Now that Labor Day has come and gone, I can begin my tall-boot-weather countdown. Flat tall boots are my favorite shoes–so chic, so comfortable–and I cannot wait for the crisp autumn weather so I can wear them. This season, the equestrian style of boot is on the trend list.
Elected Official
Hill Staffer
Willow Riding Boot (Banana Republic, $198)
Paid Intern
Annie Harness Riding Boot (Endless, $62)
When I started this blog, influencers still re-wore clothes. There were no haul videos filled with the latest from Shein before it winds up in a beach in Ghana poisoning the planet. There were no sponsored campaigns delivering fresh wardrobes each month. The content machine doesn’t like reruns.
When I was young, my Mother used to bring me along when she would go shopping for fabric. As a result, I spent a lot of time, killing time, flipping through pattern books. So when I spotted this dress, I was instantly transported to the pattern table at a Jo-Ann Fabrics.
Before we start today’s reader questions, I wanted to take a moment to talk a bit about mental health. For those who experience mental health challenges — whether occasionally or frequently — talking about our struggles is a double-edged sword.
When I started this blog, influencers still re-wore clothes. There were no haul videos filled with the latest from Shein before it winds up in a beach in Ghana poisoning the planet. There were no sponsored campaigns delivering fresh wardrobes each month. The content machine doesn’t like reruns.
When I was young, my Mother used to bring me along when she would go shopping for fabric. As a result, I spent a lot of time, killing time, flipping through pattern books. So when I spotted this dress, I was instantly transported to the pattern table at a Jo-Ann Fabrics.
Before we start today’s reader questions, I wanted to take a moment to talk a bit about mental health. For those who experience mental health challenges — whether occasionally or frequently — talking about our struggles is a double-edged sword.
Sometimes, you just want to wear something pretty to the office. Something that makes you feel good. A dress that makes your whole day better. These are those dresses.
Oooh love these flat boot options!
Has the equestrian boot ever not been on the trend list? Not for the past 5 years at least, I'd think.
Not a criticism, just a laugh. Love Boot #1, wish I could afford anything that expensive!
So when do you think it's acceptable to bring out the tall boots? And what about other kinds of boots? I start to work cowboy-style and ankle boots into my wardrobe during September but try to hold out on the tall boots until the weather justifies it– which in DC isn't until later October.
Christine: They do seem to trot out the equestrian look with increasing frequency. (ooh, an unintentional pun!) I think it's just timeless enough that they think no one will notice.
CC: I usually start wearing mine in late September unless it's really hot.
I realize that they're probably cut slightly differently, but as a former competitive equestrienne it makes me giggle not just that these boots are so fashionable – but also that they're considered comfortable! I couldn't wait to get mine off, and the idea of walking further than from the barn to the paddock in them made me want to cry. 🙂
Hi Belle, will you be posting various ways of wearing these boots? I see them with jeans and casual clothes but would love to have some business/career options.
I came here with the same question as Vickie! I would love to see some styling options other than tucking my tall boots into jeans. I have trouble picking the right proportions and shapes with shirts and tunics to go with knee high boots and I would really appreciate your input!
In case anyone here is like me and has super skinny calves, I wanted to recommend DUO Boots – http://www.duoboots.com – a British company that offers boots in a very wide range of calf sizes. I spent a couple years looking for boots with a 13″ calf circumference only to realize that they are almost nonexistent – but my DUO boots fit perfectly and are absolutely gorgeous. They are expensive to be sure but they are well worth it (even considering that they're in the UK). Also, their customer service is amazing. OK, I'll stop singing their praises now. 🙂
Belle, and ladies, I love these flat boots but as someone with tiny feet (size 6) and huge calves, I struggle to find nice boots like these to fit my calves. Have you come across any brands that make wide (very wide) calf boots? I am familiar with DUO, as I live in the UK, but I find their range of styles a bit limited, so am wondering if there are other brands I should look into? Thanks!
There was only 1 left in my size of the Annie's (intern) boot so I figured Id try them out and see what they look like in person. I've been wanting a pair of brown riding boots that didn't look too cheap, so let's hope these are great!
Thanks for the tip!
AR – try Fitzwell boots! They make wide and extra-wide calf options!