Celebrity stylist Marina Monroe, who has worked with Kylie Jenner, says balance is key when it comes to pairing a shoe most people associate with cool weather with spring and summer's lighter fabrics and shorter hemlines. "I'm a big fan of boots, but unfortunately, wearing a chunky, heavy winter boot with the wrong outfit can make you look like you haven't updated your wardrobe for the current seasons," Monroe said.
Before you break out your L.L. Bean duck boots, keep in mind that not all footwear deserves a place in the sun. These four styles made Monroe's "no-no" boots list:
- No-No #1: Slouchy boots. "I think it's definitely time to retire these," Monroe said. "They aren't flattering to your leg and the slouch just makes your legs look thicker and shorter."
- No-No #2: Wedge boots. "Although they are super comfortable, the wedge makes the boot look even heavier and so I would definitely put these away until fall," Monroe said. "Stick to your wedge sandals for now!"
- No-No #3: Sneaker boots. Finally, a fashion expert says what so many of us have been thinking to ourselves: "I'm not even sure these are OK for the cold weather anymore, but if you insist on wearing them, put them away for now and think about that decision until September."
- No-No #4: Uggs. "They have fur," Monroe said. "No fur in the spring/summer."
Painful, but that had to be done.
And now, here are six spring boot styles and killer pairings that Monroe says will get you noticed for all the right reasons this season.
1. Ankle boots with a bohemian skirt
Image via Asos.com
The '70s are alive and well this spring. One fab way to update all of those folksy, midi dresses we keep seeing (because, let's face it, the length can be awkward) is to forgo platform or "Earth" shoes, which might make you look like you're wearing a costume, and opt instead for a heeled ankle boot that adds the right amount of glam.
More: How to wear boots with dresses
2. Ankle boots with shorts
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"Ankle booties, especially lower cut ones that don't cut your leg off at the ankle, can elongate your legs and give your outfit a little edge," Monroe said. Pairing shorts with boots instead of sandals or flats takes them from the beach to brunch in a snap.
3. Open booties with jeans and a tank top
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Rolled-up jeans and a light tank top pair perfectly with ankle boots, especially cage/mesh, open-toe or open-heeled booties like these. "Seeing a little foot makes them even more season appropriate, and a little sexier," Monroe said. "Stick to a stiletto or a thick heel with these though — nothing too chunky!"
More: Super cute spring shoes you can actually walk in
4. Gladiator boots and a boho dress
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Gladiator boots or sandals (if you insist on calling them that!) are a hot look this spring among the Hamptons and St. Tropez crowd, Monroe said, and are the perfect complement to a feminine, bohemian dress. "Something white or a light color paired with a fabulous straw sun hat," she suggested. "I always recommend getting these in a nude color so they blend a bit more with your summer attire and don't come off as too harsh."
5. Biker boots with a floral dress
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Monroe says tough-looking biker boots are one of her personal favorites because they lend just the right amount of "edge" to an outfit. "Unless you want to be full on rocker chic, I would pair them with something of contrast," she said. "Avoid wearing them with anything leather, and opt more for items like floral dresses or dresses and skirts in a softer color palette."
6. Over-the-knee boots with a casual summer dress
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Over-the-knee boots are always risky, but that's what makes fashion so exciting! Monroe says she isn't a big fan of high-heeled over-the-knee boots because, well, is anyone not thinking of Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman? "Keep it super simple and light — no heavy fabrics or long jeans/pants," she advised. This unexpected combo: A breezy white dress and black boots and purse, will turn heads — but for all the right reasons.