A meditation on boots & focusing on my personal style "sweet spot"
Let's overanalyze my next big purchase, shall we?
One of my biggest shopping pitfalls is my tendency to focus on dressier pieces/special occasion outfits, and have a blind spot to the value of investing in pieces that I am going to wear on repeat. I can’t help it, I love to get dressed up! I am quick to invest in a piece for a special event - think, a really special classic dress that I will wear on repeat, a silk maxi skirt, a nice pair of heels that will work for every wedding I go to. I think carefully about these pieces and am confidently building the “special pieces” and dressy parts of my closet.
Unfortunately, this can mean I am too focused on curating special event pieces, and I don’t put the same consideration, care, or investment into the wardrobe staples and basic pieces that I reach for every single day.
Sometimes, this serves me well and I stand by it — For example, I don’t really buy fancy t-shirts - my basic tees/tanks/long sleeve shirts are from Gap, Everlane or Uniqlo, with a few nicer ones from AYR or Kule. I wear those pieces hard (especially a white tee/tank/long-sleeve), and I don’t want to cry over a breastmilk/butter/pesto/maple syrup/yogurt/you name it stain that I can’t get out.
Other times, though, I don’t focus enough on quality when I am buying an “everyday” piece, even though I really do need the thing and will get a ton of use out of it. While less expensive doesn’t always mean lower quality, a lot of times, it does.
Now, my inexpensive might not be your inexpensive. And, there is nothing wrong with purchasing inexpensive things! I love nice things, and I can afford (some of!!) them, and I also love style and clothes - these things are important to me. Plus, I am trying to slow down my purchases - buy less, higher quality, things that will last a long time. So, I have found myself cursing last years self when I bought a cheap pair of black boots even though they are one of the shoes I reach for the most, especially in a long New England winter where my ankles want to be covered most of the time!!
If my personal style sweet spot is at the intersection of what I love, what I feel great in and what fits into my lifestyle/I am going to wear, it will usually make sense for me to spend the most on pieces that are at the center of that Venn Diagram; that’s where I am going to get the greatest bang for my buck. It doesn’t mean I only buy things in that sweet spot, but a purchase that checks all three boxes — should be an easy yes (provided I also need it, and have budget for it).
I am resolved to prioritize “sweet spot” gaps in my closet. An outfit for dressy occasions can totally fit into the sweet spot, because i’m actually going to wear it - but if you imagine the heart in the sweet spot as a heat map, it would be a lighter color for something I might wear a few times a year, and a darker color for things (eg: boots) I would wear multiple times a week. I think my Fall/Winter wishlist is pretty reflective of this - most of the pieces on the list fit that criteria (not all because, well, I’m not perfect). Note: the introduction of the seasonal wishlist is one of the most helpful steps I have taken towards thinking “big picture” about my purchases, budgeting appropriately & avoiding impulse purchases.
So, back to the boots.
Several years ago, I bought a pair of black, suede Dolce Vita boots. They had a point toe, and a short, stacked heel. They were great - they went with so many things in my closet - jeans, trousers, dresses, shirts, etc. I could wear them on a daily basis, to work (in the “olden days” I went into an office 5 days a week!), and I could wear them for dressier occasions. They were classic, but also feminine (two of the words I use to describe my style!) I got A TON of wear from them. I wore them to death, and they met their end sometime during the pandemic, and now I have an ankle-height sized hole in my closet.
This year, I want to replace them. I want a beautiful black boot that I will be able to wear day-to-day, but also to dress up an outfit, or for a night out. The fact that I wore this other pair LIKE CRAZY, is all the proof I need that they are a worthy investment, and also that I want a high quality pair.
And man, there are so many great options out there. I have experienced whiplash over which boots to pick, and have been doing lots of scrolling, searching, pinning, screen-shotting. These are all good things - it helps me carefully consider and ultimately be confident in my purchase.
But, it’s also occupying a lot of space in my head. They are, of course, just shoes, and they don’t need to be perfect. So - I thought I would do what helps me make these decisions the best - “write it out” to process through writing and visuals so that I can be confident in my decision, and maybe help you find your perfect black boot!
I think a black boot is a wardrobe staple - of course, there is no single boot that will meet everyone’s style and/or desires. You have to figure out what your style & preferences are. My criteria might not be the same as yours. But hopefully, at three different price points, and types of boots including flat ankle, heeled ankle, flat knee-high, heeled knee-high, and special occasion, you might find something you love!
Under $300
Blondo Suede Waterproof Velma Boots - If you want the look of the Stuart Weitzman 5050s for less, plus totally waterproof!
