K/R: Frye Melissa Lace vs. Docs & Brown vs. Black Fryes?

I'm searching for a pair of flat heeled boots that I can wear for MOTG. I have heeled boots in black, cognac & dark brown, but sometimes I don't want to be in heeled boots and want something more casual. My skinny 13.25 inch calves are making it tricky to find boots that fit though. Here are the best ones I've come up with. Which one should I keep?

1-7. Frye Melissa Tall Lace on my right foot (left hand side as you look at the picture) vs. Doc Martens 20 eye on my left foot (with the yellow thread around the base of the shoe). They're almost identical in style. The Frye leather feels much softer and more comfortable and the shoe is narrower and less clunky looking so I really love the Fryes! I think it goes better with my ladylike style. But the Frye is nearly $400 whereas the Docs are $150 so not sure if it's worth the extra money?

8-12. Me Too Dalia on the right foot vs. Frye Melissa Tall Lace in brown on the left foot. I don't like the Dalia as much because it's very baggy around the ankle and loose up at the top (it was supposed to be narrow calf by the specs but doesn't feel like it). But it does look closer to what a casual MOTG boot should probably look like. I really like the brown Fryes too, I can't decide which color I like more. The blacks have a "biker" vibe and the brown ones are more "prairie". I definitely could use both colors with my wardrobe, is it too much to have one of each color? I should mention that I do already have heeled lace-up ankle booties in brown and black (Mia Nanette), but they're not so comfy for all day MOTG because of the heels so they don't count, right?

What do you think of these boots on me?

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14 years ago

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I LOVE the brown Fryes on you, much more than the Me Toos. Full disclosure: I have a pair of lace-up Fryes, so I may be biased.

The black ones are almost too close to call. They're so similar, and they both look good to me. I think it's really up to your comfort -- and I agree that the Fryes are a bit less "tough" looking than the Docs with the wider foot and the distinctive stitching. Docs will loosen up over time, from what I understand. If you think the Fryes will be more comfortable to wear and also work better with your wardrobe and style, I think they're worth the additional $$.

kellygirl

I think the Docs would add a nice edge to your polished style but the Fryes look like they fit you better at the top. They are very similar though. I don't really think you could go wrong with either. From what I've seen of you WIW's, you look very polished and sleek. Would you like to add a rugged element?

I prefer the brown lace ups over the suede boot.

teri

Hands down... brown laceups

the black docs look too bulky

rae

Love both the black and brown Frye laceups for you! I love the Docs, too, but it sounds like you want something in line with your style, and not something to add extra edge.

Are you choosing between brown and black, or are you getting one brown and one black?

Queen Mum

brown lace ups. THe black ones all look pretty bulky.

morethanbeige

I love the Frye laceups both in brown and black on you! I am new to flat boots, so I'm paying attention to this thread. The laceups add such interest to your outfits.

modgrl

I don't like the DM's for you. They are so clunky and don't seem to go with your style at all. I like the black frye's. I'm surprised that lots of people are down on the slouchy me too's, I think they are cute!

Diana

The Fryes look the best on you in my opinion. Both colors are fantastic - I guess it depends on which would go best with your wardrobe. For what it's worth, my tall cognac lace-up boots are super versatile and go with pretty much everything - I think we have similar coloring and color taste so I might go with the brown.

If you can get one of each color, I'd go with brown Fryes and black Docs.

suzanne m

Active Member

Frye Melissa Tall Lace in brown for sure. If you want a black boot too - the Frye is better. I agree the the chunky Docs don't fit in with your style.

velvetychocolate

Brown lace-ups. And that blouse looks fabulous on you!

Sylvie

Another vote for the laceups. Pick a color, but the Docs are definitely too clunky for your current style.

Anonymous

As I'm typing this, I'm wearing the brown Frye Melissas. I was shy of the price tag too, but I've had them for a year now and I still love love love them and get tons of wear out of them. After a year mine are quite distressed-looking, which I like as a pleasant contrast to my (also-ladylike) style, but if you don't like distressing, be aware that they will take on that look. (I can't speak to what the black ones will look like with wear, since I've never seen them in person.) I am complimented constantly on these boots and definitely recommend them!

Sona

another vote for the frye brown lace ups!

CocoLion

Like the black lace-up Fryes, they are more your style than the Docs. Also they are dressier so could double for work I think.

As for the brown boots, I like the suede non-lace ups (were those the Me Toos?). Just because they are different from the black lace-ups. But if you love the fit and feel of the Fryes, get one in each color. You will wear them for years.

san

I like all of the boots on you but I especially love the Frye's in both colors. Not much help am I?

Beth

Of the two black boots, I think the Fryes suit your style better but still add a nice vibe. They're also more versatile. I'll tell you that I bought a pair of the black Fryes last year and find they go with everything...pencil skirts, jeans, dresses, you name it.

As for the brown Fryes, you MUST buy them. They're amazing on you:)

HelenInCanada

Slouchy brown Me Too Dalias vote here. I think they're more versatile than the lace-ups, and waaaay more practical for a MOTG, IMHO! The lace-ups are fab and wild, but I'm not convinced you'd wear them as much as the slouchies. They look great on your legs!

catgirl

I like the black Frye lace-ups for you. Not as clunky as the DMs and sleek in black.

pinaymama4

Member

Definitely the Frye brown lace ups!

Which confirms that I'm going to buy a pair, too! But one question for all you who already own a pair - are they true to size? I wear a 7.5 in Nine West boots. Thanks!

goldenpig

Pinaymama4, I normally wear a 7.5 in most shoes now, but I have an old pair of Nine West boots in a 7 that fit me (I used to be a size 7). I sized down to a 7 for these Fryes and they seem to fit right--reviews said they ran a bit big and to size down 1/2 size. So I'm not sure what to tell you since my Nine Wests are also 7. Can you order two sizes and return one? I ordered from Zappos which is free ship/free returns.

I've decided to keep at least one, maybe both Fryes. I don't like the slouchy look and the Dalias are a little too wide for my calves. The leather is so soft and comfortable compared to the Docs. And the Docs don't really fit with my style (too clunky and masculine) so even though the Fryes are more expensive, I think I'd stick with those if I kept the black pair too. These Fryes are nice because I could wear them on weekends, but also dressy enough that I could potentially get away with wearing them to work with skirts/dresses (on days that I need to walk a lot and don't want my heeled boots). What do you think, can these be work appropriate or is the lace up style too aggressive (biker) or casual? I'm also wondering if it's too intimidating to wear these lace up biker boots for MOTG. Would it look like I'm trying too hard to be fashionable if I wore the gray peacock top above and skinny jeans and the black Frye boots?

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