Court here. Thanks for checking out Fifth Row's latest blog post. If you're wondering who I am, I'm the owner. Yesterday, I was inspired to write this blog post on why you shouldn't put your boots away after partaking in a twitter conversation with one of my sorority sisters.
She said, "We're on the cusp of April, put those boots away." And I completely disagreed. Let me tell you why.
Boots can be worn in warmer months depending on many factors including: the cut of boot, material and texture, color, the items you're pairing it with, outside temperatures, and overall confidence. Yes, I said overall confidence.
Check out my thoughts on how you can get away with wearing your favorite boots this Spring and Summer with 5 factors to consider below:
Cut of Boot
Boots come in all shapes and sizes. There's ankle boots, knee-high boots, thigh high boots, cowboy boots, and boots that come past your ankle. You can wear any of these boots at any time with strategy.
It's important to consider symmetry while getting dressed. What do I mean by this? You want to ensure your outfit (including shoes) is balanced. For instance, if you wear a short mini skirt or cut off shorts, I'd go for a thigh-high boot with a long-sleeve top or chunky top with more weight or length. And vice versa. Going for a more covered bottom whether that's pants or a skirt with a high split? Think about pairing this with a crop or off the shoulder fitting top, or bralet, with a more formal fitting boot like the ankle boot or boot that comes to the calf.
Boot Material and Texture
I personally consider textures when implementing fashion staples or trends into my wardrobe for each season.
You won't catch me in a velvet thigh thigh boot in spring or summer. It's too hot and sweaty thighs don't sound sexy to me. Velvet typically is also a heavier fabric, which is most associated with colder months like Fall and Winter. However, the game changes for snakeskin print boots. Snakeskin knee-high, ankle, or thigh high boots can transition flawlessly in Spring with a pastel look or a simple ripped jean and graphics 80's t-shirt.
Patent leather is another texture I would stay away from in warmer months. It gives off hot and sweaty, Missy Elliot "I Can't Stand the Rain," and you don't want that.
Color
Call me old school, but I like my shoes how I like my nails: Keep the darker colors for fall and winter and wear the brighter colors including pastels in warmer months. The same goes for boots. Fashion is not about "best practices," or it wouldn't be considered fashion. However, I do believe in bringing the lighter color boots over - only. Black is an honorable mention.
Examples of boots that transition well in warmer months are our Kyndell booties in tan and black, greys, whites and nudes, as well as some browns. Colors I wouldn't recommend for warmer months would be hunter greens, cranberry and burgundy, and some leopard (debatable) just to name a few.
Outfit Pairings
We are not here to tell you what not to do. But, we are here to spark your creativity and optimize your current ideas of how you'll pair your next outfit. Pairing boots is an art if you do it right. Knee high boots can pair well with cut off shorts and a graphics tee, rompers, form-fitting dresses if you're going out at night, or oversized hoodies, and crisp white oversized button up shirts. See one of our favorite designers on Instagram: Latoia Fitzgerald for more inspiration.
White knee-high or thigh high boots can be paired with neon and brightly colored blazers and blazer dresses, wrap dresses, high split dresses, and much more. Our Kyndell boots can be paired with everything from jogger sets to two piece sets and the list goes on.
Confidence
It's 2021. Many fashion trends or fashion "no's" that would typically be looked down upon have been embraced with open arms during the Millennium. I mean, we are finally embracing wearing white boots after Labor Day and white nails and toes all year long.
The point in all of this is bonafide confidence. Look at Rihanna. If you believe you can get away with it, you can.
Do it and everyone will thank you later for it.