I've published nearly 600 posts on this blog in almost three years (eek), with some of my most prolific blogging days back near the beginning. Enjoy some of these oldies but goodies from the archives!
Underneath it all - A good fit starts with a good foundation, so check out these tips for picking the right daytime underoos.
How to accessorize with belts - From the fun to the frightful, a little walk through my discovery of belts.
How high is too high? I love a good heel as much as the next gal, but there office appropriate heels and there are non-office appropriate heels. Do you know the difference?
Walking the halls, not the streets - How to wear knee-high boots without looking like a hooker.
How to wear jeans to the office - No elaboration needed.
Showing posts with label boots. Show all posts
Showing posts with label boots. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Monday, December 5, 2011
A-Baseling we go [outfit]
Francesca's Collections dress - 2011 - $44 / Steve Madden boots from Macy's - 2009 - gift card + $3 / Belt - 2010 - swapped / Kate Spade Doodle necklace - 2011 - gift / Gold ring from Joanna Paige - 2011 - $16 (birthday money) / Nancy Rosetta silver circle ring - 2009 - gift
When in Miami, do as the Miami-ans do. Saturday night, K and I went to our very first Art Basel Miami Beach. I don't know much (ok, anything) about art, but I love looking at it. When we travel to new places, we gravitate toward museums and galleries rather than restaurants, attractions, and other activities. My favorite artist shown was Kate Gilmore, especially her video piece Buster. Check her out. Amazing. Art definitely inspires me, but to do what I'm not quite sure yet. I just love the energy and creativity of it all.
Art Basel is a place to see and be seen. It is one of the largest (if not the largest) modern art fair in the world. Rumor has it that it is now larger than the original Art Basel in Switzerland. Insane. We went Saturday night, and I had no idea what to wear. It took me a crapload of outfits before I settled on the one I finally wore, which was a variation on what I wore for our Christmas card photo this year (but only for about 30 minutes for pics). Check out the pile of discarded clothes that I had to put away at the end of the night:
Oops.
What inspires you? What types of attractions do you gravitate toward when you travel?
Monday, November 21, 2011
Flower power [outfit]
Target dress - 2011 - $6.50 on clearance / Franco Sarto boots - 2010 - gift / random rings on a chain
I have no idea how one would describe my style, but if there's one thing that it characteristically is not is floral (I know floral is not a style, but you catch my drift). I've accumulated a few (very few) floral pieces of clothing throughout the years, but I don't wear them often. I'm just not all that attracted to florals, and even the ones I do like and own, I find difficult to actually wear.
The exception: I've been longing—obsessing, even—over finding the perfect floral minidress to rock with boots (and a jacket when it gets cooler). There's just something so laidback and boho/rocker about that combo. But I'm a picky one and I've spent years trying to find the perfect dress.
This one isn't traditionally floral, and it isn't completely perfect, but for $6, I figured I'd try it out. The sheer top layer keeps the black wearable in Miami, although the built-in slip leaves much to be desired (one should not have to choose between covering bra or underwear). Good thing I have a black slip that I can pin up and slip under for added protection.
The verdict? I like it. The print, the length, the flow. These boots give it a polished hippie vibe, but I think I'll try them with more rugged boots next time for a little grunge.
Is there a style/print/type of clothing that just isn't you but you had to try it anyway?
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
If you have to ask... [outfit]
A'gaci blazer - 2011 - $30 / Limited maxi dress - 2007 - $20 on sale / Mossimo tank - 2010 - $7 on sale / Steve Madden boots from Macy's - 2009 - gift card + $3 / NY & Co necklace - 2010 - gift
I was going to name this post "Does this match?" And then I realized that if I have to ask, the answer is probably not, but I'll wear it anyway. It was slightly gloomy last week, so I wanted to be more covered up. Plus, boots always make me feel better.
And, of course, after I confessed my recent apathy for shopping last week, I went on a slight bender over the weekend (if by bender you mean dropping $25 at Target for two t-shirts and a 75% off dress). Just when I started getting all cocky about my recent money-saving ways.
