Body Shape Post : How to Choose the Right Boots

Boots, just like our bodies are not made equal, a lot of people don’t realise that our different shapes and sizes actually somewhat dictate which boot style will flatter us most.

Before we delve into boots for body types, I’ve already written many body shape posts including the all-important how to learn your body shape, what to wear if you’re a pear, what to wear if you’re an apple. You might want to learn a bit more about your own body before reading the rest of this article. If you already know your shape, then here’s the boot & body shape lowdown.

As a starter tidbit, here are a few general rules across all styles

Shorter women will look best in a heeled boot version – extra height, real or fake, always helps, especially on curvy women.
For pear-shaped women or women with thicker thighs and hips, I love chunky boots (whatever the actual boot style) as I feel this balances out the area. A thicker heel will also balance out thick calves.

Ankle Boots

Nero Giardini at Stivaletti

Looks Best On – Everyone.
Looks Worst On – Nobody.

I’m starting with the most universal of styles – this one flatters most body shapes. The great thing about ankle boots is that they create the illusion of extra length and who doesn’t want longer-looking legs ?

Stiletto heels like the one in the picture below will elongate the legs further, however, I don’t recommend wearing them with skinny jeans and a short top if you’re bottom-heavy / pear shaped / simply have thicker calves.

Tosca Blu at Stivaeletti

Knee-Length Boots

Nero Giardini at Stivaletti

Looks Best On – Everyone. BUT should be worn in different ways according to shape.
Looks Worst On – Short, pear-shaped / hourglass women wearing jeans tucked in to the boots and a short top.

Whilst some style magazines recommend that this style be avoided by shorter women, I think this is actually quite a universal style.

Having said that, for pear-shaped, shorter, women, I do prefer and recommend that this style is worn with a skirt or a dress. If skirts aren’t your thing, if you wish to wear leggings / skinny jeans, wear them with a loose, long tunic top. If you’re an hourglass shape adding a belt to a tunic / dress would be a great idea.

If you’re more on the top heavy side (apple shaped / inverted triangle) your legs are most likely to be lean ,and mean so knee-high boots are an excellent style for you.

Over-the-Knee Boots

Kurt Geiger

Looks Best On – Tall, thin women.
Looks Worst On – Short, pear shaped women.

These boots were made for women with slim, long legs. If you’re rather bottom heavy (pear-shaped), it’s best to stay away from these as they will further enhance those curvy hips. This boot-style will also have a shortening effect so it is also more suited for taller women.

Mid – Calf Boots

UGG at Kurt Geiger

Looks Best On – Tall, thin women.
Looks Worst On – Shorter women with thick calves.

These are best for those that have thinner calves. Muscular or bigger calves will look bigger in this style, so unless that is what you’re seeking, try to opt for something a bit shorter or longer.

Flat Riding Boots

Looks Best On – Tall, thin women.
Looks Worst On – Shorter women but truly, anyone can wear this style.

Flat, knee high riding boots can look good on everyone, they’re the ultimate shoe for tall women especially those whose length is mainly within the leg department.

If you’re short and perhaps somewhat pear shaped don’t wear them with leggings and a tight top – instead opt for skinny jeans and a long baggy top to balance out your bottom half.

Another trick is to opt for a pair of sleek, minimal boots and wear bright colours / patterns on your upper half – this will drive the eyes upwards.