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Ask Angie and all: black or not-black booties? eta pics

Adelfa

Veteran

The one Fall purchase I wanted to make was a pair of black booties. But I feel challenged by reading today that Angie is avoiding black shoes and boots right now, and I'm wondering if I can make a more interesting choice.

In Winter I wear bottoms that are black, charcoal, and navy or ink. I wear tops in the same colors plus purple, eggplant, cobalt, and oxblood with some white or cream. Black tones with all of the dark colors I wear, and as I have short legs I don't want to break up my line too much.

My current boot wardrobe: brown Frye 12R Harness, black knee high Corso Como almond-toed 1" concealed wedge boots, cognac booties, cowboy-inspired black booties with silver detailing.

What do you think? I'm open to any suggestion! Thanks!

ps adding pics of my boot capsule per Glory's suggestion!

1. cognac and brown

2. gray shooties and silver-trimmed black

3. wedge knee boots (sleeker on than they appear flat)

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18 replies

Latest reply was from Adelfa

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

Have you thought about grey? It would go with your existing color palette.

Glory

Veteran

Do you think you could post a pic of your boot capsule? How often do you reach for the Brown Fryes and the Cognac boots? I was also thinking grey but perhaps the olive pair that Angie suggested?

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Grey would be great. So would navy or ink, but it's tough to find. Eggplant could also work. Or purple. Or dark pewter. Or a patterned bootie.

But it really depends how you want to wear it.

Angie is in a different position than you.

She has blonde hair. Light footwear bookends to light hair. Which doesn't mean you need light hair to wear it, but it's a consideration, and also a reason why black can be more successful on those with darker hair.

Plus, she probably already has at least one fab pair of black shoes/ booties/ and/ or boots. (In fact, she probably has a fab black pair of each of these styles.)

If you don't and need to boost your capsule, black might not be a mistake after all. You can also look for black with texture (suede, fake "croc") or shine (patent) and/or mixed media effects.

lynn

Veteran

I've bought black boots, black loafers and black pointy toed pumps in the last 3 days! Black goes with my whole wardrobe so I would be an enabler to you!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Thanks for the explanation, Suz. Adelfa, I've never been big into black footwear, although I LOVE my two pairs of tall black SW boots and 20 eyelet Docs. So that's why I don't gravitate to black boots. But that doesn't mean that you can't!

And how about burgundy or animal print?

DonnaF

Veteran

I am over black footwear but it's so hard because sometime it's the only choice! My hair is graying black, so for me, charcoal now bookends the best. What about an expresso brown? Or black with a metallic overlay? Or animal print? BTW, I have the world's shortest legs and can no longer wear heels so I understand your concern.

BTW, the Munro booties Angie has on her list are super comfy. The one called cranberry skews more to a neutral oxblood; not sure how it would go with eggplant and purple.

Adelfa

Veteran

Anna: I've been toying with the idea of a gray boot for a couple of years. Love this look when I see it on others!

Glory: thanks for asking me to post pics, that was instructive for me. In answer to your question, I wear the Fryes quite a lot--I love breaking up a black outfit with them. The cognac ones not so much BUT when I do wear them (eg with black pants, with a cognac belt) my happiness factor is extremely high. Did you mean the olive SE Pippen? That is a super cute color.

Suz, good point. My #1 style goal when entering the forum was to wean myself away from black tees. I've definitely done that (though I wore one today just for fun). When Angie was talking today about no black shoes, I felt this nudge (from myself, not Angie) to think of black booties the way I think of black tees. Your explanation is helping me see that they may not be in the same category for me.

Lynn, I think I needed you today! Sometimes enabling is just encouragement!

Angie, burgundy would be a great color for me! One favorite style memory is burgundy penny loafers in the 80s. And thanks for permission to wear black!

Donna, I can't imagine the color adventure with graying hair! I love all of your suggestions. Whatever I get, it will be dark...gunmetal, espresso, yum!

Beth Ann

Veteran

OK. I'm not replying to bump your thread (hee)!