What's your take when you question what you're wearing? Do you ask for a second opinion, change, or keep on keepin' on?
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Fall uniform [outfit]
Bobeau sweater from Nordstrom Rack - 2011 - $8 on clearance (purchased with birthday money) / Ella Moss tank from Anthropologie - 2010 - Christmas gift / J & Co jeans from Renew Denim - 2010 - $40 / Franco Sarto boots from Macy's - 2010 - birthday gift / London Fog bag from Amazon - 2011 - birthday gift + $5 shipping
After a week of not taking outfit photos, it's a little odd to start again. That's why you get this crappy cell phone pic instead of the usual crappy indoor pic. This is basically my fall uniform.
Flat knee-high boots
(I might need another pair to spread out the wear on these)
(I might need another pair to spread out the wear on these)
+
Skinny or straight jeans
(blue or gray)
(blue or gray)
+
Drapey cardigan
(gray or tan)
+
Top-handle bag with longer strap
(black or brown)
Optional: scarf, fun jewelry
Seeing that I have at most two of each of the core items to the look, I'm going to have to switch it up here soon. Like, maybe switch to a straight cardi instead of a draped one.
The day I wore this (Sunday) I mulled over my upcoming Christmas List (due at Thanksgiving) as well as my October spending. I've been rather uninterested in shopping and acquiring new things lately, so the Christmas List has been tough. As for spending, I'm still going through my birthday money (in September and October combined I only spent $106 of my $150 birthday check...I bought a dress, a pair of shoes, a top, a sweater, and a ring so far). I'm thinking I'll use the rest of it to get a haircut. I need some shaping. Or should I save that for my Christmas List?
What's your fall uniform?
Monday, November 7, 2011
Never before seen footage [outfits]
Hey folks! I'm back from my trip! I spent a week with my sister-in-law and her family helping out around the house after they had their new baby earlier this month. Some highlights:
You can totally see the transition from summer to fall in these outfits. I've broken out my fall uniform (which you'll see tomorrow), even though it's still about 80 degrees here. It's only been a few months, but I've definitely acclimated to Miami, and I'm a little worried about how cold Southern California will be over the holidays. First world problems, I know.
- Getting to spend time with my 3.5 year old nephew that he'll remember. Since before he was born, we've always lived at least 500 miles away, and it kills me that we don't get to see him grow up as closely as we'd like. Now that he's at an age where he notices and remembers things, it's even more important that K and I are in his life (we're his only aunt and uncle).
- Changing my first diaper. I'm pretty impressed that I went 28 years without changing one. Luckily the baby was kind to me (didn't have to do any #2s). He's a keeper, for sure.
- Bonding with my sister-in-law. Growing up with just a brother, I always wished for a sister (in addition, not instead of my bro). My best friends come pretty close, but it is definitely cool to have a sister in my sis-in-law. We've always gotten along, but because of the distance we haven't had the chance to spend quality time just the two of us until now.
10.02.11
Gap tank, swapped dress as skirt, vintage belt, Emilie M bag, Rampage wedges, Nine West glasses (Yes, they're real. I've been wearing contacts since I was 12.)
Gap tank, swapped dress as skirt, vintage belt, Emilie M bag, Rampage wedges, Nine West glasses (Yes, they're real. I've been wearing contacts since I was 12.)
