This week I have been thinking more and more about all the unworn clothes and shoes in people’s wardrobes as lockdown in the UK continues (and in warehouses all over the country, as retail remains largely closed for now). More than ever, we should be working with an all year round wardrobe that lasts. This will mean slowing down the fashion chain, enjoying our purchases and having less seasonal changes with items that can be worn many ways. We may be staying home more at the moment but the day will come when we can start to socialise again and what will we do? Go back into the wardrobe of old items that have sat largely unworn, or go and buy more?
So, in this vein, I wanted to choose an item that can be worn now at the end of the Winter season and for the weeks to come into Spring. This should show that every purchase can be mixed and matched and tried for different occasions.
This week I have styled the stomper boot five ways. A fairly new chunkier ankle boot on the footwear scene, with a sturdier sole and bags of attitude. Comfort and style is a must have for me personally, so I knew I wanted a pair as soon as they started to pop up.
When getting out for the daily walk they can be worn casually to toughen up a simple jumper and jeans but what I love is how they also add edginess to a soft, fluid dress. They’ll be a purchase that can be worn over and over. We might not be stomping down the high street just yet, but go online and you’ll find these styles at Cos, Ganni, Mango and ASOS.
The pair I have featured are Stradivarius and cost £45.99.
LOOK 1: TOUGHEN UP PRETTY DRESSES
It’s simple fashion maths. Take a pretty, feminine dress and add tough chunky boots, you’ll get a look that is practical and cool.
Try mid, midi or maxi lengths. I particularly love the contradiction of this look so the floatier, more ruffled, ultra feminine the dress is, the better. (You’ll then go on to wear the dress with sandals when it warms up).
A lightweight denim jacket adds structure to the upper half and don’t forget to add a flash of colour with accessories or make up.
LOOK 2: ADD EDGE TO SPORTY DAYS
And….this is how I am wearing these boots! ON REPEAT. (Yes, I have these actual boots. Leggings. Yep, and the t-shirt too).
I wanted to include a look that is really wearable and suiting a new shift in lifestyle right now. I am home more, with my children and I seek comfortable, practical clothes I can move in and also feel good in. I also like the switch up from trainers to feel more pulled together / stylish and less ‘gym ready’. Keeping a neutral palette in simple shapes ensures all of these items can be mixed with other outfits too. I can personally say that the leggings are perfect for any new mums too, a nice deep waistband and great price point makes them a great post-partum purchase (try saying that quickly!).
LOOK 3: CONTRAST WITH LIGHTER TONES
Could this be the ultimate work from home outfit? Smart, considered and chic. A definite step up from loungewear. This two piece is perfect for any capsule wardrobe. It’s classic enough to not date, feels modern when worn with the contrasting boots and a silk neck tie and can be worn together, or as separates. I would even recommend layering the top under shirts too… it offers so much choice. The boots bring it up to date and less prim, creating a monochrome look that you’ll stand out in.
LOOK 4: COMPLETE UTILITY COOLNESS
The stomper boot with its attitude and cool edge is made for a utility style look. Perhaps the more obvious way to wear, I think this is a chance to layer up and play with texture to keep it interesting and new. A soft, fine knit with leather look trousers is the base to this outfit. Core styles such as these are perfect to build on with accessories and jackets. The formula for never tiring of your wardrobe! With the suede studded belt and a khaki parka, this outfit is an effortless way to do weekend style. Top tip: roll the hem of the trousers to show the narrowest part of the ankle as the boots are fitted.
LOOK 5: GROUND NEON BRIGHTS
A leather biker, blue jeans and ankle boots are the cool girl’s wardrobe heroes. The perfect canvas for adding pops of colour and incorporating a fun element into your outfit. Choosing well-cut styles will suit your shape and make you look balanced, whilst print and colour can show off your personality and incorporate the colours that work best with your skintone. This will make your face look brighter and healthier too. Opt for a cropped denim style to show off the boots!
Thanks for reading!
See you next week,
Charlotte X
you are you 