https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/combat-boots-in-the-upland-south Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 10 Apr 2026 22:56:28 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/combat-boots-in-the-upland-south/page/2#post-2250292 Sun, 30 Jan 2022 23:56:48 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2250292@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Update: </p> <p>I gave up trying to second-guess and asked the friend I was visiting. I took his non-reply to be negative, so I didn’t take them. </p> <p>When I was there, he said women wear boots like these all the time; there were other things about the pic that accounted for his silence. He does really like the white boots I took instead. </p> <p>On other matters, I deferred to his wishes, because I prefer not to stress a friend who is recovering from cancer. He is quite conscious of being a community leader; not quibbling over small outward things is one way I showed support for him and his roles. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/combat-boots-in-the-upland-south/page/2#post-2237570 Wed, 10 Nov 2021 08:26:59 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2237570@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Joy! That’s a funny example &amp; a good illustration. </p> <p>Rachylou, good luck to your friend! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/combat-boots-in-the-upland-south/page/2#post-2237569 Wed, 10 Nov 2021 08:17:53 +0000 rachylou 2237569@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Joy, that’s interesting. I have a young friend who has moved to Iowa. She grew up here in California, then her parents moved there and she followed because they need help. But she’s having a hard time… communicating, if you will, she says. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/combat-boots-in-the-upland-south/page/2#post-2237558 Wed, 10 Nov 2021 06:04:29 +0000 Anonymous 2237558@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Each small area in the US has it’s own style. When I visited my parents in a small town in Iowa were I had never lived, I tried to dress in denim.<br /> One young lady came into a Subway where I was having a sandwhich and knew immediately that I belonged to toe out of state car in the parking lot because I had “clean hair”. Even if I dressed like the locals to try to fit in I faked because of clean hair.<br /> Tstoos or distressed jeans can give you away. Both need to look like they were DIY jobs. Like tattoos are ball point pen works and home made distressing is obvious….wrong placement and done on a kitchen table. Too straight and consistant. Not in the places that would naturally wear. Wear stuff from Walmart or worse. Women were more dresses but June Cleaver or made from flour sacks, with a cheap cardigan. Footwear is mostly Walmart sneakers. Good luck. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/combat-boots-in-the-upland-south/page/2#post-2237389 Tue, 09 Nov 2021 17:29:51 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2237389@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p> <div>Thanks approprio! I don't need any explanation, even though I wish you'd see mine. Like I said earlier....<i>I hope we can get along...I see how you did the same [thing that people get annoyed with me for] and didn't necessarily have ill intent at all. Let's get to know each other.&nbsp; </i>So sure, let's shake hands and move on. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Janet and MaryBeth, all good?</div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks, once again, to folks in the region who commented on environmental norms there.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>Back to add that there have been times that people have made incredibly helpful suggestions based on knowing context, so I don't like the idea of dropping it. A rash guard type shirt for my son instead of a cotton T-shirt for whitewater rafting comes to mind. Perhaps the thing I need to work on is giving simply the physical context on its own. <br /></div></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/combat-boots-in-the-upland-south/page/2#post-2237387 Tue, 09 Nov 2021 17:24:09 +0000 approprio 2237387@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Look, let’s not make this a dust up. Your replies are so wide of the mark that I don’t know how to explain what’s going on here without giving undue offense. So much of fashion is about non-verbal communication, a very dark art in that respect. </p> <p>I’ll quote that Wittgenstein thing again. That whereof we cannot speak, thereof we must be silent. Meanwhile, no offense meant, and certainly none taken. Shall we shake hands and move on? