Versatility in short booties?

Kristine

Hello~
I posted this after Angie's boot posting, but think it may be better suited for a forum post.
I’m wondering about versatility. Due to my limited budget, I would love to find some shorty boots that work well with skinnies and skirts. Is this possible? Or are they totally different looks?
These are two that I’ve been eyeing…:
Dansko Maria: http://www.zappos.com/dansko-m.....led-nubuck
Born Holman: http://www.zappos.com/born-hol.....in-leather

Here are also some photos of my trying them on. I probably would not wear them with socks, but that was all I had at the store. I couldn't hide them with the boot!

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8 years ago

Dressing

12 replies

Latest reply was from Thistle

Stephanie

Active Member

Ankle booties are perfect for pairing with skinnies or skirts. In fact, wearing ankle boots with my white lace skirt is one of my fav ways to wear them! For me, personally, I opted for a lighter neutral ankle boot with a low heel - only because I prefer to wear nude footwear to elongate my legs. If I had to choose, I like how #3 looks best.

8 years ago

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

I know what you mean - it's tricky to find a pair of booties that doesn't look odd when you wear it with skirts and dresses - especially if you're doing black or another color that's very different from your skin tone, and there are no dark tights involved. For me, it's all about the top of the boot looking finished. I have a pair of Borns from a couple of years ago that's got a foldover detail that works pretty well, although they're pretty old and scratched up at this point.

My preference between these two would be photo #3, and the lighter sole also seems to make them look more current and intentional.

8 years ago

Word Lily

Veteran

I like #3 best; the lighter sole and its shape is more interesting.

8 years ago

catgirl

Veteran

The most versatile shaped booties I have (and I have a lot of booties!) are the ones below. They are fitted at the ankle, so I can wear them under wider hems, and skinnies actually just fit over the top or scrunch (you can see them in my WIW from yesterday with plaid skinnies). The close ankle fit helps them look less clunky with skirts and dresses. I am entirely sold on this style and am always looking for a variation of it in color or texture.

Nordstrom

Topshop 'Margot' Leather Ankle Bootie (Women)

$140.00 $40.00

Sale

View Info

Top Pick

8 years ago

Diana

Veteran

What Una said. Tight ankle, slightly higher shaft. I personally find that booties have to cover my entire ankle bone to look flattering on my feet/ankles. Partly I think this is because I have knobby ankles and low volume feet (so lower ones gape like crazy) but I do think it's a good benchmark. For the record, I don't own a single pair of lower shaft booties.

8 years ago

gryffin

Veteran

Kristine - I don't know how limited a budget you are talking about. But if there were only one pair of booties for everything I would personally pick aquatalia fetch in black suede (dressier to my eye) but also comes in black leather. Waterproof, low heel, pointy toe with shiny subtle metal at base of toe above sole and gets compliments every time worn. Incredibly comfortable, flattering, elegant, goes quite dressy and casual - works pants all, leggings, skirts, dresses. The gore prevents any gaps and is again flattering. My favorite and most practical bootie. Love and on sale at 6 pm (not cheap even so but made to last and hold up) http://www.6pm.com/aquatalia-fetch-black-suede

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8 years ago

Cerinda

Veteran

I'm finding I like skirts best with either short booties like these or with fitted high shafts. I do get a different vibe from these two, though: the first is dressier. Which way does your wardrobe swing? Which are more comfortable? I have found both Borns and Danskos wear like iron, but the nubuck may not hold up to a lot of damp.

8 years ago

Elle

Veteran

I like #3 the best. The light sole makes the shoe seem less heavy and would work in different seasons. Both these booties would look good with pants.

Skirts are trickier. Some things to consider --- are you going to wear them with bare legs or lighter color outfits? If so, do you have something dark in your outfit (including hair) to balance them out? Is one brand significantly more comfortable on your feet? Comfort is key!

8 years ago

cheryle (Dianthus)

(website)

Veteran

I agree with the description Alaskagirl provided. It may take a lot of looking. I find the chelsea boot hard to fit because they rub on the front of my leg so you really need to try them and walk around a bit.

Of the ones you posted, I prefer the first pair because I find the matching sole and heel to look more dressy and better suited to skirts.

8 years ago

Kristine

Active Member

Thank you for all of the input. Really good points. Chances are with skirts I would probably be wearing tights. My coloring is similar to Angie's - blonde hair, fair skin.
I am 6'1", so I prefer a heel that is no more than 1.5", both for comfort and they just seem the most proportional for me.
I also noticed these Fluevogs, but then wonder if I'm going the opposite direction with too flat of a heel: https://www.fluevog.com/shop/4.....&size=
They may have what my husband would call "a Tron vibe"... meaning space boot

8 years ago

Cerinda

Veteran

Vogs definitely tick the durability box, and once they're broken in (IF they suit your foot) are divinely comfortable. But I've recently realized that my Vogs transcend trends --not necessarily a good thing since I want to use current footwear to update my existing wardrobe items. But they do make terrific statement pieces with real longevity.

8 years ago

Thistle

Veteran

What Alaskagirl said. I have a pair similar to what she showed, and I find the "v" in the front critical to looking intentional with skirts.

8 years ago

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