High enrollment at school this winter + popular class time = 1 mile walk for me to and from class. In the windy, windy rain.
I've not been into wearing boots with skirts or skinny pants because I didn't like the look on me (short, curvy). I think I may be willing now to attempt it, if only to keep from trucking around campus in pants that suck up puddles like crazy.
I like these (Vince Camuto Zorro, $135):
They say they're 'mid-calf', though they look a bit lower than that to me, which is fine due to the aformentioned shortness. I'd probably do them with dark tights and an above-the-knee skirt, or with pants tucked in. Going for kind of a 'clashing on purpose' vibe? Like I said, this is new territory for me, but I'd like to keep my normal type of style intact (which is very casual, not trying too hard, mix and match, fancy bits thrown in here and there, etc).
Anyway, thoughts? The search for these were inspired by an awesome pair of vintage boots I found on Etsy (paper-bag shaft with ankle ties, distressed leather, yum) that were a touch too small. I'd be open to others (vintage is a bonus) if anyone runs across anything - I wear a 6.5 in boots, would pay $100-ish or more if they were really nice.
Thoughts? Other options?
__________________
To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment ~ {Ralph Waldo Emerson}
I think those could be a fine choice as long as you think you'll feel comfortable wearing them in those new ways. They do carry that vintage-inspired appeal of the boots you saw on eBay. I hope the height of the boots works.
Mid calf boots are hard to pull off for a lot of people. They can hit at a funny part on the leg and make even long legs look a little stumpy. Plus I've noticed that the one pair I have bunch my jeans weird no matter how skinny the style is.
My favorite trudging through the weather boot is my Frye Campus (got it on ebay for around $70.) So far it's weathered 3 Chicago Falls, Winters and Springs (and it was vintage to begin with.)
I found these Camper boots on clearance at endless for $137. Campers are great weather boots. They have a 6 and a 7 (I'd go with a 7 in your case. I usually size up a 1/2 size on my boots anyway.)
Those are nice - flat booties/ankle boots are particularly hard to find. Those have a classic look that I bet you could wear for many moons. I think they may be an awkward height for skirts and tights.
Would something waterproof be better, though? I'm a weather wimp so I don't know these things.
I like your idea, but I think the camutos are too short to tuck pants into. Unless the pants are really skinny at the bottom, they'll just pop out. A pair just a little taller would be better.
I love the frye campus boots - they look so cute on petite women with tights, jean skirts, cozy sweater.
I have major issues with my ankles being restricted in any boot - it drives me batshit crazy. Ankle restriction seems to be related at least in part to the stiffness of the boot which is partially related to the clunkiness of the foot/sole of the boot. That's been my personal beef with Fryes in the past, but I've not owned any so I don't know if that stiffness goes away within a reasonable amount of time?
I agree though that the ones I posted are a bit short, and probably too narrow at the top as well. I need to stick with a mid-calf style, because on me the mid-calf hits just right and "knee-high" boots tend to look like they're actually eating my knees. Uncomfortable and not-so-cute! I just measured and from the floor to my knee cap is only 14 inches, so think maybe a 10-11" shaft height would be ideal. They also happen to be about 14 inches around though, which throws a kink in things ....
I really like most men's boots better than the women's styles I've seen, but a size 6-7 in women's is like a size 4-5 in men's, and they don't make those so much.
Maybe I'm destined to remain bootless ?!
__________________
To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment ~ {Ralph Waldo Emerson}
Okay, I'm back with a few more options. I really appreciate you guys hashing this out with me !
Option 1: Only $55 on clearance, got great reviews from fellow owners of large calves, and only an 11" inch shaft, which actual adjustable buckles. Stone or brown.
Option 2: $125, Sorrel, leather but waterproof with thinsulate lining. They're 8 inches from arch to the top of the leather, and could be adusted for height with the knit lining thing.
Option 3: $125, KC Reaction. 11" shaft but just over 14" around, so they'd probably be too tight to tuck jeans into.
That's far from the only options of course, but that's what Endless had that may work I think.
__________________
To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment ~ {Ralph Waldo Emerson}
I understand what you mean about campus boots being a little cluncky. I think that a side zipper boot might feel better to you than a pull on boot (easier on the ankle area.)
These are from Shoes.com
$89 $90
Not a zipper, but short.
$84 $62
Found this at Target. They are hit or miss on their boots. I have some from last year that have held up great, but have seen others in the store which are just crap. No clue what these look like IRL