Ankle boots - must haves, looks, tips & street style close-up!

Ankle boots - must haves, looks, tips & street style close-up!

Ankle boots are a popular boot trend again this season and the style rules of how to wear them have gone out the window.  Ankle boots are a chic, edgy alternative to thigh-high boots, and this season's must-have shoe. Here's how to wear them.

There are so many fun ones out there: wedge, heel, flat, cut-out, laced, buckled, and the list could go on. And they’re so big for fall — you really should own a pair. Don’t be afraid!

1. Tuck your pants into your ankle boots – that will create a long leg line and your legs will seem endless. The best model choice for this look would be tight, skinny jeans.

2. Rolled jeans will show a little bit of your ankle and will look great on your boots. Wear this with skinny or wide-leg jeans which you can roll.

3. The sock trend will never go out of fashion. Wear your socks layered over the leggings and you will get a perfect autumn/winter look. Pick neutral-coloured socks, your ankles will thank you.

4. Pair your boots with a dress! Opposite styles love each other, so wear your military ankle boots with a romantic lace dress. To avoid the “short leg line”, wear your “above knee” dress.

Whether you prefer your booties with trousers, jeans, leggings or you’re all in with ankle boots and a skirt, adding this style into your wardrobe is a great way to update even classic pieces and keep your wardrobe fresh! 

Some of the basic buying suggestions;

• always start with black. They will be more versatile
• a medium heel (cuban heel) is again, the most versatile. You should be able to wear it comfortably all day, but it will give you a little extra height, which helps no matter how tall you are.
• buy good quality boots. In Winter, you shoes cop a lot – mud & puddles. A good quality leather will last you much longer, and on the whole, be more comfortable too.

STYLING TIP.

Ankle boots can visually cut your leg short!  If you're short in stature, you want to lengthen the visual appearance of your leg line as much as possible, you're better off with a low cut shoe. It's not so bad if you're wearing similar coloured boots to tights, there's not the obvious contrast to break the look.

MY MUST HAVES

Whether flat, platform, studded or suede—there's an ankle boot out there for every taste. Shop my picks for the chicest booties to try this season.

1.    Woolworths Ruche Buckle Boots. R 550.00  
2.    Rage ankle boot, brown, gold. R284.99
3.    G by GUESS Women's Shoes Fairly 2 Fashion Ankle Boots R890.00
4.    Guess by Marciano Fidelia Women Ankle Boots R1,200.00
5.    Rage ankle boot, black, heel, zip detail R559.00
6.    Spree Wedge Ankle Boots Black MADISON R699
7.    MR P suede ankle shoot R189.99
8.    Foschini Heeled Slouch Boot R599.00

Scroll through for great ways to wear your booties, and a few tips to keep your legs looking slim and fabulous.  And remember, you don’t need these exact pairs to create great outfits — use these outfits as inspiration to wear your ankle boots well, no matter what style they are!

I’d love to know how you like to wear your booties or if you have any questions, so feel free to leave a comment below.

10 FASHION STAPLES I CAN’T SURVIVE WINTER WITHOUT

10 FASHION STAPLES I CAN’T SURVIVE WINTER WITHOUT

With Winter in full swing the only way to beat it is to invest in good quality Winter Wardrobe Essentials and get very good at layering. I must admit, I really do love Winter Fashion. I’ve compiled 10 essentials for a fabulous fall wardrobe. For me, winter is all about quality fabrics and layering. These are the key pieces I definitely couldn’t get through winter without…

The Perfect Coat

A stylish outerwear is the first thing we all hurry to invest in as the cold months arrive, and while trends come and go a classic coat is always there to bundle you up in style.  Whether you love long or oversized coats, monochrome or checkered options, capes, pea coats or ones with military influences, go for the best options that flatter your figure and put the focus on your personal style.  A statement-making coat can be the core of almost all your winter looks, and the way you style it can certainly help you create various styles and moods.

Jeans, Jeans, Jeans!

If in summer it’s all about the perfect pair of denim shorts, I love the winter months for it lets us wear our favorite jeans. Skinny, high-waisted, bell-bottom or vintage, jeans are really timeless and we can hardly imagine the fashion world without them. It’s their practicality, versatility and ultimate wearability that makes us adore jeans. Well, and of course we all know how to wear jeans, since they have no basic rules and you can be as creative and innovative as you can!

Leather Pants

They are edgy, sexy and cool and can be mixed and matched with various tops for creating one-of-a-kind looks.  I couldn’t live without leather leggings or leather pants. They’re so versatile and they keep you really warm. Plus it can be worn casually during the day or dressed up for evening.  Pay attention to the colour and the form of the leather pants you choose, picking the best options for your own body shape. 

Chunky Knit Sweater

Good quality knits should make up a significant portion of your winter wardrobe. Fine knits are perfect for layering underneath blazers, coats and even dresses while chunkier knit sweaters are great for throwing on over your casual outfits. Choose them in colours and cuts that best suit your personal style.

The Gilet

The winter Gilet, your new wardrobe essential. This luxe layering piece adds texture to any look. The great thing about a gilet is its versatility as a piece of clothing. You can wear just about anything underneath a gilet. Work it with sleeveless tops and jeans, then pop it over knitwear when the chill sets in. The gilet works great as both an outer layer and a mid-layer to be worn under a jacket or a coat.

Ankle Boots

A winter must-have. You can do whatever heel you want whether it’s a flat or a high heel but definitely ankle boots. We can never underestimate the power of a stylish pair of boots, which can spice up even the dullest winter looks. They can elongate the legs of petite women and when it comes to the possible stylish combinations created with them, you have endless options to choose from. Ankle boots look cool with any types of pants, skirts, dresses and coats, so why not get a pair?

