Ask Angie: dressy boot question

Hello!

I've been reading YLF for a month or so. Thank you for all the info here! I've recently started a clothes overhaul (starting literally from scratch) and am learning SO much. For various reasons, my clothes have not been a priority for years, but that is changing.

My questions: I have narrowish calves. Many years ago, I never found great-fitting boots and gave up. Two months ago, I started the knee high boot search in earnest and purchased Aquatalia Star in an expresso brown suede. They fit well, I like them, and I am partial to brown as a neutral. They are flat riding type boots. My hair is dark brown as well.

I was hoping to purchase a dressy set of knee high boots next. Are there any cognac options, or is it just better to consider things like chocolate brown or black or even another neutral?

FWIW, I briefly owned a pair of Aquatalia Rhumbas (anthracite), and then tried on black Rhumbas. They were super comfy and the anthracite set was a perfect fit on the calf. I ended up with a different outfit with different shoes and couldn't justify the Rhumba purchase, so I returned them.

Now I am ready to take the dressy heeled boot plunge, but I don't know what to buy! I can repurchase the Rhumbas, but some of the Nordstrom folks and my fashionable neighbor said they were more of a casual/day look (suede, thicker heel vs. a sleeker look with a thinner heel) and I'm not sure about which color. I thought they were dressy, but, hey, I really am a newbie! Since I am starting from scratch, I am looking for maximum versatility. I've been resisting black because, well, I have never tended towards it as a color, but I am willing to consider advice.

Thanks in advance!

Tania

12 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Welcome, Tania.

I vote tall black dressy boot with a pointy toe or almond toe and delicate heel in matte leather. That's truly most versatile.

Veteran

Gracias!

Now to review my options. Looks like the Donald Pliner Nikko or one of the Duos might fit the bill.

Gigi

On the Nordie's site, you can search by narrow calf. However, I found that when I tried this, the Aquatalia Rhumba didn't turn up, and it really should have--unless I did something wrong. Anyway, you might be able to find some stuff there. I think you can also search by narrow calf on Zappo's.

Welcome from a fellow narrow-calfer!

Thanks, Gigi!

I've used Nordie's search function when I was researching my first pair of boots. The Rhumbas show under Regular calf, so you didn't do anything wrong that I can see. I tried on two sets of Rhumbas, and one was narrow enough for me and the other wasn't. For reference, I am 13+ inches in calf circumference. I will try Zappos.

At Nordstrom's, there were several suede options or wider heeled options. I tried the Via Spiga and they made my feet unhappy compared to the Rhumbas though.

You can also go to a blog run by someone who calls herself Little Contessa:
http://littlecontessa.blogspot.com/. She reviews narrow-calf boots and takes pics. I think most of the styles she reviews are lower-end, but I think there are a few higher-end boots in there too. It might at least bring to mind the name of a designer to try.

Interesting what you said about the Rhumbas, that one set was narrow enough and the other wasn't. I recently ordered the Rhumbas in the espresso, and the calves were still a bit big. My calves are about 11.5". Some sites say that the calf circ of the Rhumbas is 12", while others say it's 12.5". (The boots I bought measure 12.5".) I think I may e-mail Aquatalia to find out what the proper circ is, just in case I can get a tad better fit!

cinnamon fern

Tania - can you clarify what you mean by 'dressy'? That is, are you looking for boots to wear to work (and if so, what kind of work do you) or for an evening event (if so, what kind of event)?

I would count the Rhumbas as dressy for my life - meaning they could be worn with a dress to the kind of parties I go to or to work with a pencil skirt and sweater - but not dressy for someone with a more glamorous life than me

I am still trying to decide what dressy means for myself!

I stay at home with my kids and homeschool, plus work in the garden quite a bit. I had a spell of poor health over the last couple of years, but I am doing better and have hopes for more "fancy" excursions with my husband. Most recently, I had a few holiday events to attend and a nice boot would have been great to wear. I think the Rhumbas would have been fine there, but I now believe the Nordstrom's folks about them being a little less dressy than a fine heeled dressy boot.

Anyway, I was working through Angie's minimum boot complement. I don't have any dressy boots, so I was looking for one. It may be that I go with a bootie, but I'll have to think about it.

I trashed/gave away almost all my clothes about 2 months ago and am down to very few clothing items. I am pretty much starting from scratch. I have several work type boots (high and low rain boots, hiking boots, lighter weight snow boots, heavier weight snow boots) but have avoided almost all events that needed anything more than that. But things are changing!

minimalist

Hi Tania! Welcome. And it's so nice to meet someone else new who's also starting from scratch. I hear you on avoiding events; I'm covered for black tie but don't have nice-casual outfits for coffee with friends.or the classic-restrained attire I'd feel comfortable going to nice restaurants in.

I'll be interested in seeing which dress boots work out for you.

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