It’s almost boot season. (Yay!) This fall, over-the-knee boots are back. But as chic as these Jimmy Choos are, they’re not exactly practical. So let’s focus on a more accessible trends, flat boots with buckle details.
Elected Official
Saint Laurent Tall Buckle Boots ($1,645)
Hill Staffer
Frye Shirley Riding Plate Boot ($298)
Looking for something less pricey? I also like this Life Stride boot and this Naturalizer Juletta boot.
Paid Intern
A girlfriend texted me Saturday with a question that was uniquely D.C. Her office is no longer suits and sheath dresses, but it’s not jeans and athleisure either. “Can an office be ‘semi-formal’?,” she pondered. “What do I wear for that?!” Enter the shirtdress, the solution for summer.
Welcome to the warm weather months. Outside, you will roast. Inside, you will freeze. The air conditioning will be your constant nemesis, as it “conditions” the air to a temperature that is primarily suitable for men. Luckily, this cardigan can keep you warm even when your fiery resentment wanes.
Nora Ephron was right: I feel bad about my neck. As I move through my forties, the creases have turned into chasms. The skin sags like a pair of sweatpants with aging elastic. It’s not great. But it’s just a natural part of getting older. Over the past year, it feels like I’ve tried every […]
A girlfriend texted me Saturday with a question that was uniquely D.C. Her office is no longer suits and sheath dresses, but it’s not jeans and athleisure either. “Can an office be ‘semi-formal’?,” she pondered. “What do I wear for that?!” Enter the shirtdress, the solution for summer.
Welcome to the warm weather months. Outside, you will roast. Inside, you will freeze. The air conditioning will be your constant nemesis, as it “conditions” the air to a temperature that is primarily suitable for men. Luckily, this cardigan can keep you warm even when your fiery resentment wanes.
Nora Ephron was right: I feel bad about my neck. As I move through my forties, the creases have turned into chasms. The skin sags like a pair of sweatpants with aging elastic. It’s not great. But it’s just a natural part of getting older. Over the past year, it feels like I’ve tried every […]
This week has been an absolute bear, so let’s reach into the reader mail bag and answer some questions. And let’s start with a post about affordable summer bags.
Any suggestions of good boots for people with very short calves? I’m 4’11” and my calves are one of the shorter parts of me, so whenever I get boots that are supposed to go below the knee, they always go higher and look really awkward.
Also, suggestions for wider calves would be appreciated! My calves are 16.5″ on a slim day, and normally closer to 17″. Most boots have a calf circumference around 14-15″ and there is just no way that will work for me.
I just discovered that 6pm.com has a great selection of wide calf boots; many different style and colors. The prices are reasonable too.
The Naturalizer Juletta boot that Belle linked to also comes in wide calf. I have them in black, and they are great. Very comfortable. Mine were from widewidths.com, but I think you can also get them elsewhere.
N – they’re not inexpensive, but I swear by Duo Boots out of England. They let you pick shoe size and then calf circumference, and I’m at the widest they go (50cm). The nice thing is that they have a wide variety of styles so you’re not stuck with one look. I have a nice pair of black 2″ tall boots and a low-heel grey suede boot. I think some brown ones will need to happen this fall.
I’m a big fan of Fitzwell for wide calf boots. They carry a wide and an extra wide and are well constructed and comfortable. Also, the ankle is not excessively baggy.
oh so i am 5’0″ and i just bought some target boots that are Frye knockoffs … HAHA. here they are: https://www.target.com/s?searchTerm=mossimo+engineer&category=0%7CAll%7Cmatchallpartial%7Call+categories&lnk=snav_sbox_mossimo+engineer (or search for “mossimo engineer boot”). would love to hear suggestions on riding boots for short people though!
As long as the top of the boot is simple, a good cobbler or tailor can cut the shaft length down for you (even if there is a zipper). I got a pair done and it cost $45 or so. Really worth it for petite ladies.
I’ve been thinking of getting this done with a pair of boots I bought at the end of last winter, but felt like it might be a little too crazy haha. You’ve been happy with it though, J? Do you live in the DC area by any chance?
I have very tiny feet for my height. I’m 5’4″ and I have a size 6 foot. How can you tell if the shoe will fit when you order it? I’ve been trying to buy shoes online, but I have only had one instance where the shoes came back perfect.
I’d love to see some outfits with boots that are not jeans or leggings and tunic. Can we wear boots to the office and look professional?
Yes please! I was wondering the same thing. Belle, how would you style these? I am never sure if they can go with a sheath / pencil skirt etc.
Ditto times 10!! I love boot season, and much prefer flat or low heeled boots, but I can’t seem to find a pair that look right with pencils skirts suitable for the office. Thanks!
Any suggestions for boots for people with sweaty feet? I never wear boots because they feel like a sauna on my feet.
Wool socks. I know it seems counter intuitive to put more layers on, but the wool helps wick the moisture away and keep your feet dry!
Spray on anti-perspirant works for me, a friend puts silica packs in the toes of her boots. Also look into the Geox brand they have air flow.
any recommendations for having your boot heels resoled?