Ways to make ankle boots work have always been one of those fashion-secrets I could never quite figure out. I mean how is it that they look so awesome on so many people but never on me? Know what I mean? Well, it actually turns out wearing ankle boots is something we can all do, as long as we find the right pair. It doesn’t matter if your legs are muscular, short or crooked like mine, or long and spindly – there are ways to make ankle boots work for you and these following tips will help you find The One for you:
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1. Emphasize Those Skinny Ankles
One of the ways to make ankle boots work for you even if you have muscular calves is to go for those classy, fitted boots that leave the ankle bare or end right at the ankle. The idea here is to show off the natural curve of your leg and your dainty little ankles as opposed to hiding all this inside a boxy boot and letting the biggest part of your calf steal the show.
2. Go past the Ankle for Straight-Looking Legs
Big boobs and X-shaped legs run so strong in my family you’d have to have a serious dose of my bad luck to only get the latter. Oh well… the good news is that this doesn’t mean I need to avoid short boots at all costs and neither should you. Go for slightly longer, less fitted booties that cover the ankle and end an inch or two above it. I’m using this trick for some time now and I’ve noticed that playing down the difference between my calf and my ankle really does help make that bump at the knee less prominent.
Frequently asked questions
Oh, I totally get it! Finding ankle boots that don't make your ankles look too skinny can be tricky. Look for styles with adjustable straps or ones that have added details around the ankle to create an illusion of volume. Pairing them with thicker socks or cuffed jeans can also help!
Absolutely, you can rock ankle boots with cankles! The key is to go for boots with a slight heel or wedge to elongate your legs. Also, choose styles that hit just above your ankle bone or opt for darker colors to create a slimming effect.
Great question! For thin ankles, try to find ankle boots with a snug fit or lace-up designs that can adjust to your specific size. Styles with ruffles, embellishments, or patterns around the ankle can add some extra flair and fullness.
Oh, this is one of my favorite looks! Simply tuck your skinny jeans inside the ankle boots for a sleek and streamlined look. You can also roll up the bottom hem of the jeans just a bit for a cute, casual vibe.
Yes, Chelsea boots can be a fantastic choice for cankles! They often come with stretchy side panels that don't dig in, and their clean lines can help create a balanced look. Opt for ones with a bit of a heel to give your legs some length.
3. Keep It Light if Your Legs Are Lean
Lean legs that stretch for miles are every girl’s dream, yet the ones who actually own a pair of these often refrain from wearing ankle boots because of their lean calves. I’m not making this up, I swear; you should hear my sister whining about her perfect legs! All of you super model-like ladies (my crazy sister included) can actually wear any ankle boots you like, as long as you stay away from styles that are so bulky, they make your legs look like toothpicks. Details, shine or texture should be the wow factor of your perfect boots, not chunky heels, thick soles or boxy styles.
4. Cankles and Ankle Boots Don’t Have to Be Enemies
The market today isn’t too friendly to women with wider feet and the so-called ”cankles”, often forcing them to go up a size or choose a super low cut and suffer the effects (and discomforts) of flesh spilling out from the top. Sounds familiar? Turn to companies that specialize in producing fashionable footwear in various width and sizes. UK brand Duo, for example, offers a stunning range of ankle boots designed especially for women with wider ankles. Elastic side panels, past-the ankle length and styles that make ankles look trim are what you need to look for.
5. Sleek Style for Longer-Looking Legs
Ankle straps and ankle boots are a huge no-go for all of those ladies intent on using footwear to add a few inches Mother Nature couldn’t spare. There may be a way around this, though, at least when ankle boots are involved. Try sleek, unadorned boots that follow the natural leg shape - no ankle straps, of course, as these will cut your leg and make it appear shorter. Darker colors are a good choice in case you tend to wear dark pants or dark hose a lot, while a fashion-forward nude ankle-boot helps you show-off major skin in skirts and dresses without having to sacrifice height for it.
6. Round-Toed Boots for Smaller Looking Feet
If you wear a large size, you might want to stay away from pointy-toed boots and totally flat footwear. I’m not suggesting you should wear heels all the time, just advising you to look for soles with a defined arch and a small, barely there heel such as the one you’ll often see on riding boots. Round-toe (and even box-toe) styles are perfect for making larger feet appear smaller and I’m happy to report some do the job so well, my rather standard 8 to 8,5 feet look at least 2 sizes smaller.
Avoiding sharp toed and completely flat shoes can make a significant difference for those with larger sized feet. Instead, opt for boots with round or box-shaped toes, which create the illusion of a smaller foot. A minimal yet structured heel gives enough lift to further refine the look without compromising on comfort. These types of boots are not only practical and stylish but offer a clever visual trick that can be a real confidence booster. So next time you're boot shopping, remember that the right shape can be surprisingly transformative.
7. Emphasize the Calf to Make It Appear Larger
In case your calves could use some bulking up, you can make up for it by choosing the happy medium a.k.a a boot that ends right under the thickest part of your calf. Pair these up with below-the-knee skirts or dresses (as suggested by Marissa Rosenblum, shopping market director at Refinery 29) and enjoy having much curvier-looking calves on display.
Is wearing ankle boots a huge no-go for you and if so – could these tips and tricks persuade you to give them a second chance?
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