Definition of a dressy boot?

Inge

Perhaps this is a silly question, but sometimes I have a hard time determining whether or not boots are dressy (i.e. suitable for dressier and more formal occasions) enough or not.

What features does a boot need to be dressy in your opinion?

What might make things more difficult I guess, is that I don't like thinner heels on footwear. I prefer stacked heels, chunkier heels and wedges. Often you find these on more casual styles. But I really do need a few pairs of dressy boots too and was hoping you could point me in the right direction.

14 years ago

General

7 replies

Latest reply was from Angie

MsMary

Veteran

That's a really interesting question!

I would say, in general, that a plainer sleeker boot would be dressier than a chunkier and/or funkier boot. Shinier finishes like patent or polished leather would be dressier than distressed or pebbled finishes. Thinner heels are dressier than thicker heels, and I'd say in general a wedge may be a tad bit dressier than a chunky heel. And I'd say a narrower overall shape would be dressier than a chunkier, slouchier shape. And black is dressier than brown, which is dressier than tan or red or purple.

I'd say the quintessential dress boot would be thin heel, black patent leather, little or no ornamentation, fitting close to the foot and leg, with an almond-shaped toe.

14 years ago

KristineK

Active Member

Usually when I think of dressy boots I think more of the fit through the calf than heel width... for instance, slouchy boots almost always look casual to my eye, whereas a boot with a straight, sleek fit through the calf automatically looks more dressy to me. Other things that make a boot look more casual (in my opinion!) are how round the toe is (almond-shaped or pointed looks dressier to me than squarish) and how much embellishment there is (large buckles or exposed zippers look more casual or edgy to me, whereas hidden/small zippers and small/narrow buckles seem more dressy). I hope that helps a bit?

14 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I would say a heel of some sort, and preferably not a wedge (although my SW's are wedged and very dressy??). No distressing. Covered heels are dressier than brown heels.

Fitted through the calf is important - no slouching. Does that make sense?

14 years ago

Jyoti

(website)

Veteran

I would also add how high the boot is to the list of considerations. To me, either a knee-high boot or an ankle boot would be the most dressy, with ones up to the calves or over-the-knee boots being more casual-looking.

14 years ago

(website)

Veteran

I'd add that to my eye, boots with any visible hardwear (buckles, exposed zippers, &c.) are more casual.

14 years ago

Inge

(website)

Moderator

I'm sorry for the late reply. Thank you for chiming in everyone, you all make excellent points. Fitted through the calf, shape of heel and toe, patent, no distressing, no slouching... I'm taking notes.

Jyoti: absolutely. I forgot to mention that I was thinking of knee-high boots in particular, my apologies.

Angie: yes, your SW's always come to mind when I think of a dressy boot. They are just so stunning! It's not a wide wedge though, and all other elements that have been mentioned are there (black, patent, fitted, pointier toe...)

I'll probably be posting boots as I come across them to get your opinion on their level of dressiness. So to be continued...

14 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

We will be here when you post boot options, Inge

14 years ago

Category