Style Decider: Exactly What Type of Boot to Wear with What Type of Skirt

Jan 28, 2016

Courtesy of the designers, design by Katja Cho

Let's talk about shafts *snicker*—boot shafts, that is. The right height and style can make the difference between an okay/chilly outfit and a great/warm one, so follow along as we give a brief presentation on the shoe-and-skirt combos you need to know.

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Tall Boot + Midi Skirt

<p>No exposed skin means no *frostbitten* skin. The vibes here can be '70s or Victorian, depending on the fabric and the styling, but whatever time period you're going for, watch out for proportion. Wide on top + wide on the bottom = you're a pillow. </p><p>L.K. Bennett over-the-knee boot, $695, <a href="http://bit.ly/208ZVLQ">lkbennett.com</a>; Zara midi skirt, $13, <a href="http://www.zara.com/us/en/sale/woman/skirts/midi-skirt-c437604p2845215.html">zara.com</a>.</p>

Courtesy of the designer, design by Kevin Peralta

No exposed skin means no *frostbitten* skin. The vibes here can be '70s or Victorian, depending on the fabric and the styling, but whatever time period you're going for, watch out for proportion. Wide on top + wide on the bottom = you're a pillow.

L.K. Bennett over-the-knee boot, $695, lkbennett.com; Zara midi skirt, $13, zara.com.

Tall Boot + The Skirt of the Season

<p>Oh? You don't have an accordion-pleated, preferably foil-finish skirt yet? Me neither, but we should really get on that because they are swishy! And Gucci. Alessandro Michele started out pairing them with loafers and pumps, but for pre-fall, he went with tall, metallic boots. Don't tell him this, but I like the more recent footwear choice better—less precious, you know? </p><p>Zara pleated skirt, $40, <a href="http://www.zara.com/us/en/collection-ss16/trf/skirts/accordion-pleat-skirt-c587006p3187092.html">zara.com</a>; L.K. Bennett over-the-knee boot, $695, <a href="http://bit.ly/208ZVLQ">lkbennett.com</a>.</p>

Courtesy of the designer, design by Kevin Peralta

Oh? You don't have an accordion-pleated, preferably foil-finish skirt yet? Me neither, but we should really get on that because they are swishy! And Gucci. Alessandro Michele started out pairing them with loafers and pumps, but for pre-fall, he went with tall, metallic boots. Don't tell him this, but I like the more recent footwear choice better—less precious, you know?

Zara pleated skirt, $40, zara.com; L.K. Bennett over-the-knee boot, $695, lkbennett.com.

Tall Boot + Mini Skirt

Courtesy of the designer, design by Kevin Peralta

Alternatively, a high-rise boot with a modest heel can de-sexify a miniskirt when it's too cold out to wear your regular glitter socks and brogues.

A Common Space grommet skirt, $20, acommonspace.com; L.K. Bennett suede knee-length boots, $695, lkbennett.com.

Sock Boot + Knee-Length Skirt

<p>If you're afraid the proposed formula will chop your body into weird segments, don't be—the point of a sock boot is that, while it covers part of the shin, the stretchy upper molds to the leg. </p><p>Topshop embroidered skirt, $210, <a href="http://bit.ly/1Sem3QG">topshop.com</a>; Topshop curved-heel boots, $170, <a href="http://bit.ly/2090fu6">topshop.com</a>. </p>

Courtesy of the designer, design by Kevin Peralta

If you're afraid the proposed formula will chop your body into weird segments, don't be—the point of a sock boot is that, while it covers part of the shin, the stretchy upper molds to the leg.

Topshop embroidered skirt, $210, topshop.com; Topshop curved-heel boots, $170, topshop.com.

Ankle Boot + Midi Skirt