SYW’s favourite go with everything boots just won’t last another winter, sob.  I have been scouring retailers on and offline in pursuit of the perfect pair to replace them.  I’m sure you may be on a similar hunt, so here’s SYW’s thoughts on the boots that are out there this season and what to pair them with.

Hunt over, new boots found

Footwear is the one place where your choices may not currently be influenced by your shape but follow these tips and we promise you will see the difference.

Keep in mind the point at which your boot finishes basic rule of thumb – avoid a finish on the widest part of your leg.

• Petite types go for a leg lengthening mid ankle finish and a heel;
• For Strawberry/Hourglass and Pears balance is the key.  A block heel combined with a knee length finish which is cut on the diagonal (with the back finishing lower than the front) achieves this.
• If you are an athletic build or are very lucky and have slim legs that go on for miles, show them off and go for an over the knee finish or a just over the top of the ankle style.  Just watch the fit isn’t too big, you don’t want the tops to look like wellies.

Universally flattering style, and SYW’s boot of choice, the shoe boot.  Avoids any ankle or leg length hang ups and ticks SYW’s requirement of multitasking.  Wear with anything from under jeans to the classic pretty dress/boot combo.

Hemline/Boot Top Ratio a.k.a. the gap between boots ending and outfit starting.  After trial and error, SYW has settled on 3-4 centimetres as the optimal ratio.  Either your boots finish at least 3-4 centimetres inches below your hemline or your hemline should overhang your boots by 3-4 centimetres.

Boot/Blanket Cape Combo with good hemline/boot ratio

Knee length and over the knee boots are having a renaissance.  If you love knee length boots but avoid them because they never seem to fit properly, Duo Boots offer a fabulous solution with boots tailored not just by size and foot width but individual calf measurement.  With a huge range of boots, there’s bound to be something you love.   Knee Length works really well with so many looks but it’s the perfect compliment for this season’s leggings/skinny jeans and a cape style coat or alternatively the jumper dress.  H&M’s brown knee highs fit the bill perfectly.

The classic riding boot ticks the boxes for smart weekend wear and provides a chic alternative to heels.  For super smart we like the black patent Florence from Duo Boots or alternatively Clark’s Lindley boot for those who like the boot in an authentic tan.  For a more relaxed take try a sand coloured pair like Jigsaw’s Marylebone. 

Hands up anyone who thinks “over the knee boot” and immediately pictures Julia Roberts in Pretty Women?  That’s set to change this season with a more luxe elegant feel, like the gorgeous Ditta suede pair from (once again) Duo Boots.  They provide a perfect foil to a prim pencil skirt.

We can’t resist a bit of colour in our boots and love the red/purple combo of LK Bennett’s Scarlet Kid Calf boot.    Equally we are loving the full on encrusted glitter look that is featuring from Boden’s Soho Ankle Boot in glitter to Duo Boots Blondie in black glitter.

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