Aah, boots! One reason to look forward to winter. But what is it about them that most of us love them so much? Is it because they increase the flexibility of your wardrobe? Or is it because they lend "polish" to jeans? Or do you love them because they make you super-stylish? Whatever the reason, who would not want to don a rugged yet chic look? In colder countries, boots are often teamed with skirts and knitted dresses to keep the wearer warm. It makes perfect sense to wear them in the UAE, even if it's just for two-three months. Here's how.
The golden rules
Almost every boot lover in the world knows the importance of boot-cut trousers and jeans. But who can look really flattering in them? According to Rana Saab, Dubai-based image consultant, "Boot-cut pants mostly work well to balance wide hips and broader calves. These trousers should ideally be teamed with a chunkier boot heel."
There are some rules to wearing ankle-length boots and calf-length boots, too.
"Ankle-length boots look great with pencil skirts or skinny pants that finish right at the ankle. Since these boots have a ‘heavy' look, make sure to balance it with the right outfit. It is never a good idea if you have short legs as they cut your legs' length visually and make you look even shorter. An alternative would be to wear them with stockings of the same colour."
On the other hand, calf-length boots are very practical to wear and they look great with midi skirts skimming over them or skinny jeans and pants tucked in. "Don't invest in one if you have heavy calves as they will accentuate them and make you look heavier," she says. Knee-high boots go well with skinny jeans, pants and leggings. Skirts should always be matched with the boots' style according to their length and hemline.
The rule here is: The skirt's hemline should either cover the boots or sit above a few inches above where you can see some leg, otherwise it will look disproportionate.
Invest in tan boots as they mix beautifully with most colours and make your legs look longer. It is a good idea to experiment wearing boots with details and in a mix of materials. It is always beneficial to add some colour (aside from neutrals such as black and brown).
When size matters
A common complaint that pops up among boot lovers is that boot sizes vary in size from brand to brand. This is because most shoe factories maintain a standard "last" size (on which footwear is built) but, very often, they tend to vary.
According to Shanice Mesquita, senior brand manager, Kurt Geiger, "Even if all shoes and boots came in consistent sizes, you would always need to buy boots half a size or even a full size bigger than your shoe size. This is because boots are always meant to be worn with socks, which help adjust or fill your boot size. You can always fill in your boots even if they are a bit larger but there's no way to help a smaller size."
"Boots only stretch in width with wear — never in length. So always leave a space of one centimetre between your toe and the front of the boot."
Boots and personality types
According to Saab, "If you are short and slender, stay away from above-the-knee boots and ankle boots as both will shorten the legs. Go for the classic knee-length boots instead. Avoid a lot of detailing on them, buckles and pop colours as these will draw the eye downwards and are visually ‘shortening'. Match the hemline colour to the stockings and boots colour for a more slender look that elongates the legs."
"If you are short and heavy," she says, "the rules are more or less the same as above but special attention must be given to the heel. A very thin stiletto heel will look awkward.
"If you are tall and slender, experiment with different colours, textures and materials. You can even wear your boots with coloured stockings to add interest. But if you are tall and heavy, please take extra care to balance your boot's heels."
Care and maintenance
While a stylish pair of boots can make the ultimate fashion statement, the weather in the UAE does not allow you to wear them more than two-three months a year. The humid climate can be quite harsh on them. This is why it is of prime importance to know how to take care of your prized possession.
According to Mesquita, "When it comes to care and maintenance, each boot has a set of rules to be followed. Do go through the instructions on them very carefully as each one of them carries its own ‘special care' labels and care hints."
For leather boots, the most important thing to remember is not to get them soiled or soaked. Wipe them with a damp cloth to clean and follow with a leather conditioner (in neutral or matching colour). For suede or nubuck, it is best to prevent damage by immediately treating it with a protective spray or finish to repel water and prevent stains. If that ship has already sailed, you can restore it by using a suede cleaning block (also called a suede eraser) for heavy stains. These products will crumble as you rub them across the surface of the footwear but are great for removing even deeply embedded dirt and stains.
After cleaning, the nape of your suede can be restored by using a suede brush. The bristles of these brushes are usually made from brass. You will often find the cleaning block and the brush in one kit (Nine West sells a version).
Expert tips
- Never throw away your boot's packaging.
- Never use bar soaps or detergents
- Never expose your boots to extreme temperatures - it can make the leather brittle.
- Allow them to dry at normal temperature.
- Stuff your boots with paper to absorb the inner moisture.
How to avoid a fashion faux pas
Do not wear any of the following when wearing ankle boots:
- Pencil or body-hugging skirts
- Capris
- Cropped pants
- Shorts
- Cropped tights
Hot and happening
Three Hollywood stars who look gorgeous in long and ankle-length boots: Cameron Diaz, Nicole Kidman and Charlize Theron.