10.03.11
Target top, Rockabilly jeans, Calvin Klein pumps, Jada's Jewels cuff
Target top, Rockabilly jeans, Calvin Klein pumps, Jada's Jewels cuff
10.08.11
Gap Outlet tee, Black Orchid jeans, Franco Sarto boots, Old Navy belt, vintage scarf
Gap Outlet tee, Black Orchid jeans, Franco Sarto boots, Old Navy belt, vintage scarf
10.10.11
BR Factory cardigan, Gap tank, J & Company jeans, Target flats
BR Factory cardigan, Gap tank, J & Company jeans, Target flats
10.17.11
Max Studio wrap dress, vintage belt, Nine West Outlet boots, Premier Designs faux pearls
You can totally see the transition from summer to fall in these outfits. I've broken out my fall uniform (which you'll see tomorrow), even though it's still about 80 degrees here. It's only been a few months, but I've definitely acclimated to Miami, and I'm a little worried about how cold Southern California will be over the holidays. First world problems, I know.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Double dobby [outfit]
Dobby camp shirt from Target - 2009 - $13? / Pleated skirt from Goodwill - 2011 - $6 / Franco Sarto boots - 2010 - gift from mom / Leaf necklace - 2010 - $22 / Braided belt from Bows & Arrows - 2010 - $7
Since my post on Monday reminded me that I own this great shirt, I thought I'd bust it out this week since I haven't touched it in a while. For some reason, my mind went immediately to this skirt, which I originally thought was more pinkish, but with brown accessories looks a lot more beige. I'm still not sure what color it is exactly, but I'm just rolling with it.
So add this to the list of ways to wear a button-down.
[No, this outfit itself does not contain a double dose of dobby dots, but this is the second dobby dot post of the week...so many dots!]
I'm taking a quick break to do some life, so starting tomorrow I'll have some guest bloggers up in here. Hope you enjoy them!
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Weatherproof [outfit]
Eclair top from Nordstrom Rack - 2011 - $13 / Banana Republic suiting pencil skirt - 2010 - $60? on sale / Nine West Outlet boots - 2009 - $50 on sale / Natural pearl necklace - 2007 - gift
For the first time since I've been in Florida, we've had nasty weather. Like, really nasty. Horizontal rain, tornado warning, flood watch nasty. As much as I'd love to hunker down at home (and as free as I actually am to do so), sometimes I know it's better to just suck it up and get on out there. I'm fortunate that my building's garage is attached, so I don't actually have to go out into the rain to get to my car (a major step up from my last apartment), but my destination did not have a parking garage, so I pulled out my non-rain rain boots.
I'm all for rain boots. I love mine. They're from Target and were a Christmas gift from my in-laws a few years back. They get worn basically whenever it's wet out, even if the rain has stopped. Back when I used to take the bus to work (the first 2.5 years of my last job), I'd wear the rain boots for my commute and bring shoes to change into. But for a quick volunteering stop, something that would be awkward to change shoes at? Not so good.
My happy medium—these faux-leather tall boots. They protect my calves when I'm wearing a skirt, keep me from feeling any wet hemlines from I'm wearing trousers, and can even handle skinny jeans tucked in. The heel is thicker than my usual stiletto pump, and the rubber soles are a major plus for wet weather. They're not made for rain, of course, so I wouldn't walk through an ankle-high puddle the way I would in my normal rain boots, but it is nice to know that I'm not putting my leather goods at risk. They weren't cheap, but they've already gotten two seasons of wear and look nearly new.
How do you weatherproof your work outfit without dressing it down?
*bonus points if you've noticed that the boxes in this pic (taken Tuesday) were finally gone yesterday (pic taken Wednesday). I also wore this outfit to do some more unpacking. Slowly, but surely. I hope to be unpacked by the time we move again.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Snap and scrap [outfit]
Gap dress - 2011 - $25 on sale (similar) / Banana Republic bib necklace - 2010 - $12 on sale (similar) / Vintage braided leather belt via Bows and Arrows - 2010 - $7 (similar) / Franco Sarto boots via Macy's - 2010 - gift (similar)
Outfit analysis: When I looked at the weather report for early this week (highs in the 60s/70s), I knew I had to squeeze another wear out of this cozy dress. I've paired this dress with brown before, but the boots and necklace give this a totally different look than last time. This almost has a country vibe, which was great. I had the first of my several goodbye lunches this day, and the flat boots were perfect for our walk across Capitol Park.
___
This weekend, K and I grabbed the last of our stuff from our parents houses. I'd already edited my childhood stuff into one medium sized box before I got married, so this weekend was just a little walk through my college life. I grabbed a few books to keep and put the rest in a donate pile. I took photos of my scrapbook pages, ripped all my photos out of my scrapbooks to scan later, and tossed them. I brought back one plastic bin. I call my process "snap and scrap."
