To me, a good pair of boots is like the cheat code to a cute and easy winter outfit. Add a trendy top, strong accessories, a fabulous coat, and you're good to go. Stylish wide-calf boots, however, can be disappointingly hard to come by. I can't count the number of times that I've left the shoe department near to tears because I couldn't get my foot into a pair of booties that I was eyeing. And, with only a limited number of options available to me, I'm sad to say that I've ruined many pairs that couldn't stand up to weather or walking like I hoped they would. While there are a slew of new plus-size brands designing clothing that I love to wear, I know from experience that footwear is lagging sorely behind.
So, what are the few noteworthy brands that are doing wide-calf footwear well? As I've searched for myself, I've come across some great selections that will make dressing for colder weather so much easier this year. Below, I'm sharing with you what I've uncovered through my own journey, and offering you an idea of exactly how I'd style them. More on all of that below.
For Work
When I have a day stacked back-to-back with events, I like to wear an outfit that translates from cocktail hour in the Upper East Side to divey drinks in SoHo. The Dominique boot from Eloquii hasn't failed me yet. The block heel is high enough to make it look like I put in effort, but comfortable enough to support me while standing up for hours on end at launch parties. And with so many colors (I own them in tan, red snakeskin, and white), they truly do go with everything. My favorite pairing is with an above-the-knee dress, to show the slightest hint of skin.
For Play
I have plenty of knee-high boots, but haven't found many thigh highs that work for those of us blessed with a little bit of jiggle. Plus-sized blogger Nadia Aboulhosn sought to change that with her Fashion to Figure capsule collection, which includes the snakeskin style below. (They tend to sell out as soon as they're restocked, but Eloquii has a similar style). If I were to wear these on date night, I'd probably style them just like Nadia — with all black everything, of course.
For Weekends
If you haven't heard of it before, Long Tall Sally is a great resource for feet size 10 and up. These Vetements-inspired sock booties would be perfect with a pair of leggings and an oversized hoodie while running errands that somehow land at happy hour.
For Snow
I love my trusty Sorel boots, but sometimes they feel really heavy on my feet. These lug sole Chelsea boots from Torrid will give me the traction I need to schlep through the icy city streets.
For Everything
If you haven't noticed... I wear a lot of black. These Rhone booties by Eloquii rarely leave my feet, as I can pair them with suits, dresses, or my very favorite pair of Levi's jeans.
