Guide
How to wear skirts and dresses in winter
by Vanessa Kim
How to wear riding boots in 2021
13.1.2021
Translation: Jessica Johnson-Ferguson
Is chunky the only way to go to be on trend? Not necessarily. Riding boots are making a comeback and are an elegant alternative to heavy combat boots.
I can remember being on the lookout for riding boots back in the nineties. As they were deemed the next big thing, I was struggling to find a nice pair in Zurich. After a long search, I found what I was looking for in a secondhand shop and couldn’t believe my luck. The object of my desire was made of black leather, had a round toe and a block heel about one centimetre high. To add to my excitement, these unique boots also happened to be in my shoe size. It was fate! I wore those boots like crazy. But you know what trends are like. They come and they go. In the meantime, I sold them at the flea market. And what a mistake that was! Ever since riding boots were hyped at fall/winter shows 2020/21 by fashion labels including Hermès and Michael Kors Collection, the boots have been in demand like never before. The only difference to before: they’re here to stay and complete your basics.
So why is this trend back for good? Although riding boots have no or very few frills, they still make quite a statement. This makes the knee-high boot with its block heel an underrated fashion classic that belongs in every wardrobe. To keep things timeless, it’s best to go for a black, dark brown, charcoal or toffee-coloured model.
How to do riding boots
I like to combine my boots with knitwear, skinny trousers and a wool coat or a blazer. If you want to wear dresses or skirts this winter, the boots will be your trusted companion. They work both with trendy midi or maxi dresses but also with classic mini skirt length.
Give your outfit a more casual twist by combining the boots with an oversize shirt tucked into a pair of blue jeans. Want to see some more looks? Get some inspiration from these four Instagram outfits:
Classic
To make the transition from boot to trouser a smooth affair, I highly recommend going for black skinny jeans or a dark wash model. A tight fit means you can easily tuck the trouser legs into your boots. I'm not surprised that influencer Filippa Hägg also enjoys the trend shoe. The Swedish fashionista is known for her «Frandinavien» style: a touch of French chic paired with Scandinavian minimalism. Filippa counters the elegance of her boots with an oversized blazer and a modern bag. To make her black outfit look less monochrome, she’s casually thrown a grey jumper over her shoulder. If you can’t stand the sweater-over-shoulder look, you can use a scarf to achieve the same effect.
The perfect office outfit is presented by Camille Charriere. The French fashionista has gone for tight-fitting fabric trousers and a dark blue eye-catching knitted sweater. The buttons along the sleves give this classic outfit a casual twist.
Modern
Just because most bloggers on Instagram go for the classic styling option, it doesn't mean you have to do the same. Dutch lady Annemiek Kessels takes the elegance out of riding boots by pairing them with a long, oversized wool coat. This makes the supposedly classy outfit look modern in an instant.
Maja Weyhe’s look is also worth copying. The fashion blogger combines her boots with a full-length skirt. To brave the cold, she’s wearing trousers underneath the skirt. A black turtleneck and wool coat are also keeping her warm. It’s a perfect outfit to wear dresses and skirts when it’s cold out.
How do you rock your riding boots? Thanks for sharing your styling tips in the comments below.
When I’m not exploring the depths of the sea as an open water diver, I enjoy plunging into the world of fashion. On the streets of Paris, Milan and New York is where I keep my eyes peeled for the latest trends. And I’ll show you how to take them from the catwalk to your everyday life.
Fashion
Follow topics and stay updated on your areas of interest
1 comment
later