Equestrian boots with dresses and what shoes for this dress?

Perhaps I should separate these questions, but here is a go at all in one. I have boots and dresses on the brain.

1.) I have a pair of brown Aquatalia riding style boots similar to those shown below, but not identical, from several years ago. Do you think riding boots can pair well with dresses or do they do better with trousers/jeans?

2.) I recently purchase the Cece dress from NAS. I really like the color and mod style. The one thing that concerns me is winterizing it so I can get plenty of wear out of it. I tried it on with pumps, which looked nice, but can you picture this dress with boots at all? If so what type?

ETA: haven't tried the combo, but I don't suspect the equestrian boots would look nice with this dress.

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CeCe Scalloped Hem Shift Dress

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6 years ago

Thistle

Veteran

I think the boats could work with dresses, but they have a western vibe to my eye. Maybe the hardware doing it. I think those will be tougher to pair with dresses than English equestrian boots.

As for the dress, you shave to try it on with boots I think. It could go either way, depending on the boots.

binkle

I've seen the boots-with-dresses look featured as a Fall look in some fashion magazines; the dresses they feature are below the knee.

But I think boots would work with your dress!

Jenni NZ

Absolutely put them together. I do above the knee dresses with my knee high boots all the time and love the proportions. And it means I don't need to wear the hated tights which feel "tight" around my waist and you-know-where, I can put leggings or ponte pants on with socks and only show a few inches of them around the knee. Example below.

Joy

I have a similar colored deep pink dress and wear it most with dark brown. I think that you could wear your brown boots with this dress but will need to repeat the brown on top like a brown topper or scarf. Brown tights or sheer dark stockings might also work well for colder weather. Brown cross-body bag is another thought. The dress is lovely. Try it with navy for cooler weather too.

Brooklyn

Hi Scarlet. I have a pair of brown equestrian style boots and I wear them with skirts and dresses all the time. Here are some examples: first with opaque brown tights, then with brown fishnets, then with nude tights. I think each of those options could work with your dress.

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Berkeley Girl

Active Member

I would absolutely wear that dress with boots. And I love the looks posted here by Jenni NZ and Brooklyn, so stylish. I think their photos prove the point. You should at least try them together and show us a photo!

Bijou

Definitely worth trying them on together. I love the 60's vibe of knee high boots with shorter dresses, throw on a classic trench, it is a timeless look.

Sal

I think:
- The pink dress would work with mod style boots (similar to the blue ones Angie bought last year - not necessarily blue though)
- these boots would work with skirts and dresses but knee length or longer - I also love Brooklyn and Jenni's pictures here.
- I agree that they would not work together but I can't quite put my finger on why....I think it is not the dressiness level more the styles themselves.

I love both pieces though!!

I think the dress would also work with ankle boots (Bijou has posted some dress and ankle boots looks that are along the lines I mean) or with oxfords too or loafers.

Scarlet

Very helpful thoughts, you all! I found the exact version of boot I have, but mine is chocolate brown. Also, I meant to write above that the dress is just above the knee on me.

Jenni, thanks so much for the visuals. I was trying to think if I have ever worn leggings with a dress and I guess the answer is yes, when the dress is on the short side. I like your cute layered look. By the way, have you ever tried wearing thigh-highs? The good quality ones stay up really well and can be much more comfortable than tights.

Brooklyn, thanks so much for sharing those great outfits. I agree your boots work beautifully, but they are also a little more elegant than mine (see updated photo). I am putting brown tights and fishnets on my shopping list right now! I knew I needed new brown tights (thanks for reminding me), but I never would have guessed how great the fishnets work.

Sal, I think you are seeing what I am seeing, which is that the style of my boots and the style of my dress are just not talking to each other. I feel like the dress is asking for something sleeker. Good point about the ankle boots. I could try that too. I find ankle boots keep the foot a bit warmer than a pump. I would love a good mod boot should the right one come my way.

I am feeling brave enough now to start trying things on, but honestly it will be awhile before I get the free time to do that and take photos. So grateful for this help.

Aquatalia by Marvin K. 'Undy' Weatherproof Woven Shaft Boot

The Cat

I love the timeless, sporty elegant look of a below-the-knee dress and equestrian boots.

I really like the bottom seam of the short dress you show here, but I would wear this dress as a tunic only. Maybe over white jeans/pants and with white ballet pumps. (A nod to the late 60s and early 70s.)

unfrumped

I really like what Joy said about adding a linking element. Of course the boot style and color has to be generally right with the dress, but adding scarf or jewelry that continues the vibe makes it look much more intentional and " seasonal".

Imogen Morley

I would add a moto jacket to unify the look. To my eye the boots appear a bit on a tomboy/masculine side (though they're certainly lovely, and I'd love to see them paired with a wool pullover, shirt, and tweed blazer, for example), and simply putting them together with the dress alone would not balance yin and yang elements well enough.

gryffin

I have the aquatalia undy boots. They are incredibly refined and comfortable. They go with everything! I prefer them with leggings or tights because they are so fitted I do not want them to stretch out.

Anonymous

I agree with Sal: I don't think they "go".

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