Guidance of Styling Short and Tall Boots

Boots are a three-season staple for most Minnesotans, keeping our feet warm and dry through the fleeting fall, long winter and wet spring. But many women struggle to find styles that work for their figures and with their wardrobes. Others wonder how to select from knee-high, mid-calf and ankle styles when assembling outfits.


Tall boots: Knee-high boots are eternally chic, though they can be tough to fit. Ideally, the shaft should hit around one inch below the bottom of your kneecap and fit closely to your calf. Both are tough marks to hit since boots come in a variety of heights and widths, so aim for both and if you hit one consider yourself fortunate.

Why this works: The best way to keep mid-calf boots from chopping up your leg line is to wear them with like-colored tights, leggings or slim pants. With little or no color difference between boots and legs, you create a longer, leaner leg all the way down to the floor. If you don’t have hose or leggings in all of the same colors as your boots, don’t fret. Go for a similar color value instead of trying to match shades.

Also try: Textured and patterned leggings and tights in similar colors to your boots.

What to avoid: High contrast between boots and leg wear will create that hard line across your calf, visually widening it.

Why this works: Cuffing your jeans to hit right where your bootie ends creates a very modern look. In summer you can show a bit of bare ankle between jean and shoe, but in winter cuff a little lower and wear cute patterned socks in case of peekage. Cuffed skinnies show the shape and curve of the calf.