Your shoes missed you.
In my last shoe-related dispatch from my dining room table, I championed the socks-and-Birkenstocks combo. Supremely soft and pillowy plush, it was the footwear middle ground I needed while WFH — not quite slippers and not full-on shoes.
Things have changed a bit since then.
I’ve had socially distanced picnics with my friends. Even safely dined outdoors. I’m spending less time holed up at home and (carefully, of course) seeing a more-than-usual number of people. My long-neglected closet is — at last! — making its comeback.
Things have changed a bit since then.
I’ve had socially distanced picnics with my friends. Even safely dined outdoors. I’m spending less time holed up at home and (carefully, of course) seeing a more-than-usual number of people. My long-neglected closet is — at last! — making its comeback.
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But the most unexpected addition to my warm-weather wardrobe? My boots. (Yes, even in summer.)
As it’s early July (where did the time go?!), I’d typically wear sandals exclusively, liberating my toes from months of cold weather. But considering I spent spring decidedly indoors and the closest I got to shoes is my aforementioned Birkenstocks, I’ve been slightly more...adventurous in my footwear selections.
Looking to prolong the life of my favorite boots, I’ve reached for them as a cooler contrast to my more effortless summer staples.
Looking to prolong the life of my favorite boots, I’ve reached for them as a cooler contrast to my more effortless summer staples.
But where to begin? I reached out to FP stylist Laura (she styled the looks pictured!) for her outfitting advice.
“While boots are often associated with fall, I say don’t short-change yourself by packing them away in your winter wardrobe” she explains. “Summertime is such a fun time to play up proportions.”
“Whether it’s western, tall boots, or Doc Martens, boots are a way to take your summer look to the next level. My favorite summer pairing is playing tall boots back to mini silhouettes. An easy summer mini dress or your staple cutoffs always feel a bit more fashion-forward back to some statement boots.”
With so many ways to wear, it’s easy to take your pick.
Plus, there’s something so grounding and intentional about wearing boots in summer. They can offer balance or contrast, perhaps an exciting twist. When paired with classically “summer” styles, they shed their winter sensibility.
They’re the antithesis of throw-on-and-go footwear. But, if we’re being honest, nothing is “throw-on-and-go” right now. We’ve all accepted a slower pace and have become more conscious of our actions, purposeful in our destinations — a mindset we’ve extended to our outfitting.
Of course, sandals will always have a spot in my summertime rotation, but when I’m looking to revel in the ritual of getting dressed — putting together an outfit full of contrast and intrigue — I’m turning to my boots this season.
“While boots are often associated with fall, I say don’t short-change yourself by packing them away in your winter wardrobe” she explains. “Summertime is such a fun time to play up proportions.”
“Whether it’s western, tall boots, or Doc Martens, boots are a way to take your summer look to the next level. My favorite summer pairing is playing tall boots back to mini silhouettes. An easy summer mini dress or your staple cutoffs always feel a bit more fashion-forward back to some statement boots.”
With so many ways to wear, it’s easy to take your pick.
Plus, there’s something so grounding and intentional about wearing boots in summer. They can offer balance or contrast, perhaps an exciting twist. When paired with classically “summer” styles, they shed their winter sensibility.
They’re the antithesis of throw-on-and-go footwear. But, if we’re being honest, nothing is “throw-on-and-go” right now. We’ve all accepted a slower pace and have become more conscious of our actions, purposeful in our destinations — a mindset we’ve extended to our outfitting.
Of course, sandals will always have a spot in my summertime rotation, but when I’m looking to revel in the ritual of getting dressed — putting together an outfit full of contrast and intrigue — I’m turning to my boots this season.
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