Winter Boots 2: About Proportion - YouLookFab Forum

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Winter Boots 2: About Proportion

krishnidoux

Veteran

PIC 1: A few years ago I got swayed by this cute but super expensive pair of El Naturalista Women's Iggdrasil Boot in green (my wallet still hurts just from the memory). The socks are integrated to the boots and could possibly be worn unfolded although it looks much better overlaping like this. At the time, I thought the forthright green color would atone their three major flaws to my eye: 1) flat 2) ankle length 3) round toe. These shortcomings aren't so in themselves, but combined on my not-especially-long leg (PIC 2) , they prove challenging to my poison eye. However, each of the 2.5 times I have worn them for longer than 5 minutes, I got compliments from random strangers.
So I am trying to give them another try before tossing them. And for this, I want to see if the issue could be the coat I wear them with. Can you help me with this? Maybe some of you are used to wear this kind of boots and will see the "problem" right away.
Below are some examples.
PIC 3: Short peacoat (more of a March-April topper).
PIC 4: Longer, slightly warmer green peacoat (strangely I find that with this one, my feet look puny! Or something looks off about the proportion).
PIC 5: Extra long puffed coat: this would require lots of getting used to for me.
PIC 6: 3/4 length Laundromat fleece lined hooded jacket, a good alternative to coats in March and onwards.
PIC 7: Another Laudromat hoodie with a puffed jacket. This layered look I struggle with because it feels bulky on petite me but I could try to work towards it.
PIC 8: Given as comparison. Here I wear my tall flat slim boots that I always revert to.

Thank you in advance for your suggestions and honest feedback. Please be brutal if you need to. Analyzing my outerwear is new to me.

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Dressing

16 replies

Latest reply was from Joy

L'Abeille

Veteran

This may be no use to you re: toppers, but some thoughts about proportion:

Your legs always look super-extra-long to me, so that must be one of your flattery priorities (which you obviously have mastered). This is what I see: Your preferred outfit proportions emphasize and draw attention to the length of the full leg-and-thigh.

With these green boots though, the below-knee aspect is now chopped horizontally by the boot, so it appears more stumpy in comparison to the thigh. This is even more obvious when outfit details draw attention to the thigh, like the shredded jeans, or the short waist-length topper that adds your hips to the above-the-knee part of the equation. And if you are used to heels, flat footwear will distort it even more, to your eye. (You get a foreshortened effect, looking down or in the mirror. Everyone else sees your legs as longer than you do.)

What I would suggest is to try these boots in an outfit that already breaks the line of the thigh (so the lower leg doesn't look stumpy in contrast). Such as an above-knee tunic over leggings: see, everything Bonnie wears; or a mini shift dress and/or short coat over dark tights: see, Madeleine. Figure out if you like that proportion, and if you like it on you. Then you'll have a better idea if you can work with these boots or not.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I like them best with the pea coat in #3 — the length and the casual-but-refined vibe of that coat makes the combination work for me.

Anonymous

All the outfits look good. I particularly like pairing these funky boots with a funky top, so i kind of like 3 and 6.

But really...it sounds like you just don’t like these boots.

It seems to me like your style is a little less funky and more “bad ass” now.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I think Smittie nails it -- your style has shifted a bit from when you bought these. The green is a gorgeous colour but...

To wear them at their best, I agree with L'Abeille -- you'll want to pair with jeans/ pants that don't have horizontal lines. And maybe try with a tunic if you wear tunics. Like Janet, I like them best with the pea coat, which is sort of tunic length.

