Falling for boots
Fall’s favorite shoe is a bootie, no matter the color or style.
Once again, fall’s favorite shoe is a boot. A short boot. An ankle boot. A bootie. The style’s popularity continues, but with added attention to detail, said Barbara Jansen, shoe and contemporary clothing buyer for Balliets. Look for white boots, leopard and other animal prints, Western styling and stitching, and heels that stand out with color, pattern or shape.
“Probably white and animal booties have been the most requested,” Jansen said.
White boots started grabbing attention last fall and have circled around for a repeat appearance. They’re versatile with a modern feel and can be worn with skirts and dresses or pants and jeans.
Clearly women love a bootie, no matter the color or style.
“It’s certainly easier and less fussy,” Jansen said. “It seems denim has also influenced footwear. For instance, straight, raw denim and cropped flares are trending. It’s not feasible to tuck this silhouette into a knee boot.”
She said a legging is popular commercially, but it has been trending down among fashion influencers and street stars, who are reaching for denim styles that are more of the moment.
Other booties include holiday-ready styles adorned with sparkle and shine, and the sock bootie that gets raves for comfort.
Betsy King, owner of Betsy King A Shoe Boutique, said there’s no escaping the Western inspiration this season. Sometimes it’s easy to go overboard with a trend like this, especially living in Oklahoma, she said. She favors styles with subtle stitching and toe detail that celebrate the trend in a less obvious way.
Heels don’t go unnoticed either. Block, cone, printed and circular heels add interest to even the simplest black bootie. Or a white one.
King said not only is white a hot color for fall, a white bootie with straps or ankle detail kicks it up a notch.
Whether you reach for white, black or animal print, this is the season to let the bootie become the star of your outfit.