K, on the other hand, hadn't gone through his stuff in ages. He did a quick sift through a few of the boxes, but several others he just brought back entirely to look at here. He brought back 3 bins, 2 large boxes, and two shoeboxes of stuff. He's started going through the bins, but while I'm content to keep a digital copy, K is a little less decisive. He's been asking me what to do with stuff, and I'm at a loss. So far we've edited out an entire box, and the shoebox content will be easy to place, but there's still a lot to do.
Do you part with stuff easily or do you hang as long as possible?
Posted by
Angeline
at
10:45 AM
Labels:
belt,
black,
boots,
brown,
dress,
life,
My Workwear,
outfit
18
comments
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Blogging is beneficial
Style & Co. dress via Macy's - 2011 - $25 (similar) / BR Factory cardigan - 2011 - $12 (similar) / Nine West outlet boots - 2009 - $50 (similar) / Studded belt - 2010 - swapped (similar) / Forever 21 leaf necklace - 2010 - $5 (similar)
Outfit analysis: I got this idea from a magazine ad, I just can't remember which one. I think the model had a floral dress and brown sandals, but I was trying to work with what I had and with the weather (another rainy day with highs of 60 degrees). I tucked the collar of the dress into the collar of the cardigan
___
This is my new favorite cardigan. I think I've worn it at least three times a week since I got it at the killer BR Factory sale last month. So comfy. If I wasn't already married, I marry this cardigan.
It's been a weird week in my head. It's partially the weather, but also just a general exhaustion, hence the mini break from Sunday (when I wrote my Monday post) until Tuesday evening. While I was on my break, I was a major klutz and needed band-aids at least once a day (for new "injuries"). Sunday, I snagged a hangnail and was bleeding. Monday, I got a cardboard cut in between my toes (don't ask) and needed a band-aid again. Tuesday, my car handle opened up a small gash in my finger, and I bled through about three band-aids in the course of three hours.
Band-aid 1 on Tuesday, about 10 minutes after I put the band-aid on.
Lesson learned: Not blogging is hazardous to my health.
Are you a klutz or do you go through life pretty injury-free?
Posted by
Angeline
at
10:45 AM
Labels:
belt,
boots,
cardigan,
dress,
layers,
My Workwear,
outfit,
print
8
comments
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Working with what you've got | Shoe edition
Months and months ago, I talked about how to care for your clothes and help them last longer. It's one thing to keep a pair of slacks for five years, wearing them just a few times a month, but what about shoes? Due to the very nature of their purpose—protecting your feet—they're subjected to tons of wear and tear.
I don't know about you, but my kicks get quite the beating. While I have quite the assortment of work shoes, the classics (black pumps, peep-toes, lower-heeled pumps) really get the workout, often making it into the rotations more than once per week. Frequent wear, coupled with my walking schedule (a few blocks a few times a day) and surface (usually uneven asphalt near work and paving stones all around my apartment) really wear shoes down quickly.
Heel tips
Replacing the worn down tips of your heels is by far the easiest and cheapest way to keep your shoes lasting a long time. I get mine done usually 2-3 times a year. You can do it at home (see Real Simple's real simple instructions here) or go to any local cobbler. The shop I frequent only charges $8 per pair to do tips, which works for me. I usually go the second I see any nail poking through on the bottom—walking directly on the nail can do some damage to the rest of the heel.
Toes/Soles
The second most common problem I have is the soles at the toes of my shoes wearing down...something about how I drag my feet when I walk and the fact that I often wear pointy-toed shoes really optimizes this problem. This is a quick and easy fix for any cobbler, and I usually just assess the toes when I take my shoes in for their heel tips.
Every so often it is also a good idea to resole your whole shoe. I'm not exactly sure when to do this, but I've had it done twice—once when it was recommended by the cobbler (the shoes were three years old, so I trusted they probably needed it) and another time when I'd somehow gotten a hole in the sole.
