Ankle Boots and How to Wear Them
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Filed under Fashion, fall 2008, fashion trends
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 2008 Fashion Trend: Booties or Boot Trends for Fall 2008.
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 $40
Shown: Nicole Tailored Boot ($24.99), Tripp Tailored Boot ($19.99), Sienna Tailored Boot ($37.99)
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)
Your Ideas…
What do you think of the ankle boot style?
Stumble It!
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.