The infamous knee-high boot by Aerosoles, which is also available in wide toe box widths, has a good chance of fitting ladies with wide calves. They are super soft, cushioning, very comfortable, and attractive. They can be dressed up and down, looking equally good with both dresses and skirts, or over leggings and jeans.

The given measurements of the shaft and circumference of this style are confusing. Boots with a 13-inch circumference, as it states online, are for ladies with narrow calves. Yet these boots fit my client with calves four to five inches wider than that. These boots have a genius two zipper opening, allowing the boot to widen as necessary. The long zipper goes all the way down, while the shorter zipper expands the width of the boot around the calf area. 

These boots will not work on petite gals because the shafts are too high. Yes, the boots given shaft measurement is 13.5 inches, which should work on shorter ladies, but they are longer than that.

Lastly, the boots are made of faux leather and currently retailing for $79.99. Sweet deal and vegan friendly.

As with the previous outfit I built around UGG Australia’s new collection, relaxed and texture rich is my starting point for this ensemble. I enjoy creating interesting combinations by matching rigid fabrications like tweed, denim and leather with softer fabrications like jersey, silks, suede, knits and woven polyesters. But this time I’m going for an on-trend ’70s vibe by using either flared jeans or a midi skirt. The look is pretty easy to pull together and you might already have some of the components in your wardrobe. 

A tweed topper, like the Willow & Clay’s Plaid Riding Jacket, is integral to this vibe. It might give you “old college professor” flashbacks, but equestrian tweed jackets are fun to wear with feminine touches. I like an equestrian look complete with elbow patches as long as there is a softness in the ensemble. 

The softness is achieved by adding a soft layer under the jacket like a jersey tee, sweater or silky blouse. Gap’s Chiffon-trim long-sleeve T’s make super layering items and are available in an assortment of colours. Alternatively, add a flowing blouse like you see on the model wearing the jacket. Personally, I would add a sleek sweater like INC’s long sleeved ribbed turtle neck, tucking it into my jeans and finishing off the look with a distressed brown belt. 

Next, add quintessential ’70s wide leg jeans. I’m not a wide leg jeans gal, but love my Gap Long & Leans because they are wider than bootcuts and more streamlined than wide legs. That way I can achieve a ’70s integrity without feeling like I’m drowning in my bottoms. 

UGG Australia’s Lynnea Ankle Boot works perfectly under more flared jeans when you fold up the top. The photo shows the bootie with the top folded down revealing the shearling inner. When worn in this way, the boots look adorable over tapered jeans and leggings, but we’re using wide legs here so folded up is the way to go. My fussy feet like the cozy comfort of this ankle boot, which is surprisingly lightweight.

If you’d prefer to wear a skirt with the top portion of this outfit, retain the ’70s integrity with a flared midi skirt. Swap out the jeans for a soft number like Top Shop’s Animal Print Midi Skirt and wear it with UGG Australia’s Savanna Boot. Mixing animal print with tweed creates a fabulous effect, so be daring! Also, a longer skirt with taller boots is a combination that I find particularly elegant. The Savanna is not a boot for gals with narrow calves, but it’s cozy, soft and warm. 

Finish off the outfit with a bag. Alternative Apparel’s Canyon Rock Satchel is casual in a divinely urban and arty way. It lies flat across the body and fits a large amount of stash. If crossbody bags are not your thing, wear it as a shoulder bag, or remove the strap and carry it by the top handle. 

I’ve left out the jewelry, but add it in as you see fit. Small hoop earrings could be fab, or a dainty necklace and cocktail ring. An oversized wrist watch on its own might do the trick. 

I’ve planted the seeds for this outfit combination. The next step is to personalize the details and make it about your style.

We had this discussion on our forum 18 months ago, but it’s a goodie so I’m making it a poll. Now more than ever, stores are filled with all sorts of stripes and polka dots. These magically simple designs have my heart because they are both classic and modern, and I never seem to tire of them. 

I can’t rave enough about the urban, androgynous and dramatic integrity of dark pinstriped suits and blazers. I also adore crisp black and white, navy and white, and grey and white striped knitwear, knitted tops and blouses.

On the other hand, I love two-toned polka dot designs for tops, dresses, bags, umbrellas, scarves, lining, and my iPhone case. I also love self-coloured polka dot designs. I find the curvy shape of a polka dot fun and comforting. The pattern always makes me smile, and it’s as simple as that. 

