Isabel Marant’s Crisi Suede Wedge Heel Ankle Boots look comfy (they’re leather lined and have pull tabs) for easy on and off) and chic with their cowboy details $680, isabelmarant.com. Also available in khaki.
The subtle cutout on Rag & Bone’s Margot ankle boots is a leg-flattering detail. And the nubuck material is similar to but more durable than suede. $495, netaporter.com.
For those with packed schedules, you can easily slip Söfft’s Bergamo distressed floral-printed leather bootie on or off. Stacked heel and cushioned footbed makes them comfortable to wear for hours on end. $129.95, sootheshoestorepittsburgh.com. Also available in waterproof leather and water-resistant suede.
Got skinny jeans? Wear them with Franco Sarto’s zip-up, slightly distressed suede bootie with low stacked heel and low vamp. $119.95, nordstrom.com. Shown here in gray. Also comes in black and beige.
Ooh-la-la. Blue velvet booties with a practical rubber and leather sole, side zipper and block heels. $155, stories.com/us. Also in black suede, black leather, burgundy and red.
Dress up and add instant oomph to your wardrobe with Stuart Weitman’s kitten-heel (they’re back) Ladyspat. $575, stuartweitzman.com.
Here in graphite (it also comes in rust, black, chestnut and taupe), Everlane’s pull-on suede boot with a 2-inch stacked heel and back tabs is designed for busy urbanites. $225, everlane.com.
Sorel’s Cozy Joan faux fur-lined booties are as cute as it gets for sloshing around securely in the cold and wet of winter. $140, netaporter.com.
I RECENTLY stopped in at a trunk show for Soothe The Sole boutique and even though I bought a pair of very cute black suede kitten heels with pompoms, I looked longingly at the selection of ankle boots. Never mind that I already have three pairs. The look changes just a jot and suddenly the ones you own appear hopelessly outdated. I’m still in like with my Rag & Bone booties that I bought several years ago though I kind of wish the toe was just slightly pointier. A young businesswoman I know who attended (she’s the head of a startup called GoJaneGo, aimed at female business travelers) opted for a pair of floral Söfft booties (trendy but practical). I eyed some studded cowboyish ones from Antelope in metallic. My size wasn’t available that night and admittedly they were a bit out of my comfort zone.
So many choices—on the pricey side are Isabel Marant’s hip flat boot with a concealed wedge heel and Stuart Weitzman’s retro-style spat with kitten heel; easier on the budget are Everlane’s pull-on suede boot and Franco Sarto’s zip-up vamp style. Whatever price range, material (for example, they come in leather, suede and velvet) or height (stacked heel, kitten) you choose, this is a versatile shoe that can play well with the clothing in your wardrobe.
Those popular mid-length skirts and dresses you see everywhere can make you seem stubby but pairing them with ankle boots lets you show off the thinnest part of the leg, so your gams look trim and graceful. Flowy hemlines look particularly good with this style. But if you’ve got chunky ankles or heavy legs, booties will call attention to that area. Choose dark-color fitted or tapered pants or jeans that fall just at the top of, say, a black boot. Dark tights paired with a dark skirt and boots also can give you a leg-lengthening effect. I’m still looking for a way to wear my favorite boyfriend (read relaxed) jeans with ankle boots. So far, no luck. Suggestions welcome.