Also, what is your gorgeous maxi length parka?? I need to get a really long one like that!

krishnidoux

Veteran

L'Abeille, WOW! You are fantastic. What an astute, discerning, right on analysis of the situation with those boots! I could not have dreamed that someone would put it so precisely for me. It is EXACTLY what is going on. Thank you! This is making me do huge steps forward.
I am surprised you say you think my legs are long, but you are completely correct in your description. For me, leg length has always been a priority, because somehow I have been infected from early on in life by a now bygone aesthetics from the 80's, which I realize now is a little obsolete, and which include long ballerina-style legs, something I was not born with. So yes, unbroken legline is a kind of priority for me, although I see perfectly how silly it is in itself. And yes, I have gotten used to a little heel. I was trying to stir away from the heeled look in tackling a more casual, dynamic style that I could sport during long walks around town or in the park. Thank you for the visual suggestions, they helped a great deal, I understand what you mean more. And your feedback helps me with the rest of my boot collection. I wish I had realized this BEFORE buying all the other ones though (lol)!

Janet, I tend to prefer that one too.

Smittie, yes, I think you are right. Maybe it's best I stay committed to my current style direction instad of trying to live up to other ones just out of guilt from never wering these expensive, comfortable babies.

Suz, this is the parka in question: https://www.thenorthface.com/s.....38;variati (soooo useful BTW).

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

SUPER CUTE boots Krish, and I think ALL the ways you've styled them here work. #5 is particularly on trend, and has a low contrast long lean line.

YES, the tall boots are Killer smashing...

(You look like Naomi Watts).

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Thank you, Krish! I definitely want a maxi parka either on sale this year, or early next.

krishnidoux

Veteran

Well Suz, then get it now, end of season, just like I got the one above.

Jenni NZ

Veteran

Hi Krish, I think L'Abielle's ideas on the leg-stumpifying effect of the boots with the shredded jeans which add to the number of horizontal lines are right on. I have to say I'm not a fan of distressed jeans and refuse to own any, never have.
Toppers in 3, 4, 6 and 7 look they may work with darker bottoms without shredding.

krishnidoux

Veteran

Jenny, now the shreds are all I see lol! Me too, I wasn't too much of a fan of overloads of distress in a jean; however that was until I tried these leggings from Nordstrom. worn with ballet flats, higher boots or heeled booties, these proved comfy and pleasing because, precisely, the stripes distract the eye right at thigh level. But I agree with you, now that you mention it, darker bottoms would look great, especially with toppers 3 and 4. Thank you for your input on this.

WitchyD

I think as most have said, these boots just need to be worn with pants or leggings that are plainer and non-distressed to give you a longer line. As they are green boots, I am thinking something close fitting like a black legging jean or maybe something brown or tan (a faux suede legging?). The chunky knit fold-over part of the boot really says "rustic" and fall/winter to me. They make me think of fireplaces and après-ski cozy and less so the moto look you're wearing them with here.

http://www.bowsandsequins.com/.....outfit.png
https://stylelovely.com/wp-con.....-parka.jpg

I actually like them best in Pic #4, so maybe that's why I'm picking up that vibe with this jacket.

krishnidoux

Veteran

Thanks WitchyD, your very insightful comment makes me see the boots completely differently. Very helpful.

Sal

Veteran

I see them as very casual for cold outdoor walking when you are rugged up - if they are comfortable I would pursue wearing them, if not so much I would try and sell them as they are lightly worn, and keep wearing your taller boots.

Your taller boots are more flattering - these are fun however and I think LÁbeille's ideas are great ones for making them work.

jussie

Veteran

You have a nice coat collection! I agree with others re: plainer jeans would likely be better. I think any of the coats could work with these green shoes. You do look a bit like Naomi watts! Also, I agree that if your just not happy with the aesthetic of the short flat boot then don’t feel guilty about it- just move ‘Em on and wear something that makes you smile

unfrumped

Veteran

I think they’re super cute. But I understand things that are hard to style.
I agree about considering a softer, warmer palette to go with your hair.
Also like #3 coat with simple jeans or leggings. # 5 is fun and looks like a snow princess.

Joy

Veteran

You have had lots of great advice. Maybe low-contrast-with-the-boots skinnies for a long leg line? Olive may work.