How To Dress a Chunky Calf? - YouLookFab Forum

First of all - I apologize if I've been posting too much. This is my last big winter fashion question, so I'll give you all a break after this! (But you've all been INCREDIBLY helpful thus far!)

My greatest fashion challenge is my big calves. I have avoided skirts and dresses for a long time because I am not comfortable showing my calves. I have short flat boots that are casual and work for some things, and tall dressy boots that work for other things, but I have had the hardest time finding casual boots with a mid-size heel.

I have always read that "stretchy boots" are a good option, but I never tried them before because I don't really like synthetics. I saw these on sale today and finally tried them. However, I'm not sure they are flattering. I don't like the way they bunch up at the ankles. I'm afraid if these don't work I'm giving up my boot search until next year!
http://i387.photobucket.com/al.....G_0348.jpg

I just don't like showing my calves. I just think they look out of proportion. But I'm making an effort. Here is a tights/heeled loafer look. I like that it's all black and sleek, because I think it makes my calves look not as big, but I'm not sure it's the best look for me:
http://i387.photobucket.com/al.....G_0345.jpg

Here's the same outfit with the Aerosoles Cover Charge Mary-Jane:
http://i387.photobucket.com/al.....G_0346.jpg
I don't know if the buttons on the strap of those shoes are a distraction?

Both of those shoes KILL my feet after just 1/2 hour, so these are not work, walking around all day looks. I need the height of a heel to make my calves look better, but I have yet to find a tall, comfortable shoe. Geez! No wonder I stick with pants!

15 years ago

kellygirl

Veteran

You're too funny, Tarzy! I love reading your posts. I have big calves too and know how hard it is to find boots that don't bunch around the ankle. I finally gave up on the sleeker boot and went for something ruched so the bunching is at least intentional. I'm curious to hear what others think about your boot. It looks like it fits at the top which is good.

I think your calves look very shapely. I think you look great in the tights. I vote for showing off your athletic calves!

Eva

Active Member

I think you look great. I have large calves too. (aka: chunky, fat, meaty, athletic, and as Angie sweetly puts it, curvy). I have very slim ankles and a size 5 1/2 shoe so I think it is more apparent. I have a hard time finding boots that will fit over my calves. HOWEVER, I think women's calves in general look good. Women look great in a skirt, it is always more alluring than pants. I think all your options work very well.

Kelly, I haven't tried the ruched boot, because I thought it would make my whole leg large, not just a curvy calf. But I will try it.

judy

Tarzy I enjoy your posts too! Not only are they entertaining, but it's also the way we all can learn from one another.

Yes, I agree redefine the "chunky" word to CURVY calves! You do look GREAT in heels and a skirt...boots or shoes. There are several "comfort lines". Have you ever tried Gentle Souls?
http://www.zappos.com/n/es/d/722679585/page/1.html

They are pricey but I think Antje has the heeled boots, so she might weigh in how comfortable they are. I have a pair of flats and though I cringed at the price, they were worth it to me in the long run. One pair that you can walk in for a long time is worth several pairs that can't take it.

tarzy

Thanks, guys! Everyone here is so kind.

What do you think about those stretchy boots? Too bunchy at the ankle? Should I return them?

marianne

Hi Tarzy, I enjoy reading your posts too! I really admire your (and also Laura's) command of the language.

Your calves are so shapely! If I were you I would flaunt them and wear skirts all the time.

Maya

I have sort of small, sort of average calves (33 cm), and I still get bunching at the ankle every time. I don't know what causes this but it really annoys me. It happens with every pair of boots I try on, so honestly I just learned to ignore it. I don't think it has to do with calf size. I'm not sure what it is, but I don't think it should come between you and a great pair of boots.

dee2do

I think all the outfits look good. I especially like #2.

Anonymous

I think you have very pretty legs and look great in a skirt with tights and heels, or boots.
I believe Antje has the Gentle Souls-Mello Cutie boots and loves them for style and comfort.
The bunching at the ankles of the boots in your picture doesn't seem odd to me. I watched a gal in Nordstroms walk around the shoe deptartment in a beautiful pair of boots and finally she asked my daughter and me if the bunching at the ankle looked bad. We hadn't even noticed it until she asked. It seems like sometimes bunching at the ankles is part of the style.
I don't especially like boots that have a 'stretch leather' shaft, which it looks like the boots in the picture have. That is just a personal opinion. To me it looks better to have a gusset sewn in to add stretch.
I also want to say that I hope you do not slow down on your posts. I totally enjoy hearing from you.

Joy

I also enjoy your posts and learn a lot from them and everyone's comments. You have slender ankles and should show off your legs. If the boots are not comfortable, return them. As Judy said, extra expense is worth it if it buys comfortable footwear that you'll get lots of use out of.

Sarah

(website)

Tarzy, don't apologize! You have great questions. I too have large calves (and large ankles with size 7 feet, sigh) and boots always bunch. It has bothered me for a long time. I don't really need extended calf boots. I've found the ones that have the little stretchy patch sewn in are wide enough.
I bought a lovely pair of Kenneth Cole Bard Tender boots the other day. They are suede scrunchy boots. Since I was tired of non-scrunching boots scrunching, I opted to do the look on purpose and I love it!

Angie

Fashion Stylist

You have KILLER shapely calves my dear Tara. Believe it and show them off! It’s hard for me to understand your perception when I have completely the opposite one! I would LOVE to have your shaped calves. Truly.

The boots are FANTASTIC. The scrunching looks absolutely fine - I really like that aspect actually. The pumps look fab too. Love you in a skirt! (I was going to comment on the all black outfit, but was relieved to see you add a pale pink scarf, and I know you’re wearing red specs).

I hope you feel reassured as I am not the only one who adores your calves

Patience

Tara, when I see your legs, I do *NOT* think chunky. My first thought is actually-- what slender ankles you have. You truly deserve the term curvy or shapely. So you should definitely not be hiding them. I like the boots and the pumps.
Have you tried experimenting with skirt length? Maybe messing with that around the knee area will help you find that sweet spot that will help you feel more comfortable with your legs.

yublocka

I'm coming in very late here but just wanted to echo everyone else saying you have lovely shapely calves. With such slim ankles to emphasise them, why would you not want to show them off!!!

elastigirl

I stumbled on this post as owner of chunky calves (5'4" and 15.5 inch calves) and found loads of helpful advice here but cannot bring any of TARZY's photos up. Any ideas why?

11 years ago

Inge

Moderator

Hi Elastigirl,

Tara (Tarzy) started this thread 3 years ago and I think she may have taken the photos down in the meantime.

Lisa

I think stretchy, slouchy or boots with buckles at the top (what I have, two pairs with buckles at the top) work well for a larger calf.

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