With the many boot styles that exist, it can be difficult to consider what to wear with them. You may have a favorite style of boot, or perhaps you are looking to buy a pair, but are not sure what you would wear them with. No one wants to buy an article of clothing, only to find that the elements of their closet do not complement the clothing they purchased; the same goes for shoes. Whether you are ordering online or in a store with more freedom to try on clothing, everyone should be able to purchase a pair of boots for the winter season with ease. Check out these boot styles, and consider which sounds best for your wardrobe and personal style choices.

Cold weather boots

Cold weather boots can be suede or faux fur, or alternatively, accented with suede or fur, and even feature soles that range in thickness from thin, flat soles to thick soles with rigid treads.  Cold weather lace up boots tend to be the most reliable boots around. This style of boot is usually made from waterproof polypropylene or nylon, with accents of leather and faux fur. Thus, these boots have the ability to keep your feet warm and dry, and the materials from which they are made are best for resisting winter elements. However, they can be difficult to incorporate into most wardrobes. These boots tend to have wide circumferences, and thick soles, two characteristics that can make them undesirable. However, there is a key method to making these boots fit into your wardrobe.

When buying cold weather lace up boots, try to buy a pair that comes in minimal colors, or in neutral colors that will mesh well with your clothing. Know that, in the event that you purchase cold weather boots of multiple or bright colors, they will be difficult to style. If you do choose to buy cold weather boots in fun colors, try buying winter weather accessories in similar colors. This will help your colorful boots fit right in.

Fold-over boots

Fold-over boots are the chameleons of the shoe store. These boots can most often be found in leather and suede. One thing that is constant about these boots is their ability to change. The shaft of fold-over boots can be folded down, allowing them to change from mid-calf boots to ankle boots in an instant. The variety of styles in which these boots can be found, as flat boots, wedge heels, or even ½ to 1 inch heels, makes fold-over boots more adaptable for the a majority of styles.

While wearing them tall, fold-over boots can resemble combat boots, but more often come in more feminine styles than combat boots. Fold-over boots in full form look well with jeans, cardigans or large sweaters. Add scarves to the ensemble to add more character. When wearing them folded over, try pairing the boots with tunics, or longer length shirts; this creates an interesting element of contrast. The folded over style also looks well with skirts, and are easier to dress up.

Combat boots

Combat boots have grown to great popularity over the past year, and for good reason. These boots have the ability to perform well in the winter, as they are most often made of leather, which will keep snow off your socks and wash free of salt residue easily. The style of combat boot you choose will allow you to achieve different fashionable results. They can stand out in an ensemble when paired with simple styles, or paired with edgy clothing to achieve a striking look.

What combat boots lack in femininity they can make up for in edginess.Look for a pair of combat boots that are studded with spikes or other embellishments. These styles look best when worn with other edgy pieces: a leather jacket, with matching embellishments and liquid leggings, is sure to please.

You can also take the “less is more” idea and bring it to reality by wearing the simplest of outfits with combat boots to make them more interesting. A T-shirt and jeans will look great with the softer styles of combat boots. Try wearing destructed jeans, or jeans in interesting colors or patterns for added character.

Riding boots

Riding boots are arguably the most popular style of boot today. Similar to combat boots, the materials from which riding boots are made, often leather, allow them to be worn against winter weather. Riding boots originate from horseback riding, and have been incorporated in the fashion world as a simple of style. Riding boots are very capable of dressing up your wardrobe; they can allow you to achieve looks ranging from casual to business casual. You can go from lounging in leggings and a crewneck sweatshirt, to attending class in style, simply by adding riding boots to the ensemble. The business casual look is achievable with a simple blazer and straight-leg pants, paired with riding boots of a similar color.

To bring the equestrian look home, wear riding boots with a double-breasted jacket or coat. Also consider a pair of riding boots made of distressed leather for a more rustic feel, instead of those made of smooth, sheen leather. If you prefer smooth leather, consider wearing them with skirts and tights, and a scarf for added fun. This will help you achieve a dressy-casual look, appropriate for every day.

Slouchy Boots

Slouchy boots, which can be found in knee-high or over-the-knee styles, are steadily becoming more popular. Their ruffling element allows them to be more appealing than the run-of-the-meel leather or suede boot. They can usually be found with flat or wedge heels. These boots tend to look best when paired with leggings or straight legged pants, as this allows their ruching and pleats to be more fluid. Slouch boots are easy to incorporate into feminine outfits, as well as edgy ensembles. When wearing them with skirts, slouchy boots look best when worn over tights, instead of a bare leg.

No matter what style of boot you choose, play around with the ensembles you plan to pair them with. Find which styles look best with the clothing you have, and even try them with new styles for future shopping trips. You can build an outfit around the boots you love, or find boots to love that will look great with your outfits. Either way, give these boot styles a shot; perhaps you’ll find a way to incorporate them all.

 

Photo Credit: Polyvore.com