The snowy season is upon us with more in the forecast, and unfortunately, that whole human-hibernation-from-New-Year’s-Day-to-St.-Patrick’s-Day trend I’ve been trying to make happen doesn’t seem to be catching on. So, while you may just want to curl up and hunker down, chances are you’ll have to leave the house on even the chilliest of days. And since we have to go outside, why not try to look good while doing it? You may be thinking snow boots are anything but stylish; however, it is possible to make clunky winter shoes look cute along with other cold-weather essentials like snowsuits and puffy coats. Here are a few clever outfit ideas for cute snow boots.
For days when the snow just won’t stop, or if you’re out and about on the slopes or sledding, try coordinating your boots with a snowsuit. Snowsuits don’t have to be boring or unflattering. Look for a suit and boot combo in matching bright colors to contrast with the stark white and grey of the landscape. Walmart’s Ski Jumpsuit Romper comes in Cobalt Blue or Hot Pink and, when paired with matching snow boots, makes for quite a visual impact.
Of course, while it may be tempting to wear a snowsuit every day from a warmth perspective, it’s just not practical. For your daily commute or run to the grocery store, you can still have fun with a colorful snow boot. Nanccy.com has a Waterproof Frosty Snow Boot in rosy red, sky blue, and purple, which you can wear with jeans, a fair-isle sweater, and an oversized coat for that ski slope feel.
If you like the idea of coordinating boots with your outfit but aren’t feeling bright colors, try pairing a neutral-toned boot like DSW’s Whiteout Snow Boot in taupe with a similarly hued wool overcoat. You can keep the cool tones going with matching neutral knits or sweatsuits for an everyday, yet refined, look. Another way to style a neutral boot is by pairing camel-colored boot, like Columbia Sportswear’s Women’s Ice Maiden boot with dark-wash jeans, a cozy cowl-necked sweater, and a tweedy-type of coat for a casual yet chic silhouette.
For days when you’re feeling more sporty than chic, contrast white or light-colored puffy boots with a darker matching set. Dick’s Sporting Goods has a BEARPAW winter boot in white with a sneaker feel that, when paired with a navy sweatsuit, or black jumpsuit and a varsity-style jacket, creates a striking, athletic-inspired outfit.
On the flip side, a black snow boot can also be very stunning when paired with winter whites, and black boots tend to hold up better. Sorel’s Tofino boot in gum black can be worn with a cream-colored sweater dress and white puffy coat for a more ethereal but grounded winter ensemble. Or wear them with dark trousers, a turtleneck, sleek overcoat, and knit cap for a more sophisticated look.
Another unexpected boot look is donning metallic snow boots with activewear. Tracksuits or graphic yoga leggings and a sweatshirt can take on a space-agey feel when worn with Hunter Boot’s Insulated Metallic Tall Snow Boot and a parka. Or style a metallic puffer outdoor-proof boots with black leggings, black coat, and a “coordinated” sweater, i.e., gray with silver boots, beige with gold, etc., for a sleek take to winter dressing.
If you’re looking for a more rugged-by-way-of-boho style this winter, then look to lug-sole boots. Nine West’s Quimbie Heeled booties offer a thick sole and faux-fur lining, in either brown or black. When worn with ribbed tights, a maxi dress, and a wrap coat, you’ll be able to channel a hippie vibe while staying warm. Or try an Ugg-style boot with a shearling suede coat for an outdoorsy feeling outfit.
Of course, with boots of any kind, there’s always the conundrum to tuck in or not tuck in your pant legs. In general, the solution to this comes down to the pants; with a skinny jean, you kind of have to tuck, while a wide-leg trousers would most likely go over the boot. However, for straight-leg, tapered, or cropped pants, it depends on the boot. The higher the boot, the more likely a tucked pant looks best. For ankle or booties, you may end up going with more of a scrunched vs. tucked pant hem. You’ll have to play around and see which looks and feels best. Lastly, no matter in what style or color of winter boots you’ll be trudging through the elements, you can’t go wrong pairing them with a bright sweater, fleece-lined leggings, and a warm coat. And a hat, don’t forget to wear a hat, it’s cold out there!
