Free and Fabulous: The Curvy Girl's Guide to Boots

Friday, February 18, 2011

The Curvy Girl's Guide to Boots

Every girl loves a great pair of boots, and the curvy girl is no exception. The problem is, with a fuller calf, it's not always easy for her to find the perfect fit. But great style exists at every size, and there is a wider selection of boots with larger calves on the market now than ever before. It's all about knowing which looks work best on lusher gams.

Here are a few styles that are sure to make for just the right pair:

OVER-THE-KNEE: Over-the-knee boots are not reserved for narrow legs. They are usually wider at the top, giving the thigh room to breathe, and a stretchier fabric will make a boot snug, not constricting. These Ros Hommerson wide-width leather boots (above) are super sexy and right on-trend. $270, widewidths.com.

STRETCHY: Boots with at least a bit of elastic on the calf will offer more room in the leg than full leather ones. The beauty in this style is that you won't need to search for special sizes. Also, there are a number of stretchy styles that have leather in front, so you can get the comfort you need and a luxe look. Take an example from Jennifer Hudson, below.

SLOUCHY: Even boots that are not necessarily designed to slouch can be pushed down below the calf if the fabric or leather is supple enough. Allowing the boot to scrunch just under of the widest part of your calf also creates volume below the knee, visually balancing broad thighs. these slouch boots from Avenue ($40, avenue.com) have just the right heel to look great both day and night.

LACE-UP: Styles that lace up the leg, and even over the knee, are really hot right now. These are great because you can pull off posh, designer looks no matter your leg size, tying them as tightly or as loosely as you need. These black patent Silhouettes lace-up boots ($79, silhouettes.com) offer tons of sex appeal, but are flat, which is great for tramping around the city.

EQUESTRIAN: Riding boots are big right now. The fabric on this style by Silhouettes ($149, silhouettes.com) is stiff enough that it won't lose its shape.

MUKLUKS: Mukluks have been around for centuries and never seem to go out of style. If you live in a colder climate, they are great for keeping your feet warm yet fashionable this season. This boot by Manitobah ($252, shoebuy.com) comes in a wide calf version.

Other Tips:

1) Avoid any type of knee boot that is made entirely of soft, non-stretch fabric. They tend to lose their shape and will begin to sag around the ankles.

2) If you want to ensure a proper fit, measure around your calf where it's the widest. You can take this measurement with you when you shop, and some online stores provide calf width information on a boot's item description page.

3) Know that you can get most leather boots stretched, usually up to one inch, at a good shoe repair shop - for those boots that you really love that are too snug in the calf.

See how the celebs do it here!