Uppers
Most of my work shoes are leather or suede, which can be pretty pricey. Since nearly everything else can be replaced, the condition of a shoe's upper is what can either drive me to keep an old shoe or toss it. Keep your leather clean and conditioned to lengthen the life of the shoe. Leather (non-suede) can be cleaned with a damp cloth (see Weatherproofing below for how to get rid of salt stains), and conditioned with a clear product like Leather Lube (stop giggling).
Suede is a bit of a different beast. If your suede is matted, rub a dry terry towel to restore some of the nap. Dry stains can be cleaned with a pencil eraser. Since this type of leather isn't smooth, conditioning is not necessary.
Weatherproofing
If you have canvas or other fabric shoes, ScotchGard can help weatherproof the shoe (make sure you have a well-ventilated space before you do this). But what if your leather shoes have already gotten water or salt-stained (for those of you that live in areas where it snows). To get those unsightly water and salt marks off your leather, mix together equal parts distilled white vinegar and water; dampen a cloth with the mixture and wipe the salt stains off the shoe. Make sure to wipe off the liquid with a dry cloth afterward, and condition the leather (like above).
Boots
While the above care tips also apply to boots, tall boots have an added challenge: ensuring the shaft of the boot keeps its shape. The easiest way I've found to do this is keeping rolled up magazines in my shoes and standing them up. Stuffing newspaper into them is also helpful (but who really gets the newspaper delivered anymore?). Paper in the shoe also soaks up any moisture and keeps your shoes from smelling less than fresh.
What are your shoe care secrets?
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Faux bag
Three-quarter sleeve blazer via Gottschalk's - 2009 - $12 on sale (similar) / Cream tee - 2010 - swapped (similar) / O'Neill skirt via Ross - 2007 - cheap (similar) / Nine West outlet boots - 2009 - $50 (similar) / Vintage belt via Bows and Arrows - 2010 - $12 (similar) / Leaf necklace via Vanity Lounge Salon - 2010 - $22 (similar)
Ever since I saw Faith at Love Fox Vintage belt my red skirt into a paper-bag-esque waist with my own belt, I've been dying to try it. The red skirt is currently in the hamper, so I grabbed my brown skirt and gave it a go. The result was a little less convincing, but not too bad.
I have to confess that lately I've been a bit wiped—drained, pooped, beat, whatever you want to call it. It's a mix of bipolar weather (the dreary parts really get to me) and the general busyness of a life in transition (more on that later).
What I am, though, is motivated and full of ideas...in life, at work, at home, and with this blog.
Now I've just gotta get those two to jive. I'll keep you posted on how that goes.
What worked
I love piling on the neutrals...this outfit has beige, brown, tan, and gray/silver. I tried on a few different blazers with this (including the green one), but this is the one that worked.
What didn't
I'm not sure this was the best skirt to try the paper bag on. I did score a real paper bag skirt (as in it was meant to be worn that way) this weekend at the BR Factory sale, so maybe I should just stop being a poser and wear the real thing.
What season of life are you in? How are you handling it?
Posted by
Angeline
at
10:45 AM
Labels:
belt,
blazer,
boots,
My Workwear,
neutrals,
outfit,
t-shirt
7
comments
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Officially spring (and more ruffles)
Ruffled blouse via Gottschalks - 2009 - $12 (similar) / LOFT cardigan - 2010 - gift (similar) / LOFT pencil skirt - 2009 - $13 (similar) / Nine West outlet boots - 2009 - $50 (similar) / Vintage belt via Bows and Arrows - 2010 - $12 (similar) / Premier Designs faux pearl drop earrings - 2010 - $20 (similar)
It's officially springtime! And to backpack on to yesterday's post, here is an outfit I recently put together with the ruffled blouse (it wasn't uploaded yet when I wrote yesterday's post so I totally forgot to include it). This is from last week. I woke up and was playing on my phone in bed, like most people do (right?), and I saw that LOFT had uploaded a whole Facebook album of bloggers wearing their cardigans. A light came on in my head--I HAVE one of their cardigans! Oh joy.
