Your Stylist: The right boots for a rainy day -- or any day
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Resident Image stylist and market editor Melissa Magsaysay soothes your sartorial woes in the weekly Your Stylist blog column
Fall is here (or at least that’s what the calendar says) and rain could start coming down at any moment, so it’s best to be prepared. It’s a good thing that so many designers and brands are either launching rain boot collections or have created adorable Wellie-style shoes this season that are just begging to be worn over jeans, leggings or with wooly tights and a dress.
The ubiquitous hiking-style booties are all form, no function, even though they look really rugged, but these boots are just the opposite – sleek, stylish, versatile and above all, waterproof. My favorite is the “Sofia” boot from Kartell ($190), which are a tall boot with a slight wedge heel. They come in chic colors such as navy, dark green, gray and dark brown and don’t have that glossy finish and round rubber that a traditional rain boot does, so you can wear them all day with the same outfit you would wear a regular fall boot.
The new rain boot collection from Loeffler Randall ($195) is just as cute, with the same shape and appeal as designer Jessie Randall’s super popular “Matilde” leather boot. The long back zipper on the tall boots add an edgy detail not often seen on a Wellie and the lace-up ankle boots are a sleeker spin on a Duck Boot.
For a dressier option, the Valentino “Lace” collection ($295) contains a black-and-blush lace print rain boot that deserves a shelf when it’s not stepping out into the rain. It’s uber-feminine and definitely makes a strong fashion statement, especially with the black Valentino label placed on the outside rim of the boot.
Cole Haan is also doing a really sophisticated rain boot that can stay on all day as they really look just like an everyday shoe. The “Melanie” boot ($228) comes in patent leather as well as suede – all are totally waterproof, but none have that tromping-through-the-mud aesthetic, but are rather suitable either for the office or if you find yourself running around doing errands in the rain.
And if the traditional duck-boot look is your thing, then take a look at Tommy Hilfiger’s spin on the shoe this season ($298). He’s added a wood heel to the shoe that in theory shouldn’t work, but it’s actually totally adorable and would look great with dark jeans, a cable neck sweater and classic tan trench.
Who says rain has to dampen your fashion choices? This season my bet is that many women will be all for welcoming the wet weather.
Send your style queries to melissa.magsaysay@latimes.com
-- Melissa Magsaysay
Photos, from top: Kartell ‘Sofia’ boots (credit: Kartell); Loeffler Randall rain boots (Loefller Randall); Valentino lace print rain boot (Valentino); Cole Haan ‘Melanie’ rain boot (Cole Haan); Tommy Hilfiger heeled duck boot (Tommy Hilfiger)