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/combat-boots-in-the-upland-south/page/2#post-2237384 Tue, 09 Nov 2021 17:08:07 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2237384@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Janet. I appreciate that, after your psychological diagnosis, you did come back and admit having some experience in the region, even though you emphasized that you think I should ignore it. If you read my responses, you will see that I am very happy to have received advise of the non-emotional nature on this very simple question. You are correct that I have a lot of emotions around this trip. That's why I really prefer just to get the info I'm asking for, without others trying to delve into the whys and wherefores of what I do with that info. </p> </p> <p>I should probably stop giving any context whatsoever for any questions I post. I got similar arguments and "concern" when I asked for help getting together black pieces that I can eventually wear to my dad's funeral. Eventually a few helpful people came along and turned the thread around, thank goodness, but only after a lot of pushback from people explaining the obvious, that I don't have to follow a tradition if I don't want to. I write the context so people can get on the road to where the question is going, but with so much argumentation that I should take some other exit, it really doesn't serve my purpose to include context.</p> <p>I don't have the emotional energy for these arguments. The more emotional the thing I'm doing is, the worse it is to deal with the hassle. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/combat-boots-in-the-upland-south#post-2237382 Tue, 09 Nov 2021 17:03:02 +0000 Janet 2237382@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Deleted. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/combat-boots-in-the-upland-south#post-2237380 Tue, 09 Nov 2021 16:58:28 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2237380@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p> <div>Ha! I was just adding a note. Here it is:<br /></div><div><br /></div><div><i>ETA, I hope we can get along. People online sometimes get annoyed when I<br /> think they're talking to me but they aren't, so I see how you did the<br /> same and didn't necessarily have ill intent at all. Let's get to know<br /> each other.&nbsp;</i></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>You are quite right. The boots are not a problem at all. The question was not should I ever wear the boots. I even said that I'm happy to be wearing them again. The question was about a particular region. This does an ok job of describing it, including its formation and how it is not the same as contiguous regions. <a rel="nofollow" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Upland_South">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Upland_South</a> I don't see why you continue to insist that knowing about clothing and having been other places means you know this region. There is no honor lost in admitting you haven't been there, or to any certain place, for that matter. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>But the three of you didn't just assume place was irrelevant. You also made wild assumptions about whether my decision to inquire into environmental norms was appropriate (response: no, not appropriate or healthy, requires "freeing"). That's when I got my back up. <br /></div></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/combat-boots-in-the-upland-south#post-2237378 Tue, 09 Nov 2021 16:52:22 +0000 approprio 2237378@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You’re right. I don’t understand you. I know for sure you don’t understand me.&nbsp;But I do&nbsp;know a thing or two about clothes. And I promise you, those boots are not the problem here.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/combat-boots-in-the-upland-south#post-2237376 Tue, 09 Nov 2021 16:38:15 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2237376@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>approprio, fine, I'll come back and reply, although I believe "good trouble" (with apologies to John Lewis) is the phrase I used. Of course it sometimes fine, or great, to flout environmental norms, but other times--weddings and court appearances come to mind--we choose to follow them in detail. You clearly seem to think I don't know the difference between those occasions. I have no idea where you got that idea, as one of my major difficulties on this forum is not being able to get my head around all the psychological weight people put into their clothing/appearance. Maybe you didn't get the idea from anything I've said, but are simply assuming I fit the norm. Please trust me in my choices about which I wish to do (norm fitting or flouting) for this particular occasion in my life, and that I'm not feeling oppressed by my own choice to ask people in this specific place, not anywhere else around the world (again--geography matters. Place is specific. Regions are real. I should take you to a conference and get you all the swag with such slogans to remind you) about this item. </p> </p> <p></p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/combat-boots-in-the-upland-south#post-2237374 Tue, 09 Nov 2021 16:32:24 +0000 approprio 2237374@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Done with the thread? We’ll see about that.&nbsp;You invited me to stir up some trouble, so here goes… :D</p> <p>You misunderstand the intent here. There are semiotics and societal norms. Then there are functional items. I’ve been all over the world, and there is nothing whatsoever wrong with those boots, in any context I can think of. The faux pas is when you pair them with the short skirt and the lacy stockings.