In my search for a blogger who does riding boots well, I came across Jod a la Mode. She participates in Lindsey at The Pleated Poppy’s What I Wore Wednesday feature, which I do occasionally, as well. In her post reflecting on participating in What I Wore for one whole year, she had several outfits where she was wearing riding boots. What caught my eye about her post was her growth in her personal style over the year she had blogged about it. I really wanted to show you how she wore her riding boots to illustrate a few points. I feel like these three tips (illustrated in the 3 looks, above) can really make or break an outfit with riding boots.
If you are nervous about riding boots…
1. Layer! Wear skinnies, a flowy blouse, and a blazer. Wear leggings, a striped tunic, and a cardi. Wear whatever, but layers look especially nice, cozy, and fall like. Plus, they balance out the bulk on the bottom (the boots) if that is something you feel weird about.
On the other hand…
2. Wear black, it slims! We all know this to be true. Head to toe black makes you look so thin, but it can also make you look like you are in mourning. A good way to break up all that black is with a vest–especially one that is narrow or belted. It will highlight in all the right places, while still maintaining that slimming black line.
Speaking of belts…
3. Belt at your natural waist! Cinching your outfit in at your natural waist will help create an hourglass shape, which works well with the more utilitarian boots. It will make you feel smaller, which may help you feel more comfortable in the bulkier than normal boots.
And a few more things…
I have had a lot of comments concerning these riding boots. Some of you think you may not be able to wear them because you are short, or plus-sized, or pear-shaped, or too young, or too old. You can wear riding boots no matter your size or shape or age. They are so “of the moment” and darn practical in wintertime that you will look chic and pragmatic all at once. Jod a la Mode seems to be “everywoman”–and she looks fantastic in her boots. You will, too.
BUT…
Because it can be difficult to find the perfect pair of boots–not to mention they are an investment–I recommend taking a few pairs home and letting them marinate with you for a few days. When I say marinate, I mean take them home, wear them with many different outfits, get used to how they look, see if you like how they feel. This could be the difference between hating the boots you choose and having boots that you want to wear all fall and winter long.