They are cute and definitively practical. I used to wear something similar in high school. I would wear them under jeans/pants only, I prefer higher boots for skinnies and skirts. I really like the top right grey ones.

I am excited about this look coming back, I have been wearing boots like this for ages. I have a pair of 9 west engineer style boots on right now. I was wondering about the length with jeans tucked in. I have worn these style boots with dresses before. I love the ruggedness of them and they are faster to put on in the morning than the 20 eyelet docs!

I fancy this look too!

I have a pair of Fry Harness boots on my wishlist right now!

Cute. Do you have any examples of what type of skirt or dress ensemble would work well with these?

I have a pair of Frye Harness boots in brown that I will wear with skinnies….but not with skirts. I’ll wear them with cords or bootcut jeans as well. I have had them for about 20 years, so they are well-worn and loved!

I like these, but I’ve always found them really hard to wear. In can wear short ankle boots, tall boots, and mid-calf, but never those awkward “1/4 height” boots.

I like the look but I’m not sure that would ever work with large calves + short legs combo.

I have a pair similar to the top left brown ones that I always wear with pants over top. I never thought to try them with skinnies – I’ll have to see how it looks.

Yes! I have a pair of Frye boots that look almost exactly like one on bottom left (minus the back buckle). They’re not a depths of winter boot here, but they’re wonderful for spring and fall!

I started thinking about this style last year and I’m glad Angie thinks it will stick around. I’d really like to have a pair at some point. I’d wear them with jeans and casual pants.

i’ve had my dark brown short (8 inch boot shaft), ankle length frye harness boots for three years. being in dallas, they are my bad weather boot. i find them comfortable and feel stylish in them, however husband comments that they look less than feminine. but i have heard him say on more than one occasion that he would like a pair in black for himself.

i wear them under jeans and even under casual trousers. they work great due to their versatility and i feel a little edgy in a good way when i wear them.

Definitely. My Frye Engineer 8Rs are getting a TON of wear these days!

I have a pair of Frye harness boots in a worn brown leather. They’re so comfy and awesome! I like to wear them with skinnies, bootcut jeans, dresses with tights, shorts…pretty much everything. They’re also great for when you’re sick because you feel tough wearing them. :3

I wouldn’t call them short, though. They have a 12″ shaft and on me that’s just past the thickest part of my calf; I’m 5′ though so I guess it would be different on everyone.

I’ve been wearing boots like these as my winter go-to shoes for 3 or 4 years, because they are worm and practical. I had no idea they were ever really in style or out of style. Right now I have a black pair with faux suede uppers that are looking shabby and need replacing, and a nice brown pair with a gold buckle. This season, I’ve been wearing the brown boots with both skirts (when I feel adventurous) and pants, and hiding the worn out black ones under pants until I can come up with the money for a new pair. I also have some lovely knee high black boots, but I seem to have lost some weight again, and they do not fit like they should right now. So I’m sticking to my shorter boots until I get my legs back.

I’m glad that there are takers for this look. Carissa, you’ve hit the nail on the head – “I feel a little edgy in a good way when I wear them”. Now we’re talking!

I can see Tanya wear those grey ones, and Ana sport the Frye harness. They are completely up your alley too Greenglove. Sal, I love you in your Frye boots!

As for boots over skinnies, these style are not the best look for shorter legs and wider calves. Longer boots are more flattering. Antje, it’s hard to generalize which types of skirts and dresses this type of boots work with. Body type is key.

I’m debating whether to get boots in this vain in a rich chestnut. We’ll see. Shoe shopping is not easy for these feet.