PUT YOUR BEST FOOT FORWARD

Put Your Best Foot Forward: Winter ’11 Boot Trend

Thigh High Vs Ankle

By Tyne McConnon

Ankle boots have become high fashion this year with most designers seen to be sporting at least one pair in their shows. But thigh highs haven’t disappeared, so don’t throw out your recently resoled pair from the last two years. Even booties have made it from “not to hot” this season! Heels are of all varying heights and therefore this season gives no one an excuse of falling behind the trend as there is definitely something for everyone.

The Ankle Boot 2011

Ankle boots this season have extra detail. From fur to sheepskin and even buckles, the detail has become the emphasis as they highlight the ankle, but don’t detract from showing off a great pair of legs. The reason why ankle boots have taken off this season goes hand in hand with the trend of short skirts with lots of leg. The shortness of the boot has also placed a large emphasis on sock detail. These being anywhere from a cute ankle sock that highlights the ankle to an over the knee pair that adds extra warmth.

The Thigh High 2011

The reason for their popularity is still relevant. They lengthen the leg and are versatile – you can put them with just about anything. Due to our winter, I believe these boots will stick around for longer than probably fashionable, as they add extra warmth to the leg as well as extra coverage.

Where did we see them this season? Christopher Bailey for Burberry Prorsum, John Galiano for Dior, Jean Paul Gaultier for Hèrmes, Tommy Hilfiger, and Barbara Bui are designers who bring thigh boots for fall/winter 2010-2011 on the catwalks this makes them still a hot fashion must have.

This season a must have in every girls wardrobe is a pair of both. A flat over the knee pair will satisfy versatility requirements as well as allowing them to be worn casually as well. The ankle boot should be worn with socks, as to add extra detail and therefore drag more attention to the ankle.

If you have the cash to splash out on one of these high end brands, a good place to start is www.net-a-porter.com. Look for classic rather than high fashion trend – a pair of black heeled Vivienne Westwood ankle boots will set you back around $600, but will last five years.

If this is way out of your price range – don’t despair! Try RMK Shoes, Tony Bianco or other reasonably priced boots at www.styletread.com.au, or if you’re happy to do the footwork, Sportsgirl, Country Road and Witchery have also replicated these trends this season. If you want them to last, be sure to buy leather so resoling in the future is an option.

Until next time

Tyne