Keep or Return: the black ankle boots tried on

As a potential purchase, the reviews on these were pretty mixed, but I decided to give them a try. I have an affection for these booties I can't fully explain--maybe nostalgia for a style that was in fashion in my "youth"? I am not really sure these are my style though. Since I often wear slouchy styles, I thought a sharp boot might be a good counterpoint to this, but I am just not sure. They do look very fetching with black bootcut dress pants, and the patent leather toe is a nice touch of subtle texture, but I would also want to wear them with straight/skinny jeans. I thought they might work with skirts (see Sartorialist inspiration photo) but it seems either one needs long legs to pull that look off, or the patent on the toe just makes my feet seem out of proportion (no photo).

Yay = keep
Nay = keep looking

ETA: the little plastic turquoise dangle on the shoe in photo 3 is to cut off if I decide to keep these.

This post has 4 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.

14 years ago

krishnidoux

Veteran

Your legs would totally pull off the skirt option, plus the heel is fine so it is flattering. And then it just looks so gorgeous with the boot-cuts! If they are comfy, then absolutely, KEEP!

Deborah

Wow Scarlet these are gorgeous and I am not a lover of ankle boots. If they are comfy please keep. They will be great with jeans as you mention and I think you can definitely wear them with shorter length skirts very much like in the photo. I'd wear them!

Queen Mum

these are gorgeous and look very you. keep!!!

Beth

Scarlet, I think they're fab and I looove the look in pic #2. If they're comfy, I say keep.

christy

I think they look great as you've styled them in 1/2 and it sounds like you've found other combos that you like...I'd vote keep!

Jonesy

These look fab! I was on the fence about them before, but I love them on you! I think you could totally wear them with black tights and a skirt/dress, a la the inspiration pic.

But how do they feel on? Are you liking the look?

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Thumbs up from me! YLF!

And if the boots are nostalgic, so much the better. It's fun to wear nostalgic items - and fashion is about having fun

devon7

Active Member

I think the boots look great in all of the outfits! I vote KEEP!

Scarlet

Krishnidoux, Deborah, QM, Beth, Christyg, Devon7, thank you so much for chiming in. Your votes of confidence are helping me feel more confident about the look.

Jonesy, I have to say I am so pleased if I can convince you of these shoes. I know they were not your thang. They are comfortable. The heel is only 2 inches or so, and there is room for an insole, which is key for winter. Do I like the look? The honest answer is that the toe looks like a little shiny bird claw to me, and for some reason I LIKE that but feel bad for liking it. I think I am probably nuts. Mr. Scarlet is sure of it.

Angie, I have to say, my sense is that these are not your thang either, but that is an excellent point about the nostalgia/fun. But if I think really fun, then I think the white version could be the way to go :o)

I am on team wear, and I was quite ready to go out the door wearing these already, which must be a good sign, but I wanted to be sure I put enough thought into it first. Thinking thinking…

Scarlet, a fashion stylist, more often than not, dresses clients in items that he or she will not personally wear. Same goes for fashion buyers buying for their target market which is not their style.

It is my job to love something ON YOU and feel that it is right FOR YOU. Not for me

Of course--that makes sense, Angie, and I really appreciate that you are able to shepherd such a diverse bunch of YLFers as we. That is another reason why I love your site

MsMary

I love 'em on you! Keep!!

sarah

Scarlet - these seem very you. I especially like them with the jeggings/skinnies in 2/3 - I think that works better with their vibe than do the slightly looser jeans in 1. I think they're great! I agree with you that one of things I love best about this site is how there are so many individual styles and everyone seems to appreciate great looks on others that they would never sport themselves. Case in point here, I guess - I could never wear these, but you look fantastic.

Sylvie

I love the boots on you. A very enthusiastic KEEP from this member of the peanut gallery.

Aunty

Oooooh I love those!! Keep them safe because if I got half a chance they would be coming home with me!!!

Irene

I think they could look good with skinnies and skirts as long as you keep it tight and tapered at the angle and calves OR maybe with straight or wide pants, but then no tucking. All in all, they look pretty versatile to me

Janet

They remind me a bit of my black Fluevog booties, which I love, so I'm biased, but I think they look great!

I was skeptical of wearing my booties with skirts, but once I got the right bootie/tights/skirt combination and my eye adjusted to the look, I liked it!

Freckles

Totally awesome, keep keep keep!

Inge

Moderator

LOL! it's a good kind of nuts, Scarlet;-)

I wasn't sure about them before either, Scarlet, but now that I see them on, I have changed my mind. I love how they look with the darker, slimmer cut jeans in pic 2 and 3 and you can totally pull them off with a skirt too. It's a different silhouette (re: out of proportion) and I'm guessing you just need some time to get used to that look.

Sarah, I think you are right that the boots look better with the jeans in 2, which is a bonus because I am still looking for the right shoes for these ankle zipper jeans. Also thanks for the big compliment. I certainly enjoy other people’s styles even if it is not “me”.

MaryK, Sylvie, Airin, Freckles, Thanks!

Aunty, they are beautifully made and 40% off, just saying.

Janet, thanks for the encouragement—I will play around with skirt/dress combos and see if I can come up with something. I think it was maybe a mistake that I only tried on pencil-esque skirts so far.

Well, given that I have convinced some skeptics, received lots of enthusiasm and no big thumbs down, I am thinking keep! As I was hemming and hawing the wise Mr. Scarlet said they are only too expensive if I DON’T wear them.

Now I have to manage not to wear them out before I get some rubber soles applied.

Ooh, now I have convinced Inge. I am sold

still dreaming of aquatalias, though...

Scarlet, I had to think about these for a bit because I'm not usually a fan of pointy toe shoes. The more I look at your pics, the more I like them! Seems like they're a big thumbs up with everyone. Enjoy!

That Mr. Scarlet is a wise man! I like the way he thinks. Maybe he should talk to my hubby about a certain pair of Aquatalia boots?

Jennionthefarm

These look great and I appreciate the pics so I can get a better idea of how to wear my new Born booties.

Lynne

Scarlet, these are fabulous on you! I love love love them, especially the elegant heel. Two thumbs up :)!

Category