How to Choose the Right Boots for Your Climate
Where you live has a lot to do with the types of outerwear you choose to wear. Even if you live in a cold climate, there are a wide variety of footwear styles that you can be wearing for the colder months. From booties in the fall to women's snow boots in the winter, there are many options of footwear for cold climates that are both cute and functional. But even if the last few months of the year are generally more moderate where you live, you don't have to forgo the opportunity to wear boots this fall and winter. It's all about making the right decisions based on your comfort and weather conditions.
Warm Climates
People who live in perpetually warm climates have it made as far as transitioning from one season to the next. Low precipitation levels and semi-arid conditions make it especially easy to remain comfortable without piling on the layers, the warmest winter coats, or the heavy-duty footwear. So, what can you do if you happen to love a pair of women's boots but also happen to live in warmer climates where you don’t really need them? Focus on style, naturally. There are plenty of warm weather-appropriate picks out there that are destined to elevate your style year-round.
Wearing a pair of black boots for women, for example, is the perfect way to round out any classic outfit. Try one with a low-profile heel to complement your midi skirt and a blouse. Or, dress up an understated shirt dress with a pair of black ankle booties. The beauty of wearing black footwear is that it goes with everything in your closet and adds a little edginess to those standard patterns and colors that are so abundant in warmer climate wardrobes. Black leather boots and a floral dress are essentially a study in 1990s-inspired fashion, and it works just as effectively today as it did in its revered heyday.
Also just as relevant to any warm environment is a great pair of booties. The ubiquitous half-boot shoe boasts an all-seasons appeal that makes it especially popular no matter what environment you live in. They're perfect when it's chilly outside and you want to layer up with leggings, a long tunic, and a boyfriend cardigan or a blazer. Yet, those booties are just as suitable to wear during summer when the sun shines brightly on your breezy, off-the-shoulder dress and your straw handbag.
Since boots are so well-rounded, you can easily invest in a few high-quality pairs to maximize their potential in your wardrobe. A neutral hue, like tan or soft brown, is a great choice to wear when it's warm outside or for those who live in warmer and more moderate climates. These colors transition well into fall and winter, but you can easily fall more in line with more seasonally specific hues, like navy blue and black, if you want to make a cold-weather statement.
Naturally, wet weather is bound to occur on occasion. That's when you whip out the tried-and-trusted rain boots, no matter your climate. Look for something that marries fashion and function to provide you with the best of both worlds. Waterproof uppers, durable rubber, comfortable lining, and padded footbeds are the types of elements that transform a simple shoe into something that handles everything from sudden rainfall to dramatic downpours with the greatest of ease.
Cold Climates
You know what life is like if you live in a region where four seasons is the norm. You feel the bitter chill of winter, the welcome winds of spring, the gentle kiss of summer, and the crisp breeze of fall. If nothing else, it helps you develop a wonderful appreciation for different periods of the year–and the many ways in which you can wear boots no matter what the season might be.
When it's downright freezing outside, when the snow falls in such a way that it feels almost postcard-worthy, when you want nothing more than to pop inside your favorite coffee shop for a latte, then you know you need a good pair of women's winter boots to accompany you. Think of them as your cozy and warm companions for the season. They'll see you through the good, the bad, and the ugly in complete style. What more can you ask of a pair of shoes that trudges through inches — sometimes feet — of snow and keeps your feet dry and toasty at the tail end of the year?
The key is to shop with practicality in mind. You know best what kind of conditions you have to deal with during winter, especially if you've experienced storms of the century in the past and have trudged to work when you'd much rather stay home nestled beneath the covers. A boot that affords you all-day warmth and perpetual dryness is crucial.
A sturdy rubber shell is always a smart choice, as it locks out moisture and creates a drying cocoon that makes it easy to navigate puddles and slush. A perfect all-around boot that offers a rubber shell for water and insulation for warmth is the women’s duck boot. Stylish, reliable, and multi-seasonal, you really can’t go wrong with duck boots in colder climates.
When it's dry but cold you can take a more stylistic approach to your choices. In that case, think in terms of what flatters your wardrobe best. Are you strictly a leggings-and-tunics type of woman? A pair of lean tall boots contribute to a streamlined silhouette and also feels wonderful when it's chilly outside. If wet weather holds off, you can also be more open to wearing different materials. Both dress boots and everyday boots in suede are luxurious options during fall and winter, but not always the wisest choice when it's pouring. Otherwise, feel free to slip into them, pull on a sleek wool coat, and make the most of the season.
Regardless of your climate or region, there are great ways for you to incorporate boots into your wardrobe that are both stylish and functional for the weather and seasons.