Bootie DOs and DONTs from A Chic Critique

When Blair asked me to do a post on ankle booties - how to wear them, and what to wear them with - the stylist and fashionista in me said YES! A lust-worthy look for fall, ankle boots are yet again making an appearance this season. While I tell friends and clients repeatedly, "not every trend is for everybody," (so no pressure), I'll leave you with a few different ways to incorporate these boots into an outfit (as well as a few tips to keep in mind).

Seeing as most of us aren't blessed with Gisele-length legs, here are some tips to fake it:

• Look for a low-rise bootie, as a higher rise will truncate your legs. The goal is to elongate your gams - so look for a cut that scoops below or across your ankle bone.
• Stick with a monochromatic look. Short booties can easily cut off your legs, but wearing the same color tights & booties is a great way to create the illusion of long legs and lengthen your silhouette.
• A looser-fitting bootie will prevent your legs from looking chunky - so look for a boot that doesn't squeeze your ankle too tightly.

So, what do you wear ankle booties with?

• DO wear them with skinny jeans, with the hem meeting the top of the bootie - the purpose is being able to see the boots, not cover them up!
• DO wear them with a flowy skirt or dress (preferably one that is not uber-fitted). The length of the skirt/dress will depend on your height: higher hemlines elongate shorter figures.
• DO wear them with slim-fit leggings or opaque tights - again, stick with a monochromatic color palette (think black with black, grays with grays).
  

{click photo to check these items out on polyvore}

what not to wear:

• DON'T wear them with long, flowy dresses.
• DON'T wear them with longer skirts (hello, no-no).

Love 'em, like 'em, hate 'em - what do you think? Will you be rocking some ankle booties this fall?

stay chic,

Annie from A Chic Critique, Nashville, TN

P.S. Blair - thank you so much for inviting me to guest post today! So much fun! I think you and your blog are pretty wild & precious, too.