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/combat-boots-in-the-upland-south#post-2237369 Tue, 09 Nov 2021 16:03:47 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2237369@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p> <div>approprio, Marybeth and Janet, I get it that you mean well, even though you don't know me or follow my WIWs, and apparently aren't connecting this to what I've said elsewhere about this visit. But this post is a very simple question about environmental norms, not a crisis of self or whatever other major issue you are trying to read into it. Excuse me for being a bit defensive about my profession/identity as a geographer, but region really does matter. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The packing issue has been decided, so I'm done with this thread. <br /></div><div><br /></div></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/combat-boots-in-the-upland-south#post-2237360 Tue, 09 Nov 2021 15:37:27 +0000 approprio 2237360@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I know you said you’re not here for therapy, but I’m 100% with Janet on this. It’s a fool’s errand to dress for someone else’s opinion. You’re bound to get it wrong somewhere down the line, so you may as well please yourself.&nbsp;</p> <p>I say this because I used to feel that way, until I realized the problem was all with me, and if I figured out what really worked *for me* - life style, body shape, proportions - then everything else would follow. Seriously, it works.&nbsp;</p> <p>That said, no harm in dressing appropriately for the occasion. If you’re not feeling the combat boots for this trip, take the others. As Angie says, you’ll look just as fab. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/combat-boots-in-the-upland-south#post-2237358 Tue, 09 Nov 2021 15:28:59 +0000 Janet 2237358@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Also, my basketball game anecdote was 20+ years ago. People now have way higher tolerance for other styles outside of their norm, thanks to social media, celebrity style, etc. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/combat-boots-in-the-upland-south#post-2237357 Tue, 09 Nov 2021 15:27:13 +0000 Janet 2237357@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My stepsons grew up over in that area, in the sticks, for the most part. They literally lived in a holler. And you know what? When I went to their basketball games when they were young, the first time we walked in I got stares because I was wearing a black leather motorcycle jacket. The environmental norm was flannel and camo. But so what? Hubs (then boyfriend) and I just looked like rock stars. That’s why I say own it and wear what feels right. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/combat-boots-in-the-upland-south#post-2237354 Tue, 09 Nov 2021 15:21:24 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2237354@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p> <div>Thanks Angie. That's what I think I'll do. They will work better with longer skirts anyway, and then I can wear the body stocking without the fears of risque lingerie like my sister expressed. You are quite right that Journey and also Kate provided just the insider info I was asking for. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Janet, really? I mean, I knew you were in MD, but I didn't think you were in the extreme Western end, thought you were more on the East Coast side of things/over the Cumberland Gap. But you actually nailed it--the question is whether people in the specific region I refer to, and to which I provided an actual map, would find that look disrespectful (not what people in the big city in this region, or in other regions, think, or what people think I ought to feel about my own dressing, my own "sartorial fulfillment", etc). That's why the title is what it is. <br /></div><div><br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/combat-boots-in-the-upland-south#post-2237351 Tue, 09 Nov 2021 15:08:55 +0000 Angie 2237351@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I haven't been to those parts of the US yet <b>Stag,</b> so I can' advise you accurately. </p> <p>But is sounds like <b>journey </b>has the insider Southern scoop! I also agree with <b>Rachy</b>. It's how the combat boots are worn that can make a difference. </p> <p>If in doubt though, maybe opt for your lovely silver and cherry boots instead. You'll look just as fab </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/combat-boots-in-the-upland-south#post-2237349 Tue, 09 Nov 2021 15:04:09 +0000 Janet 2237349@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ok, having spent pretty much my whole life in “cities of a certain size south of the M-D line” I don’t think anyone worth worrying about would find combat boots worth judgment. Same goes for mini skirts, leggings, rainbow hair, or whatever your possibly-controversial style of choice may be. Wear what feels right and authentic to you. Style it thoughtfully for the occasion — perhaps balancing an edgier item with others that are more modest or classic — and own it. </p> <p>The truth of the matter is that we cannot dress to please everyone all of the time. At a certain point we all need to balance some perceived expectations with our own needs for comfort and self-expression. As long as a look isn’t disrespectful in some way, I just don’t see it being a problem. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/combat-boots-in-the-upland-south#post-2237342 Tue, 09 Nov 2021 14:38:11 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2237342@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sorry MBD, not here for the therapy. But if you could take a guess as to how people up the road from you might react, that would be helpful. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/combat-boots-in-the-upland-south#post-2237340 Tue, 09 Nov 2021 14:24:14 +0000 Mary Beth (formerly LBD) 2237340@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If you worry about what other people think, you're going to miss out on a lot of opportunities to fully be yourself, from your very essence of spirit, to the flesh construct that houses your soul.&nbsp; The two opinions that matter: yours, and your sons, so maybe take both of these statements and find a balance between your sartorial fulfillment and his sensitivity when you put together your outfits.&nbsp; &nbsp;</p> <p>My vote is yes to the boots in the photos I'm seeing here, 100%. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/combat-boots-in-the-upland-south#post-2237338 Tue, 09 Nov 2021 14:12:23 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2237338@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Nay voters, I'm curious about your reasons. Are you telling me your personal preferences, or do you know that region and are commenting on appropriateness there? (Obviously, the personal preference of a person from there is dead-on what I should be looking for, along with comments about the area from people like Kate and journey who know it well). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/combat-boots-in-the-upland-south#post-2237320 Tue, 09 Nov 2021 10:31:50 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2237320@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Kate. Very good point. I pretty much have to pair them with short skirts, because when I’ve tried them with long, the buckles, etc have tangled with the hem of the skirt. So I’ll try them with solid color (black) tights with the short skirts. I might be leaving them home and taking either the red ones or my blue loafers with lug soles for when I want that weight to ground an outfit. I’ll probably take the body stocking too, and wear it with something longer, so it isn’t as eye-catching. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/combat-boots-in-the-upland-south#post-2237300 Tue, 09 Nov 2021 05:14:19 +0000 Kate 2237300@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm from a very small town in the south (NC) and I don't think my combat boots would raise an eyebrow in my hometown. However, I do take&nbsp; rachylou's point—it's more an issue what you pair them with. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/combat-boots-in-the-upland-south#post-2237298 Tue, 09 Nov 2021 05:05:13 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2237298@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Green? I thought it was blue now! </p> <p>But yeah, that might be the point. I’ve said enough about him and his work on here that I don’t want to name his city now. But idk how else to get more specific local suggestions. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/combat-boots-in-the-upland-south#post-2237290 Tue, 09 Nov 2021 04:30:26 +0000 rachylou 2237290@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>To be clearer: I don’t think the boots per se are an issue. But how ‘punk’ you go with them, that could make for discomfort. And there’s an issue with ‘micro region.’ There are places in California here I’m cautious about being in after sundown with my green hair… and I’d dye it back to black for a job out in the suburbs… just gotta be honest about that. I’m a scaredy-cat. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/combat-boots-in-the-upland-south#post-2237284 Tue, 09 Nov 2021 03:58:08 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2237284@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Journey, thank you! If we do get beaten up, I’ll send you the hospital bills, ok? Lol. Honestly, I am really pleased (&amp; a bit surprised) to hear you say that. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/combat-boots-in-the-upland-south#post-2237260 Tue, 09 Nov 2021 01:53:54 +0000 journey 2237260@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>have lived in Tennessee for the past 15 years, in several different areas of the state, from university town to the mountains.&nbsp; have worn combat boots a lot.&nbsp; haven't been beaten up, haven't had anyone say anything, never so much as given a funny look.&nbsp; so aside from some random person with an attitude problem, i'm pretty sure you'd be fine.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/combat-boots-in-the-upland-south#post-2237257 Tue, 09 Nov 2021 01:43:11 +0000 DonnaF 2237257@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh-h-h, I like them including the stockings. But of course I would. How about getting some temporary tattoos and putting them on your neck and up and down your arms? Tee hee hee. Tell them you’ve gone full Berlin (or Seattle or wherever). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/combat-boots-in-the-upland-south#post-2237253 Tue, 09 Nov 2021 00:21:16 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2237253@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The Gateway to the Midwest! </p>