Now how the heck do I get in that album? I'm wearing a LOFT skirt, too. Pretty please?
What worked
The colors, the proportions. Especially with a sort of boxy skirt, the belt was a must and kept the look from being too frumpy. Keeping the collar open also helped (although now that I'm looking at it, I wish I'd worn a necklace).
What didn't
I think a thinner belt would have been much nicer. And maybe one that wasn't elastic. The cardigan kept pulling up and then poufing over the belt (see first photo above). But overall I really loved this!
Where is your favorite store/retailer for cardigans? What is your favorite style of cardigan (v-neck, crew-neck, boyfriend, cropped, etc.)?
Posted by
Angeline
at
10:45 AM
Labels:
belt,
boots,
cardigan,
gray,
My Workwear,
outfit,
ruffles
27
comments
Thursday, March 3, 2011
From lump to lady
J. Crew outlet dress - 2009 - $20 (similar) / J & Company skinny jeans via Renew Denim - 2009 - $40 (similar) / Franco Sarto boots via Macy's - 2010 - gift (similar) / Vintage braided belt via Bows and Arrows - 2010 - $7 (similar) / Silver ball earrings via Target - 2010 - $5 for two pairs (similar) / Urban Outfitters double finger ring - 2010 - gift (available) / Random stretchy headband
What do you do when you feel like a lump in the morning? Put on a dress, pretend it's a shirt, and show as little midweek jean as possible. Goodness, this outfit was comfy. I don't remember much else about it
What worked
The slimness all the way down and the waist punctuated by the belt. Black + brown = love. The slicked back hair was pretty fun, too. I rarely go without bangs, but I do like them to be long enough to do this.
What didn't
In many offices, this would be best suited to a Friday (if jeans are even allowed). Luckily it was a pretty chill day at work so jeans were okay.
What is your fallback comfy outfit or formula?
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Suburban equestrienne
Shirt via Macy's - 2007 - gift card (similar) / Old Navy skirt - 2007 - $10 (similar) / Vintage scarf via Bows and Arrows - 2010 - $12 (similar) / Vintage belt via Bows and Arrows - 2010 - $12 (similar) / Nine West boots - 2009 - $50 (similar)
This is one from the archives (January). It was just one of those days (aren't they all) when I was short on time and long on options. I think it was supposed to rain, which is probably why I chose these boots. I don't remember much about this one, so I guess this will be a short post.
What worked
Neat enough for a day at work in my cubicle, but not a meeting-worthy outfit. It's always a good idea to dress for the right occasions.
What didn't
I'm not sure if the belt jives at all with this get-up. I just wasn't a fan of the way the skirt's waistline looked against the blouse, and this is the only belt I have that's thick enough to hold its own in this situation.
Do you put together an outfit as an ensemble or pick a piece and work around that? What pieces do you work around most often--shoes, dress, shirt?
Posted by
Angeline
at
10:45 AM
Labels:
belt,
boots,
brown,
gray,
My Workwear,
outfit,
scarf,
white
19
comments
Friday, January 21, 2011
You the professional: boots + skirts
Have I ever told you how much I love you? When I sent out this call for photos on Wednesday, I had no idea if anyone was even interested, but I am so excited that these girls were! So without further ado, check out their awesome office skirt + boot combos.
Let's give these ladies a hand! Flat boots, tall boots, and all matter of kinds of skirts...they do it all. Check out my tips for rocking the boot + skirt combo here.
Thanks for your participation ladies, and for the great feedback! I'm thinking I may make this a monthly feature with different work style combos. Who's in?
Reader Rachel, who (I hope!) will be starting her style blog soon. Check out her vintage skirt!
Let's give these ladies a hand! Flat boots, tall boots, and all matter of kinds of skirts...they do it all. Check out my tips for rocking the boot + skirt combo here.
Thanks for your participation ladies, and for the great feedback! I'm thinking I may make this a monthly feature with different work style combos. Who's in?
