Need help with bootie decision - YouLookFab Forum

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Need help with bootie decision

Scarlet

Veteran

I really wanted a slightly different shoe, but this one is less than half the price and has a more sensible heel, so I decided to try it first. What I am questioning is the relatively wide ankle opening and the little dip in front. I usually tuck my jeans into boots, but with this shoe, especially with lighter colors I think jeans look better not tucked. Am I right? Also I really like the look of this inspiration photo with a little bit of ankle showing, which I tried to copy with leggings. DH thinks this looks bizarre, but he tends to react to most new fashion things that way, so I am asking you all. Any input is much appreciated. The last photo are my first love, also known as two months of shopping budget in one go.

I tried on some dark and light jeans with the shoe, one leg tucked, one leg not tucked to show the difference.

What do you say, keep or return? If keep, what works best or how how would you wear these?

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18 replies

Latest reply was from Polly (thunalata)

Julie

Veteran

I'm really liking the ones in picture #7 over the ones you are trying on. Much more versatile, I think. I realize price is a concern, but good quality boots last, and I don't think there is any chance of the ones in picture #7 going out of style anytime soon. If anything, boots like that are taking over from knee high boots.

Traci

Veteran

I agree with you on both points. I looked at the pictures before reading your comments and my first thought was that I liked them better untucked. When I got to the pic w/ the leggings I thought that little bit of ankle is nice.

biscuitsmom

Veteran

I like it better untucked and love it with leggings! Really cute booties I truly prefer them over the more expensive ones- those are nice, but pretty common looking, imo...I love the dip!

rae

(website)

Veteran

Are these the Report Marks? Those have the same dip in front, which I thought was odd at first, too. I think it was Suz who mentioned that it looks stranger to the person wearing - they look great in the pics! I think your instincts are right - untucked with the wider leg, tucked with leggings. The inspiration pic has a very tight leg. I wore mine with my Gap jeggings while on vacation, too, and really liked it. They are sooooo comfy, too, which I don't think you could match even with a more spendy pair.

Astrid

Veteran

I prefer it untucked too. It looks alright with the leggings and the gap, but I'm not a big fan.

Do you want to wear them year round? I know that people say you can treat suede to be weather proof, but I had and have a hard time keeping my suede shoes nice looking. I love the look of suede, sure, but black booties don't say summer shoe in my opinion and for fall and winter the pair in #7 looks more practical.

modgrl

(website)

Veteran

You seem very lukewarm to these boots. Do you at least have the opportunity to try the others in person for comparison? They do seem more practical. I kind of think these suede boots would be better in a lighter color for you.

Scarlet

Veteran

Rae, they are very similar, but not the Report Marks--those aren't available here.

Astrid, I am also concerned about the suede. Actually I am a bit miffed because the description from ASOS said "leder". However, given that they already have a distressed look, it might be okay. I also prefer lighter shoes in summer, but sometimes I still need black.

Modgl, I would so agree about the color, except that I already have three pairs of boots in a sand color similar to these. I have been on a cowboy-esque ankle boot kick for a few years now. The other ones would be a real hunt because they sell out so quickly, so I can't do a head to head comparison.

sarah

Veteran

I like them with the leggings and otherwise untucked. But I LOVE your "first loves" - which seem like they would do better in winter given the suede issue, which I assume is when you'd wear them. I can't remember where you are - Germany?

AJ

Veteran

I think the dip in the front, showing a little ankle makes the black boot seem less wintery. If it's comfortable, I say keep.

Scarlet

Veteran

I would wear these year-round. Yes, I am in Germany where there is a lot of cool weather (and rain).
Man, I am having such a hard time making a decision here! If price were no object, it would be simple. I actually feel like my eye is getting used to the tucked-in look, but so many of you saying the opposite makes me unsure. Maybe I will keep these and also look out for some really fitted skinnies Iike the inspiration photo?

ETA: thanks AJ for the dip support.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Just chiming in to say I have the Reports (similar to these) in taupe and I really love them. Of course there's not telling whether these would be as comfortable as the Reports.

I felt the same way as you about the dip in the front at first. I was really annoyed by it and worried that my pants wouldn't work with it.

But here is the thing. For me, the booties are a spring/ fall (not winter) item. (And I won't wear in the summer either as our summers are usually too hot). What I've discovered is that the opening and the dip make them wearable in warmer temps. This is a HUGE bonus.

Also, as Rae said, the dip in front and looseness around the ankle looks much stranger to the person wearing them than to anyone else. Face on (the way most people see you) the dip is leg lengthening.

I know you don't wear skirts too often, but I've found the style works great with skirts as well.

And with pants? I've worn mine with:

Bootcuts - fab!
Jeggings tucked in - fab!
Straight legs pulled over - fab!
Skinnies (some- depending on leg opening width) pulled over. At first I worried that the skinnies looked weird, but investigation of pics suggested no, they looked fine. Then I worried they would pull off the wide opening in an awkward way - but they haven't.

I'd say for a warmer weather boot, these would work much better than the others, which are gorgeous, but not as useful in the summer.

Traci

Veteran

I'm not sure if you'd wear them this way, but I think the style of the first boot is more suited to being worn with skirts and dresses. The curving lines, wider opening and dip in front all lend themselves to be more flattering to my eye with bare legs. I love the dream boots, but I would probably only wear them under pants.

Scarlet

Veteran

Suz, thanks so much for that thoughtful response!

Traci, that is a good point too. I would definitely wear these with dresses or shorts as long as I find a way to balance out the black.

Well, in the end I decided to keep these and wore them today. I think I will really like them and it is a very good point from several of you that the notch actually makes these more warm weather friendly. I will still keep my eyes open for the other style in case a good deal or a good copy arises. I think I could get good use out of both. In the mean time I would really like some 7/8 length skinnies.

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

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catgirl

Veteran

Looks like you made your decision based on factors I know nothing about (warm weather!)... Look forward to seeing some more styles with these booties!

Meredith1953

Veteran

I love the Report booties and really like a litle ankle showing!

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

I like them Scarlet. And I love it with a little ankle peeking. I think you could show even more ankle than you have with the leggings. (Or at least try it to see if it's not too leg shortening.)

ETA -- just coming back to say I also like the dip. I prefer them untucked but I have felt that way a long time about booties, unless the jeans are jeggings or very fitted and not too high contrast then I like them tucked or cropped with a little leg showing.

Polly (thunalata)

Veteran

I like the ones with the dip.

They seem very you somehow. Glad you kept them. I think they make more of a statement than your dream ones and the heels of the dream ones look high to me to be in really constant use (that's me, though, not sure what you are happiest in).

I think you could have a lot of fun with them.