K/R: 2 pairs of boots - YouLookFab Forum

TIA for reading and any advice! Overwhelmed here.

I am working on filling in many (many! gaping!) holes in my wardrobe and figuring out what is really "me". I don't have an identifiable style at present. Just sort of a work uniform (that needs replacing, so trying to be more intentional and thoughtful going forward) and weekend uniform of jeans (all bootcut).

I'm just at a loss for where to begin, but around Christmas, as all these sales announcements were handily delivered to my inbox, I decided to start the process with addressing shoes! I ordered a lot of boots to try on. All have been returned, except for these two. I'm on the fence.

The black pair would be strictly for skirts/dresses. They are totally unremarkable under pants. I never wear dresses or skirts anymore, but I'd really like to. I don't because I can't figure out the footwear angle. I'm not comfortable bare-legged, but thought I could go for tights and boots. I don't yet have the dress/skirt to model the boots (or a full length mirror at home!)

The Keens are really cute (to me) and even more so in person...I think they could elevate my weekend wear a bit :). If I find the right jeans (leggings??) for tucking in....kind of unsure about the color! It's called "slate black" but it seams almost a tad olive in some lights, but overall brown-ish. What will this color go with? How would you style it?

OR....and a very real possibility because I can very oblivious to what is acceptable and could be a trend that's been over for years....are they both poor choices? Keep shopping?

Whatever I buy I want to be relevant for at least a few years. I don't need trendy, but I don't want to be a joke, either, you know?

A note...I picked mid-calf boots because I am 5' tall and read somewhere a guideline that the mid-calf would be more flattering...would not "cut in half" or some such idea. Thoughts?

This post has 2 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.

12 years ago

Glory

Veteran

Tummy both of these are enviable for a wardrobe. I like the black for exactly what you have described: perfect. The Keens indeed would add to a casual ensemble. I feel the colour will go with all items as it is a neutral. Would love to see you model these for us.

Summer

Active Member

Thanks, Glory, so very much for the feedback! I am giving serious consideration to posting pics...(eek! I'm so weird...love to see others, so I should)...when I get a few more pieces together to actually form an outfit! I'm almost starting from scratch.

Aquamarine

Both seem like good choices to me, and I think you are correct in needing two different kinds of boots. The second pair look very versatile, colorwise, for weekend wear.

I struggle too with shaft height. I am 5'4" but I think my legs or at least my calves are short.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Welcome, Tummy.

You'll be pleased to know that fashion fads are a thing of the past. Things are no longer a one hit wonder. Most trends carry through for 3 to 5 years. Lots of stuff hangs around for 10 years actually.

Try both pairs of boots and see how they play with the rest of your wardrobe.

Jewell

I like both of the pairs of boots you've picked.

I would keep the first pair on a wish list for now, because you said you only have boot cut jeans and this pair isn't all that great under jeans. Do you have some skirts and dresses to try them with? If not, there's no rush.

I think the second pair would look great with mid to lighter colored denim tucked in (think medium rinse, cream, and/or olive skinnies). And they look as though they would also be cute with bootcuts and a chunky knit sweater. The boot is a versatile color. Treat it like a neutral.

Anonymous

Both pairs look nice to me! I think the first looks perfect for wearing with dresses and tights and the second seems like a great versatile neutral.

I'm also really short, so sometimes I look for mid-calf boots too so they'll be a decent height for me. There's nothing worse than boots that go literally right up to your knees! Another trick I use sometimes is to look for styles that are designed to slouch a little (your second pair are a good example) so they don't come up quite as high.

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

I think both are classic enough they wouldn't date. However, I'm not sure I'd invest in the first pair if you don't yet have any skirts or dresses that you'd wear with them. Wait until you decide whether you're a skirt girl or not, IMO. Btw, where are the second pair from? They are very similar to a pair I wore out last year and would love to replace.

Dee

These both seem like good options. The first pair seems a little dressier, but the second would definitely work for weekend looks.

I'm also short (5'2") so I too find shaft height to be problematic. I might be the outlier but unless the boots are the same color or at least in the same family as my bottoms, I find that mid-calf boots can be shortening. I actually prefer knee high boots! But these are good neutrals that should work with a lot!

lyn67

Like them both, pls keep!

Thanks everyone for the advice, encouragement and suggestions. I am going to have to come back when I have a bit more time to reply. So thrilled to have input! No one else in my life care for this sort of talk!

Laura--they are both available through Sierra Trading Post. The brown (called slate black, though) are Keen Akita.

Linda

Aren't those sale emails wonderful? Or terrifying, I'm not sure which. They certainly have done MY closet good :-).

I love the Keen boots, not so nuts about the black ones, so I probably side with the "keep on wish list" voters. It sounds, from some of the reviews on the site, as though the colors in these are tricky. I at first oohed over the "Folk" color but then read it has a green tinge. Surprising! It sounds as if maybe the slate black is a "warm black" tone. Not necessarily hard to pair with denim, just a little bit different.

I am short too, and I tend to go with knee high looks, so long as they aren't wide through the calf. I think slim fitting knee high can look as lengthening as mid-calf, maybe this depends on whether the top cuts your leg where it is widening or where it is narrowing? Oh dear, I'm not much help here. I mostly only know once I try something and LOOK at it, whether it will work or not.

catgirl

I actually think mid-calf boots are not as versatile. I love mine but I am short and have to be careful that they don't add more horizontal leg choppage. Tall boots and skinnies are a no-brainer, and ankle boots can work under pants or with skirts, which is really versatile.

This is why the more boots the better!

Tania

Tummy, welcome! I have no advice, just a voice of support from a fellow newbie!

Again, thanks so much for the replies, everyone. Very helpful.

I'm not sold on the black pair. AlaskaGirl, Linda, Dee I think you're right that they could be more flattering and may not prove very versatile. And, Laura, though I was (in college) you're right! I may no longer be a skirt girl!

So the black boots are going back and I'll keep looking. I need these first items I'm purchasing now to be really useful and/or versatile. Going to try the knee high boots and see what happens.

I've been searching for some lighter denim, so I'll have to get some that are more tuck-able than my bootcuts.

Oh, to have more shopping options nearby! I just keep packing tape in my car and have to send stuff back all the time.

Thanks, Tummy. I am now pondering buying my own pair... Believe it or not, I've never owned a pair of Keens.

I haven't either! I find these very comfortable. My 2 cents...I usually wear a 5.5-6. I bought these in a 6 and they are comfortably snug with a "normal" sock (don't need heavy socks where I live!) So, if you like/need thicker socks, I agree with the reviewers who recommend sizing up 1/2 a size.

Category