Hello - and a very casual boot question

This is my first time starting a topic here, so I want to say hi. I'm a 38 year-old mom living in New England. My life involves walking my daughter to elementary school, taking kids to activities, volunteering with new moms and on the preschool board-of-directors, and singing with a really fun group of women.

Now...here is my fashion question: On vacation recently I went to the LL Bean outlet and bought a pair of Maine Hunting Shoes that I love. They're so comfy and will be great for walking in rain and snow and for muddy fall/spring outdoor events. They look like this: http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop.....506697-CL2.

Is it possible to wear boots like this in a stylish way? I'm not sure if there are things I can wear with these boots to make them look cute (in an outdoorsy way, obviously)? Can I wear these, say, with skinny jeans and a corduroy blazer? Or a textured sweater? Can I wear these with a denim shirt dress, denim sheath with a T underneath, or a patterned cord. dress? Or should I keep these for snow emergencies only?

14 years ago

Jenava

(website)

Veteran

Yes, I think you're on the right track. I woudln't wear them with skirts, though.

skinny jeans FOR SURE. I could also see them with a pair if skinny cords (angie doesn't like corduroy, so preceed with caution there). Like these sweet dark red ones I'm craving:

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ku.....sultback=0

I think dark wash skinny jeans or something skinny in grey or a fall color would work well. For the top, I'd again do something very fall-ish like an over-sized chunky-knit tunic sweater, maybe with a plaid button down underneath? Or a white button-down with a fitted wool jacket? Personally I'm not a fan of corduroy jackets, but I think they could work as long as it was very fitted.

Queen Mum

Hi Lenni and welcome.
I may be misunderstanding your question, but my take on those boots is that they are more "element" intended than fashion intended. I think you can make a cute outfit using these boots when you are indeed going to be facing the elements (rain, snow, mud), but I wouldn't personally wear them for a regular day's activities that didn't have an accompanying weather challenge.
I would stick to wearing them with skinnies and the jackets you described... most likely not with dresses.

eta.. of course, take my opinion with a grain of salt.... I'm in CA and our idea of inclement weather is a a patch of morning fog or a light drizzle. In New England, you could very well be right in with the most stylish of them.

catgirl

I would wear these with a skirt when I was changing footwear to be outside. For example, leaving work or another skirt-wearing situation. I mean, you do live in New England, and I don't think anyone will look twice at you.

Anonymous

Duck boots! The height of preppy New England fashion. I wore these a lot when I lived in Pennsylvania, with everything, really, even plaid kilts with cable knit tights. If possible, you can always take a pair of flats to change into once you get to your meeting or practice. How are they styling them in the LLBean catalog these days?
I'm picturing them with straight leg jeans with the jeans "half-tucked" into the front of the boots, with them tied part-way up and the tongues hanging out. But what do I know? Things might have changed since then! Thanks for making me smile.

rae

I've got my eye on some wedge duckboots myself, and I personally really dig the look. I think the outfits you've described sound pretty darned good, and here are some pics I had saved to my inspiration file as well...

This post has 5 photos. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

Also: http://www.style.com/fashionsh.....W-THILFIGE

Lenni A

Active Member

Oh my goodness, wow, Rae! That really helps me visualize ways to wear them!
Claire, that is a good point that if I feel silly in them I can bring flats to change into. I had duck SHOES (grew up in Texas, didn't need the boots) in college too and loved them then too.

Arya

Hi Lennie & welcome! I would wear all of the looks you describe in a heartbeat. Also, the pictures that Rae posted are great inspiration. I think that these boots can definitely look cute & even chic in an outdoorsy way. Enjoy!

Angie

Fashion Stylist

Just chiming in to officially welcome you to the forum

Jonesy

I love the inspiration pics Rae has shared! I think you can totally wear these with skirts and dresses--it's a certain look, definitely, but why not give it a go? If one can wear Doc Martens or cowboy boots or hightop sneaks with skirts/dress, why not duck boots :)?

christy

Yay for Rae - what great inspiration pictures! I see them with skinny jeans and a cozy, fluffy oversized sweater like this one: http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/on.....ltback=811.

Louise

I'm seeing a lot of these 'utility' style boots about. I love those links Rae provided. Have a play about with some looks and post pictures x

Aunty

I like those!! Have a play around I am sure you will come up with loads of ways o wear them.

PS forgot to say welcome

Deborah

Just wanted to say welcome. I don't think I have anything more to add but I do think they are great looking boots and you can definitely create a stylish look with them. Have fun.

Category