or light colored tights. If you wear a skirt, choose something that falls midway between your hips and your knees.
Regardless of your height, do not wear ankle boots with skirts that fall below your knees. This look is super frumpy and a bit cat lady-ish.
If you are plus size, pair ankle boots with an A-line dress that hits midway between your hips and knees and dark tights. You can also do Skinny Jeans and an empire-waist top with ankle boots.
So Many to Choose From…
Ankle Boots Under $100
Shown: Type Z I Can ($89), Bullboxer Slouch Boot ($59.50), Sole Marty Boot ($49.50)
Ankle Boots Under $200
Shown: Fitzwell Rina ($119), Dolce Vita ($129.95), Jessica Simpson Saldro ($148.95)
More Reading
A comprehensive list of Fall 2009 Boot Trends.
How to wear cowboy boots–including ankle cowboy boots.
Your Ideas…
What do you think of the ankle boot style?
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November 20th, 2008 at 3:02 pm
The post is very good and the advice for the short and long legs – I think it really matters when it comes to ankle boots. I personally love the Type Z I Can boots – just can’t resist high heels
Also Rihana outfit is cute.
October 21st, 2009 at 12:37 pm
I am so in love with ankle boots–from my 10-year-old chunky heeleds i can actually walk in (!) to my gorgeous brown booties with little bows at the back that perhaps i should actually *practice* walking in! my lower legs are one of the only parts i like about my body, so as much as i love my long boots, i have a special place in my heart for those beautiful little booties!
thanks so much for your tips, and especially for explaining the difference between ankle boots and booties, since they seem to be used interchangeably!
Jenny
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Jenny Stamos Kovacs
71 Selkirk Dr
Kitchener, ON
N2E 1M5 Canada
519-342-7838
jenny@jennystamos.com
http://www.jennystamos.com
http://GrowingUpJenny.blogspot.com
October 23rd, 2009 at 2:07 pm
Thanks for your great comments, ladies! It’s true wearing ankle boots can be different on different bodies. I’m glad you both have found ways to rock them!
December 13th, 2009 at 4:55 pm
great advice!! i havnt dressed up in a looong time. loove the whole boot thing tall and short high and flat!! soo decided Christmas Parties were going to be my break out!! lol went out a got some cute cute ankle boots. starting to feel a lil self consious soo need some advice!! thanks alot!! i think ill look GREAT!!
December 28th, 2009 at 7:31 am
Thanks for the advice on wearing ankle boots. Ankle boots definitely make yesterday’s fashions very today. They can look amazing, if we know how to wear them the right way. Ankle boots can give the impression of making short legs look shorter and wide legs even wider if worn incorrectly. I’d love to wear the heel ankle boots. Recently i came across this site http://anklebootshub.com/ where we can find ankle boots in lots of varieties. Nice Post!
February 3rd, 2010 at 9:08 pm
[...] Wear your ankle boots with a Spring dress and tights. Or, as the temperatures rise, ditch the tights. For more on how to wear ankle boots, check out this post. [...]
July 27th, 2010 at 4:40 am
can i wear boots on a suit?
July 27th, 2010 at 8:35 am
Given the right cut of suit, I’d think so.
Definitely with any type of skirt suit.
For pants, I’d go with cropped pants or very tailored pants with skinny ankles. Your ankle boots should be the focal point…not hidden under pant legs.
October 1st, 2010 at 10:00 am
I’m thinking about wearing my black leather jacket with black ankle boots. Do you think that’s OK? Andy what type of jeans should I wear?
April 11th, 2011 at 12:09 pm
This is the first time I came accross such oppinion, funny