Experts weigh in on a footwear trend
To bootie or not to bootie? That seems to be the fashion question du jour. Ladies, don’t be afraid of the bootie: there’s a shape, height, and size for everyone, model legs or not. I checked in with local footwear experts Matthew Pidge, manager of Spanish comfort footwear brand Camper, and Sarah Johnson, owner of Luna Boston (who recently added shoes to her retail lineup), to get their take on smart bootie-buying techniques — and found a few splurge-worthy pairs in the process.
Q: Some women complain that booties are unflattering, making their legs look short and stubby. Is there a leg shape that works better with the oxford-style booties?
Matthew Pidge: Luckily, any leg shape works in a bootie. It’s all about how you wear them.
Sarah Johnson: Booties work best on women with some muscle definition in their legs. Since booties are menswear-inspired and a little masculine, a curvier calf adds some femininity and works better than a super-skinny leg in this case. For all women, pairing oxford booties with opaque tights is a great way to pull off this look.
Q: Is a bootie that comes up just a tiny bit higher on your ankle more or less flattering?
MP: A higher bootie will always add a lengthening effect and height. But all booties look chic on with a tapered pant or a high-waisted, wide-leg pant.
SJ: Generally, if you’re not blessed with model-long legs, a bootie that covers he ankle will be more flattering than one that stops right at the ankle bone (which reaks up the line of the leg). For most women, I recommend either a bootie that covers the ankle or a “shoetie” that stops below the ankle. The very leggy girl can do either and may do even better with the bootie that hits right at the ankle.
Q: What are some important things to keep in mind when buying booties?
MP: Comfort! A bloody Achilles is never a cute look. Make sure you have a stable and supportive heel to trot around town in. Spiked heels are a poor choice or a bootie.
SJ: Think about the proportions of what you are planning to wear them with. If you’re a mini dress kind of girl, a bootie that hits a little higher will work well, since you’ll still show a lot of leg. To the office or with a lower hemline, you want a bootie or “shoetie” that hits just below the ankle.
A) Black Botkier “Carrie” ankle boots with embossed trim, $595 at Luna Boston (205 Newbury Street, Boston, 617.262.3900)
B) Black and white Helena Alto “Twins,” $195 at Camper (139 Newbury Street, Boston, 617.267.4554)
C) “Fides” cut-out bootie, $380 at Reiss (132 Newbury Street, Boston, 617.262.5800)
