Wardrobe Staple. Riding Boots.

fashion & clothing

Oct 10

wardrobestaple_ridingboots Autumn is my favorite time of year... I love the cool weather and the color change, but I really love the fashion that comes with the cool weathers.Riding boots are my absolutely favorite item in my closet as the weather cools off. Plus- you can wear them through the winter months and early spring months too (is it weird that part of my dislike for the hottest summer months is because I can't wearing riding boots?). I have a hard time not wearing them every day through the cold days... I really wish I could. Riding boots are incredibly versatile- I dress up a pair of skinny jeans and a white tshirt with a pair of riding boots and an army jacket. I'll give a dress a more casual look (and add more warmth) with leggings and thick wool socks that peak out above the boot.It is funny that I used to dislike boots... I had a pair or two that seemed completely useless. Not only were they impossible hard to zip over my "athletic calf" but they were also of little use against the cold weather and they gave me awful blisters.Then I bought a pair of well-made, high-quality brown riding boots that fit perfectly. And then I rushed out and bought a black pair too! Well-made and high-quality and perfect fitting - it makes all the difference. It can be hard to find such a pair though when most of our shoes stores are stocked full of cheaply made boots. My recommendations for finding the perfect boot?Don't settle for anything less than what you would call perfect (I know... that sounds cheesy... but bear with me). If you don't put on those boots and love them... if they pinch or pull or have loose strings or if you can't zip them all the way up* (or way to loose around you calves) and you don't love them when you put them on don't buy them. *keep in mind real leather stretches... just a friendly reminder!Invest in quality. Riding boots can a major staple item for the fall and winter- you'll be able to wear them a lot with a lot of different outfits. So invest in a quality pair which will last longer and should be more comfortable. I totally understand wanting to find a cheap pair that just look adorable on you- but I've been there I didn't end up really liking the cheap pairs I would end up with- so I saved up and skipped out on buying shoes for a couple months so I could afford a quality pair of boots (we are generally talking over $100 here unfortunately). It is totally worth it though and I haven't needed to buy another pair for several years now. :DGo for less frills- especially if you just can't afford to shell out a lot of money on a pair of boots all the time (like me!). A classic pair of riding boots without many frills on it will last you through more fashion trends. I'm not saying they have to be devoid of all ornamentation (mine have a few buckles on them), but you are looking for a staple piece not a statement piece. Staple pieces are suppose to be versatile and classic, not flashy and trendy.And finally - this may sound strange... but instead of looking at stores devoted to fashion, try out a retailer that is more geared toward function like Dover Saddlery. Riding boots have an original function beyond looking absolutely adorable with your outfit (go figure!) :). You'll be able to find more high quality options there as opposed to places geared toward fashion. Don't restrict yourself to brands or retailers you know!I have inspiration for you... just in case you don't believe how awesome riding boots can be. Just a little disclaimer - there is a pair in the group that aren't really riding boots as they have a giant heal on them- but I thought the look was adorable and can easily work with a flat riding boot. :)I N S P I R A T I O N P H O T O Scover / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10