Step aside, diamonds. In the chill of the winter months, boots are a girl’s best friend, and with good reason. With the weather growing more blustery by the day, it’s safe to say the temperature is only going to become harsher before it gets better, but a reliable pair of ever-stylish boots can be as warm as they are classy.
It’s important to keep in mind, though, that boots are not one-size-fits-all. Before you purchase your perfect pair, take a look at your lifestyle and personal preferences to determine what style suits you best.
Ugg-Style Boots: Whether you love ‘em or hate ‘em, these super-warm boots, originating in Austrailia, are here to stay. Most are made in neutral colors, making them a potential staple for a wide variety of outfits. Also, they look good with both sporty sweats and sleek skinny jeans, so they’re invaluable if you have a versatile style.
But they do have a downside — water seeps through them pretty easily and they don’t have the best traction, especially on ice. Although ‘real’ uggs can cost almost as much as a decent iPod, knockoffs can be purchased for a fraction of the price and last a few years. Check Aeropostale for simple, fashionable styles that won’t drain your wallet.
Rain Boots: Hate that feeling you get when water seeps into your shoe and your socks start to feel soggy? You’re not alone! When you tire of having your own personal swamp at the bottom of your shoe, pick up a pair of rain boots to ensure the water and snow stays out.
Like the Ugg, this casual boot can look cute paired with both jeans and sweatpants, and you can find them decorated with a vast array of patterns, such as plaid, rainbow polka-dots or adorable rubber duckies.
Their only downfall is in being so casual, it’s hard to incorporate them into a serious, professional-looking outfit. If you’re looking for a pair, look no further than Eastern’s bookstore. Who would have thought you could find the perfect boots within walking distance from your classes?
Fashion Boots: These boots, differentiated from the others by the inclusion of features such as heels, buckles and other bells and whistles, pick up where rain boots leave off, offering a sleek, sophisticated look. If you consider your personal, daily style to be more on the dressy end of the spectrum, anything less won’t cut it. These boots will probably be your best bet if you don’t own many sweatpants or just like to feel tall.
However, you’ll probably want to avoid them if you have an insatiable need to jog to all of your classes, as they’re not exactly made for running purposes. It’s not worth blowing all your well-earned cash on a costly pair. Good quality, yet inexpensive boots can be found at Rue 21 in many different makes and colors.
Winter Boots: Winter boots are just that — super-warm boots tailored especially to withstand the elements. They’re often tight around the ankle, leaving little room for snow to creep inside and cause the pesky “squishy sock” syndrome I mentioned earlier.
Many styles tie up, and most feature fur or fleece on the inside to provide extra warmth.
A hardy winter boot is for those who value function over fashion, particularly outdoorsy types who are looking forward to sledding and building snowmen this winter. Avoid them if playing in the snow isn’t exactly your cup of tea (or hot cocoa). The brand Columbia is famous for their winter boots, so give them a try if you want a trusty pair that can shield your feet from the weather.