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Walking the halls, not the streets
Last week, I noted my personal discomfort at flirty tights in the workplace and posed a question to you, my readers--Are there any items you just don't feel comfortable wearing to work even though they're not expressly forbidden by the dress code? Several ladies brought up the question--can you wear knee high boots with a skirt in the workplace without looking like a hooker?
Yes. Unless the answer is no. Skirts and knee-highs should be avoided in conservative business professional dress code offices. But since most workplaces are some kind of hybrid business casual, the answer is yes.
Aside from your office's dress code, here are some things to consider.
Yes. Unless the answer is no. Skirts and knee-highs should be avoided in conservative business professional dress code offices. But since most workplaces are some kind of hybrid business casual, the answer is yes.
Aside from your office's dress code, here are some things to consider.
- Heel. Flat heels come off as more casual, but not all high heels are created equal, either. A thicker stacked heel reads better than a stiletto. Avoid very high heels on boots (maybe 3" tops), which will add to the hooker-ish ambiance.
- Color. Stick to browns and blacks. Grays are a great casual neutral, but may stand out a bit in the office.
- Material/finish. For office wear, opt for a matte leather (or faux, whatever your preference) rather than shiny or patent, which will just serve to bring more attention to the fact that you're wearing knee-highs to the workplace.
- Skirt style. Pairing your boots with an A-line skirt is the safest way to avoid a streetwalker connection, but a pencil shape can be appropriate as well, as long as the material is nice and the fit is not tight.
- Skirt length. A nice general rule--the higher the boot shaft, the longer the skirt should be. Think of it as a meet-in-the-middle. If your skirt overlaps with the boot, it's fine (it may feel weird in the beginning, but the overall look is not as awkward as it feels, and certainly not as awkward as being mistaken as the entertainment). And of course, if the skirt isn't appropriate for the workplace in the first place, don't try wearing it with the boots--it won't help.
- Legwear. From trial and error, I would recommend wearing some kind of legging or tight with boots and skirts if any knee will be showing.
- Condition. Make sure your leather footwear is free of visible scuffs and scratches. Nothing makes you look like a novice more than a scraggly wardrobe.
- Balance. A covered up top goes a long way in balancing out the raciness of the boot. As you'll see below, I pair all my skirt/boot outfits with at least a 3/4 length sleeve. When I wear my boots with skinny jeans, though, I often go sleeveless. It's all about balance.
I have four pairs of tall boots--flat and heeled in black and brown. But only two of these have made it into my work wardrobe-- my brown ones! My black flat boots are completely ratty, and my black heeled ones are too big. And I've been on more of a brown kick lately. Here are some ways I've styled my knee-high boots for the office on the blog.
Heeled boots
October 2010 - with a brown corduroy pencil skirt (a little on the short side).
I think this would have looked better with tights.
I think this would have looked better with tights.
March 2010 - Having a similar (but different) brown skirt helps downplay the boots
a little and creates an elongated silhouette despite my shortness. The color
on top also draws the eye up.
a little and creates an elongated silhouette despite my shortness. The color
on top also draws the eye up.
April 2010 - Layering textures in the same shade creates a cohesive look
on bottom, and details on top keep the look fun.
on bottom, and details on top keep the look fun.
Flat boots
November 2010 - Volume in the skirt balances out the leg underneath,
while the belt gives some curves. A turtleneck balances out the skin shown below.
while the belt gives some curves. A turtleneck balances out the skin shown below.
November 2010 - Flat boots with a pencil skirt work when it's not skin tight.
December 2010 - Add length by layering a skirt underneath a dress.
I think I'm wearing tights under this, too, which downplays the gap
between boot and hem.
I think I'm wearing tights under this, too, which downplays the gap
between boot and hem.
Working ladies -- do you wear knee-high boots with skirts to the office? How do you style them? Email a pic or link to me by Thursday, and I'll do a round-up post of your pics Friday!
Posted by
Angeline
at
10:45 AM
Labels:
boots,
Cubicle Life,
Dress Codes,
questions,
style,
Tips
22
comments
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)











































