If you have been out shopping lately, you surely have seen them……boots are everywhere and in so many styles and heights, toe shapes, materials…. It can be very overwhelming unless you are focused on a certain style you need. I have been flirting with the over-the-knee boots, but have decided to not purchase any unless I find a real bargain…..why you might ask? Because I consider them trendy, not something I would wear to work – they look great with leggings or tights and a short skirt, not business appropriate for me….The black suede Aquatalia boots seen above and below were an “investment” at least six years ago – waterproof, elegant, comfortable, warm, great for work or after work fun!

It seems fairly easy to choose boots for weekend or casual wear, but for business or more formal occasions, not so easy……here are some tips before you head out to the mall or before you search the vast selection online at Zappos…..

–  You need not give up style to be warm and comfortable.
– A boot with a 2-3 inch heel is much more flattering than a flat boot…especially with pants!
– A knee length boot looks best when skirt length is an inch or two above knee, or just covers top of boot.
– Short boots (“booties”) look great with both skirts and pants.  They are a must have!
– Booties look ‘edgy’ with bare legs and a skirt, best with slim legs; worn with dark tights they look chic on all body types.
– Shiny leather or suede is dressier than dull or distressed leather. (Love suede!)
– Boots that are soft leather or have elastic panels that hug your calf are much more feminine and flattering than stiff heavy leather.
– Riding boots, slouchy styles, lots of buckles or laces – save for weekend wear.
– Visit your cobbler each season for new heels and/or soles;  it will prolong your boot’s life!

Are you in the market for new boots this year? Another place to check out is The Tannery in Harvard Square or in Boston – they have a great selection of price ranges and styles to meet every body type and budget!