As I look at your boot capsule, I think you could use a more "refined" black bootie. I've been eying the Munro Robyn in red, perhaps you might like it in the black suede? Of course, there are so many ways to go with refined black booties! As an alternative, a refined darker metallic, in dark metallic gray, perhaps?

And I've got a soft spot for the Fry Harness and the cognac stitched booties!

BTW --- as another brunette, I tried to save funds by wearing almost exclusively black shoes for at least a decade. So dreadfully dull! However, I've learned that black is my basic --- I use it as a starting point, but I bear it mind to augment with other neutrals and, particularly in Summer and pumps, real color.

Adelfa

Veteran

Beth Ann, that's it EXACTLY. That's what I want. A more refined black bootie. Not TOO refined--eg, no 3"+ stilettos that would work with neither my foot nor my style. Can't wait to see what the Munros look like on you.

And yes, black is my basic. The browns are wonderful for a change and I definitely see a cordovan/aubergine bootie in my future. But right now I want something black that's more elevated than the silver-heeled cowboy-inspired Lucky booties, to wear when I want to look nice in my trousers and have warm, happy feet.

All you ladies have helped me see that it's okay to get black! Now back to the search. It's been very difficult so far.

Vix

Veteran

Hi Adelfa --

I have possible recs for you and if you're open to suede just about all the color options folks have thrown at you are available.

It's the ARA brand Tala or the very similar Tricia. Slit vamp to help elongate the leg. [Right now I'm waiting for the Tala in black crinkle patent to arrive.] A bit over 2" heel. Prices vary, so hunt around if they appeal. Reviews are mostly positive.

ARA was a new brand for me last year -- for reference I buy mostly comfort brands -- but I bought some of their boots and they were great for walkin'. [TTS for me.]

Photos: Tala in metallic snakeskin, Tricia in black patent, lots more options (including colorful suede) on the web.

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CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

I think a black bootie is a great idea. I wear mine a great deal. I have two in primary rotation. A pair of black Chelsea boots with a Western vibe and low heel of around 1.5". The other pair are Rag & Bone Newburys with a much higher (just over 3.5") heel and a higher vamp. I have a third pair of very dressy black booties with a pointy toe but don't wear them that much.

But, to mix things up I recently purchased a pair of grey Newburys and I have a pair of low heeled taupe Chelsea booties under consideration. In addition, I have two pairs of brown booties, and a pair of light grey / almost nude booties.

I just think you can't go wrong with black, I wear those the most and I have blonde hair.

I don't do tall boots, just booties. Wow, I just realized, I have a lot of boots.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I think a more refined booties is a great idea and would round out your collection. I also think Vix's suggestions are gorgeous!

Glory

Veteran

Very nice collection of boots. I think you have room for more
Black would be nice and I love the idea of the Munro that Angie posted - would that work.
I also think grey would be nice or burgundy.
I did mean the olive pippen but after seeing your collection it seems you may want something more refined.

rae

(website)

Veteran

I do like the idea of a refined black bootie - as others said, you have dark hair. Those pewter Aras are awesome, too, and have enough dark in them that they could be easy to wear. Navy patent would also be fun.

Anonymous

Ohhhhh! I might have to get those snakeskin booties to compare to the Munro. I love the sleek look of the Munro for you. This summer I bought red sandals to get away from having black and honestly have regretted it. Black is sooooo easy.

Adelfa

Veteran

Vix, those are gorgeous! That's just the kind of style I'm looking for. Do you know if they run tts?

Thanks for the insight, Denise. You're right that if you wear black a lot I might wear it even more.

mtgirl, I know what you mean--this summer I bought yellow sandals and luckily immediately returned them in exchange for black!

Glory, Rae, Suz--I think of myself as RATE but I think my comfort level is at least halfway in between RATE and polished, so I'm having to learn how to shop for this!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Vix, now you have me seriously lusting after those, and I really don't need black or animal print booties this year. Do. Not. Need.

Adelfa

Veteran

Let's all get Vix's booties!