J.Crew Stevie Ankle Boot - I think this is super classic, super cimple, but with a fun little heel. Wear with everything, and I love the elongated pointed toe. If you love the look of the Toteme ones, this gives the look for less.
Cassie High Boot - Love the funky heel, these are so fun!
Low Gabie Ankle Boot - I like that these are subtly western, but with a flat sole.
Sam Edelman Bronson Chelsea Boot - This is a really nice everyday boot, at a great price point. If you like the Aeyde pair but want to spend less, this is a great choice.
J.Crew Stevie Pull on Suede Boots - If you prefer a slightly higher rise in the calf.
Schutz Mikki Mid Boot - A fab date-night boot!
Sam Edelman Laguna Boot - I have these, got them in the “suede” and wore them so much last winter. I love for a more casual look and an alternative to rain or snow boots.
Sezane Dorie Boot - Funky, Eclectic & Cool.
Schutz Camille Knit Boot - A fun take on the sock boot look.
Schutz Maryana Block Heel - I saw these on so many ladies last winter and they are super chic - look great with a long sweater dress! Available in smooth & embossed leather.
Sam Edelman Silvia Wide Calf Knee High Boot - Great if you (like me) need or prefer a wider calf!
Sam Edelman Cesar Riding Boot - These are beautiful.
Under $500
Frye Harness Boots - I have these and love them. I purchased them probably 12 years ago (one of my first “grown up” purchases) and am excited to pull them out this year. Frye is a classic choice - my mom had a pair of the Campus boots back in the day, and I wish she had saved them for me!
Veronica Beard Black Lisa Boots - If you love a heel, this is it!
Banana Republic Riding Boots - These are beautiful! I saw
endorse them on her TikTok!Aeyde Sophie Nappa Leather Boot - If you love a kitten heel and elongated toe, these are gorgeous.
Aeyde Black Neil Boots: These are a fabulous, simple, but beautifully made boot. Also available here.
Cult Gaia Mari Boots - if you are looking to make a statement!
Larroude Tall Boots - I’ve had a great experience with the fit of Larroude shoes, and these are beautiful - not quite lug sole, but a substantial sole makes them feel modern!
Reformation Kata Bucket Boot - A lug sole riding boot - so cool.
Emerson Fry Lou Ankle Boot - I think this is the pair I am going to try! I love the side elastic panel, shape of the heel, not-too-high heel height, the foot shape, etc. They feel feminine and classic to me!
Freda Salvador Loretta Boot - A nice Western touch!
Reformation Remy Knee Boot - Love this knee-high boot - the heel shape is a nice modern addition, with just a little height!
Reformation Roberta Ankle Boot - This is also giving the Toteme vibe for a lower price point. Up high on my list! I also like this similar option.
Loeffler Randal Engineer Tall Boot - If you’re into the moto trend! These remind me of my beloved Frye Motorcycle boots but a little taller in the leg!
Margaux Downtown Boot - Margaux makes amazing boots, and this is a beautiful pair (available in an assortment of other colors).
Aeyde Kate Black Calf: If you want to have a subtle western look, these are beautiful! If I didn’t already have a pair of cowboy boots + a pair of wine-colors western boots, these would likely be my choice.
Under $1000
Toteme Croc Effect Leather Knee-High - So chic.
Margaux Edie Boot - If you want a small lift, in a knee-high style, these are it. Wear with skirts, dresses, trousers, jeans, you name it.
Chelsea Paris Zora Boots - I mean.
Loeffler Randall Goldie Tall Boots - These are for you if you love height in your heel! I think they especially look great with dresses and skirts!
Philip Lim Alexa Ankle Boot - Love these for some height, but also a ton of comfort - they look super walkable!
Aeyde Suede Cowboy Boots - So chic. I think these look great with everything - skirts, dresses, jeans, pants.
Toteme Croc Effect Ankle Boots - Perfect, IMO. I love the Croc effect for a little texture! Also available in suede.
Toteme Leather Ankle City Boots - I came pretty close to buying these when they were included in the Saks Friend’s & Family, but ultimately decided they might be too western when I have a couple existing pairs of boots with western flair.
Stuart Weitzman 5050 Stretch Suede - A classic that will last you a lifetime. I think these are especially great if you love to wear boots with dresses/skirts as these basically replace tights! I love the Suede, but of course there are many options for fabrication.
Reformation Regan Knee Boot - Love the heel and toe shape on these.
Isabel Marant Chelsea Boot - The dream.
Others, not pictured:
Anine Bing Tall Tania Boot - I’m obsessed with these.
Dear Frances Saddle Boot - A classic, piece, I love the slightly elongated side shaft - this is a boot you would wear forever!
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Thanks so much for the shoutout! I love those boots so much.