A Knit Sweater dress

Just like the knit sweaters, knit sweater dresses are also among the best winter wardrobe essentials that every woman needs to get. There are days when you are not into layering and mix and matching tops and bottoms, so slipping into a relaxed knit sweater dress. Wear it with ankle or knee-high boots, pick a scarf to add lots of personality to your look and don’t forget the coat when you walk out the door!

A pair of stockings

Thick tights or stockings are perfect for wearing with dress or a skirt in winter, there’s nothing better than stockings to complete your look and keep you a little bit away from the cold. So buy a pair of stocking this season to gloss up your look and wear the clothes that you want!

A Bright, Printed Scarf

Whether you choose a classic leopard printed scarf or one adorned with abstract motifs, you definitely need this stylish accessory for styling your winter looks. It’ll keep your neck warm, while brightening up even the most boring looks and taking your styling skills to a whole new level. 

Beanies

Beanies and hats are a necessity for keeping your head toasty warm in winter. There are plenty of different styles of beanies available, from fitted to slouchy styles and simple to novelty designs. I find that a basic black or grey beanie that can be folded to sit firmly on the head or worn slouchy and pushed back is a versatile wardrobe option.

Tell me – what are your winter wardrobe staples?

Platform Boots

Platform Boots

WEARING PLATFORM BOOTS

Finding the best boots is essential at this time of year and platform shoes have been on (and off) the runways for several seasons now.. Platform boots can be a treasure for people who are a little bit on the extravagant side. But also for those of you who prefer the classy look you can find something suitable for you. Platform boots come in such a variety of styles and so they can fit many different looks. I prefer the platform to be high enough to equal out the slant of the foot so I get the height but not the angle of extreme discomfort you get from traditional heels.

Platform boots look especially good with light dresses or skirts. I like wearing platform boots with knee high socks or tights. It will add some rock’n’roll accent to your feminine image. Also you can wear them with shorts and jeans, jackets and pullovers. Keep it simple: The boots are striking on their own and don't require much else. 

What I will tell you is this. If you are considering, try them on. They are basically heeled slippers. Block heel, minimal foot arch and hefty platform plus a narrow ankle that disappears under your clothes. They make us look taller and our legs look slimmer, which is why we're taking tips from fashion bloggers and street style stars on how to style a pair for an edgy look.

Scroll through to see the runway and street style inspiration; then to shop our picks of platform boots!

PHOTO Adam Katz Sinding for W Magazine

Marc Jacobs runway - platform boot

Marc Jacobs - Stasha Glittered Snake-effect Leather Platform Boots 

Athousandchapters platform ankle boot with knee high socks

Platform boots with shorts, fishnet stockings and knee high socks

Stud with lace up front platform boot

Erin Wasson wears a black belted jumpsuit & black platform boots.

Eugenie from Feral Creature in the Mulder Platform Boot by Jeffrey Campbell 

Rita Ora certainly in chunky platform boots!

Y.R.U. Nightmare Reflective Platform Boot

Stylebop.com - ALEXANDER WANG Leather Platform Ankle Boots

Zando - Miss Black Natz Platform Boot Brown R 729

Stylebop.com - ROBERT CLERGERIE Suede Platform Boots

Zando - PLUM SPINK Gusset Platform Ankle Boot Burgundy R 749

So, will you be bringing platform boots back into your rotation? Tell us why or why not in the comments!

Thank you so much for reading!Till' next time xo





WHAT DO YOU THINK?

Knee high socks: women’s fashion trend

Knee high socks: women’s fashion trend

One of the most flattering, fashionable, and most definitely practical fall/winter trends is the knee-high sock phenomenon. I am head-over-heels for them! 

This is perfect timing for the winter because longer socks keep your legs and feet much warmer. Be brave and get some knee high socks so that you stand out this winter. Getting the right fit is very important as the correct size can really enhance your legs. 

Knee socks have become very popular in past two years and till now they have their own place in newest trends. Socks are bold, funky and sexy and that’s why they are so popular among true fashionistas. If you also want to look as hot and sexy as models on the catwalk, check out this trend alert and make sure you keep in mind some tips how to wear them. 

Here are some of my favorite ways to wear knee high socks.

• In replacement of tights with skirts, shorts, and mini dresses (pictured above)
• Over leggings for extra warmth
• Scrunched down as slouchy socks with ankle boots
• With open-toed heels, pumps, and thigh high boots

With sheer tights underneath

This is probably the all-time favorite knee sock look. The extra layer of fabric gives your legs extra warmth, but it still looks cute with anything you plan on wearing, dressy or casual.  Wear this duo with a tighter skirt, loose flowy top, and ankle boots. Definitely my go-to for fall and winter dinners. 

 

 

 

With shorts

In the spring, pair our knee socks with shorts and boots or even little sneakers. This look is perfect for those days when it’s not quite warm enough out for shorts yet, but you’ve been waiting all winter and just can’t help yourself.

Scrunched down with knee high or over-the-knee boots

I love high boots with a hint of sock peaking out the top. Opt for a sock that matches your boots for something more neutral, or make a statement with bright or patterned socks.

 

 

With ankle booties

Whether flat or high-heeled, ankle booties and knee-high socks are a match made in accessory heaven. This combo goes with just about everything, adding a garter to the top of the socks is great if they’re slipping down.







STREET STYLE INSPIRATION