Regardless of how tempting sandals may be, the fact that you still require more than one layer to venture outdoors means that the time for shoes is still at hand (and don’t even get us started on flip-flops). Thus, welcome to no man’s land: that part of the year in which your winter boots are overkill, and sandals aren’t enough. So that’s why we’ve assembled a list of the best boots for spring, and how you can wear them.
Wedge Boots
Thank 70s, wedges are in. And while wedge sandals, wedge shoes and wedge salads have launched to the forefront of the season’s hottest trends, wedge boots have also staked their claim on the wide world of footwear, capitalizing on the saddle boot style that’s continued into 2011 and adding a little kick (really, we crack ourselves up) to an otherwise traditional look. Since spring’s boots are meant to be seen (read: don’t wear them with super-long wide-legged pants), wedge boots are ideal for the dress-with-tights combination, or for days worn alongside super-skinny jeans and a button-up blouse. Just remember to show them off.
Check out Jeffrey Campbell’s Tommy Wedge Booties in Navy, $124.04. Available at freepeople.com.
Lace-Up Ankle Boots
Not that anyone should be surprised, but the 90s revival lives on through spring 2011 footwear, and by working to anchor a transitional outfit, lace-up ankle boots are the perfect stepping stone between winter and summer shoes. Whether worn with socks and a skirt, or pants and shorts, slim-fitting ankle boots have the unique skill of looking appropriate at nearly every occasion, with their neutral tones and sensible qualities giving off a classic vibe that works to make outfits inherently modern.
Top off your look with Aldo’s TURNELL Lace-Up Leather Boots in Beige, on sale for $84.98. Available at Aldo Shoes.
Peep Toe Boots
The definition of transitional, peep toe boots allow for the best of both seasonal worlds, as summer sandals merge with wedge or ankle boots to create an eclectic style that adds edge and dimension to any ensemble. But what do you wear them with? Luckily, thanks to their middle-ground qualities, you can pair the style with a floral dress or midi skirt, or wear them with trouser shorts and a vintage tank. Of course, you also can define fashion-forward by donning peep toe boots with a leather shorts, or cap off a 70s look with wide-legged denim pants and a bold print blouse.
Check out Sam Edelman’s KELLAN Woven Leather Peep-Toe Booties in Nude, $215. Available at polyvore.com.
Cut-Out Boots
The literal opposite of the aforementioned peep toe style, cut-out boots are the clog equivalent of a lace up, leaving heels exposed to help bring clogs up to date “ and to maintain boots’ presence throughout the season. However, while peep toe boots are arguably more feminine, cut-outs add a harder, masculine quality to any outfit through chunky heels, rounded toes and a higher cut that (usually) rises above the ankle. But if you think they’re hard to adopt, think again: the perfect counterpart to midi skirts and shorts, cut-out boots can help anchor and outfit in need of a stabilizing bottom, ensuring you don’t get lost among free-flowing skirts or play it too safe when rocking the shorts-and-shirt combination.
Try Deena & Ozzy’s Cutout Block Heel in Cognac, $69. Available at Urban Outfitters.