So as much as I adore the severity and strictness of pinstripes, I like polka dots just a little more. I am Team Polka Dot. 

Over to you. Are you Team Stripe or Team Polka Dot? Tell us why and no batting for both Teams.

It’s mid-season and I’m pretty impressed with the ped choices out there this year. There is definitely a wider selection of attractive footwear for us fussy-footed gals who require a combination of lower heels, arch support, soft leather, roomy toe boxes and spongy footbeds. 

Here is a roundup of versatile and comfortable Autumn shoes that I’ve had on my clients. The styles, levels of comfort, and prices vary. Remember to click through all the colour options. 

Note that all of the links open in a new window.

1. Aerolsoles Heavy Metal Animal Print Pumps: These pumps are so lightweight that you can barely feel them on your feet. The ultra soft leather strap positioning is interesting and prevents them from slipping off. Size down half a size. Both animal print patterns are divine. 
2. Sam Edelman Petty Bootie: I have linked to this bootie before because it’s comfortable, dramatic and well made. It’s your answer to an animal printed cowboy boot that was made for bootcut jeans. 
3. Rockport Mary Cap Toe Bootie: The clean lines, great colour and block heel appeal to me. Especially modern when worn with streamlined dresses and skirts. 
4. Indigo by Clarks Mary Margaret Bootie: Sleek, simple, modern and no-nonsense. Great with just about all Autumn clothing, both dressy and casual. 
5. Indigo by Clarks Elise Cully Pump: This retro heeled oxford with cut-out detailing looks amazing with fun hoisery, skirts and dresses. Love the burgundy colour option.  
6. Clarks Orinocco Dip Bootie: A rugged look that will go the distance. Great for casual gals on the go. 
7. Clarks Diamond Empire Bootie: This bootie has a somewhat Victorian vibe and fits neatly around the ankle.  
8. Dr. Martens Sara Heeled Oxfords: The graphic integrity of these oxfords launched me into orbit. The height of the heel with platform is unexpectedly comfortable and the footbed is soft. Like all Docs, they are well made and robust. These will soon be mine. 
9. Dr. Martens Nettie Chelsea Boot: The most refined Docs I’ve seen. Clean, casual and versatile. If they weren’t quite so high, they would also be mine. The fit is snug so you might need to size up one size. 
10. Born Jailyn Bootie: These booties have straps that streamline the ankle, so dainty ankled gals should give them a try! The metallic colour option is fabulous. 
11. Born Waverly Heeled Oxfords: l like a classic heeled oxford with brogue detailing, and this one fits the bill if three inch heels are your thing. 
12. Kickers King Heeled Oxfords: I wore Kickers as a child in the ’70s on non-school uniform  days. It’s great to see the brand revived so be sure to peek at their assortment. Kickers makes fun footwear, of which these casual oxfords are no exception. 
13. Stuart Weitzman Puffystuff Pumps: If you’re after extra comfy low heeled tan patent pumps, try these. They are worth the investment. 
14. Stuart Weitzman Roadhouse Boots: Stunning. Mr. Weitzman knows how to make soft, walkable, and well made footwear that’s a cut above the rest. 
15. Fidji Alea E872 Bootie: Edgy. Fidji shoes seldom disappoint, and their high comfort factor is the best thing about them. 
16. Fidji Abira E909 Slip-On Oxford: I adore it’s little one and a half inch heel and turned up nose. I prefer the taupe, but they look edgier in black. 
17. Fidji Acacia E899 Zipper Oxford: Another great little flat oxford from Fidji with interesting inset strap detailing. Spunky.  
18. Halogen Lynden Pump: This type of sandal can be worn in Autumn with socks and hose if that look tickles your fancy. 
19. Anyi Lu Jiver Pump: Anyi Lu makes beautiful shoes that are usually soft and low heeled. This three toned oxford is both lady-like and arty – perfect for a dressy office environment.  
20. Style & Co Mookie Booties: A great vegan option. Super comfy and flattering on the leg line because of their sleek silhouette. One of my clients has made these her 8-hour “run around the whole day” shoes for Autumn.  

Most of these shoes will accommodate orthotics, especially if you size up half a size. Waterproofing spray works wonders, as do good socks and the addition of a soft insole.

Booties are the way to really update your wardrobes this season. If you aren’t yet wearing booties with skirts and dresses, I hope this encourages you to give it a try.