Shoes for College Girls – Casual Boots
Photo by J.Ota
I’ve received many emails lately asking about what shoes are the best for college. Since I have three years of college shoe-shopping behind me, and countless friends who love their footwear as well, I think I’m qualified to talk about this!
Since there are a many types of footwear that a college girl needs in her closet, I’m going to do a series of articles on this subject as part of back to school shopping week, rather than covering them all in one huge article.
Casual Boots For College Girls
Today I want to focus on casual boots that you can wear every day – from classes to extracurricular’s and even out to parties. These boots are very chic but still functional. And no, I’m not talking UGG’s.
Casual boots have been a huge fashion trend for years, and they’re still hot today. Boots add sophistication and interest to even the most basic jeans and tee outfit. They can make you taller, keep you warm, or just look cute!
What types of casual boots are “in” right now, and which ones are the best for college girls? I’ll answer those questions and more in the next few paragraphs!
Runway Inspiration – Trends in Boots For Fall 2008
Here are some of the different causal boots that we saw on the runways this season. Designers used boots in many of their fall 2008 looks, and they were the most popular footwear choice by far.
The funny thing about this year, though, is that there wasn’t one main trend that stood out. Boots of all sizes, styles, and colors showed up on the runways, each as trendy as the next.
This is great news for you, because it’s really up to you which style you like the best!
Check out the photos for some runway inspiration, and don’t forget that you can enlarge the pics by clicking on them to see some more detail.
Ankle Boots:
From Left: Chloe, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Temperley London
Knee-high Black Patent Leather Boots:
From Left: Givenchy, Marni, Costume National
Western Boots & Fringe Details:
From Left: Gucci, Anna Sui, Hermes
Boots Made of Suede & Soft Fabric:
From Left: Oscar De La Renta, Alexander Wang, Tuleh
Boots For College Girls
Now that you’ve seen the runway looks, lets start translating the latest trends into something a college girl can actually wear.
When you’re walking around campus and doing a million things in one day, you need shoes that will meet certain standards!
Here’s a list of the criteria I used to pick boots that would work for college:
Boots Need To Be:
- Comfortable to walk in – this means no 6 inch heels, stilettos, or extremely pointy toes.
- Durable - we need boots that won’t fall apart after three wears, or that can’t be walked around in for more than an hour!
- Cute and wearable – college girls need boots that are stylish but can work with many different outfits. We want versatility with our clothes, and a studded pair of bright red snakeskin boots is not going to cut it!
- Not overly expensive – $250 dollars is the top price a college girl will probably pay for a pair of boots, and even that may be way too much for many.
With those criteria in mind, here are some of my favorite options for cute and casual boots for fall:
Knee-High & Shiny Boots:
Womens Dana High Leg Boot 2 ($127.99), Womens Supreme Boot ($159.99), Womens Ascot 1 Boot ($249.99)
Womens Penelope Boot ($223.19), Emily Riding Boot ($39.99), Mackenzie Boot ($89.50)
Suede and Faux Suede Boots:
From Left: Womens Emily Boot ($199.19), Style&co. “Snappy” Ankle Boot ($119.00), Sabrina Boot ($69.50)
From Left: Suede Flat Boots ($39.99), Suede Slouch Boots ($29.99)
From Left: Dan Post Boots Mignon ($159.00), Double H 12″ Harness Boot ($155.95), Durango Boot – Peanut Oil Tan ($115.95)
Ankle Boots:
From Left: VANELi ‘Anny’ Ankle Boot ($169.95), Jeffrey Campbell ‘Cherry’ Ankle Boot ($109.95), Steven by Steve Madden ‘Insist’ Ankle Boot ($148.95)
From Left: American Eagle Maddie Ankle Boot ($37.99), Madison Button Ankle Boot ($34.99), Ash Black Boots ($44.00)
What Do You Think?
Now that you know what boots are the hottest for fall, and have seen some cute and affordable options, it’s up to you to do the rest! Which types of boots do you like best? Are you going to buy some for fall?
Let me know what you think by leaving a comment below, and don’t forget to check back here over the next few days for more back to school shopping, fall fashion trends, and shoes for college.
Posted on on August 6, 2008 / Filed Under: Shopping / Tags: Back to School Shopping, Boots, Designers, Fall 2008, Shoe Shopping, Shoes, Shopping
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Marie
What a great post, love it! I’m such a boot addict, this post has me drooling. So many boots at such great prices, thx for the tips. :)
M
I’ll admit it, I just got a new pair of Uggs for 200+ for fear I won’t be able to find them in the small city I live in. I’d love to be able to wear other types of boots, but I normally end up looking and feeling awkward in them. Uggs are perfect for me because I can only wear flat shoes, they aren’t too high or tight, and they aren’t too flashy.
If I were to chose a pair on this page, it would have to be the Suede Slouch Boots. A little hard for me to pull off though, being in the petite category.
Kathleen
I love your site! It’s so helpful as I will be a college freshman this year. I know you said you’d be doing a post about other types of shoes, so I am really looking forward to that. I am going up north and I need boots that are cute and stylish, but can withstand walking around in the snow when needed. I love the Mackenzie boot on this page and I really look forward to your other articles. Thanks for making such a great site.
Stephanie
Love this article, I’m a shoe junkie!
From this page I like..The Style&co. “Snappy†Ankle Boot
& the Madison Button Ankle Boot
both in black though. .
How do you feel about heels for college girls?
Not stilettos..but you know, wedges or low pumps, 2 inch maybe 3 inchers?
Lyd
ankle boots ( similar style to the ‘Anny’ Ankle Boot ), especially the ones that cover toe ankle before the calves!!!! Ive got a pair of them in black!!
I have problems looking for a knee high boot because my calves are a problem, so I’m looking for something that does not zip up but can be put over tights or pants. (preferably good leather quality, which is why i am spending a little more on shoes around $100-$150 :D )
judy
hey, this is my first time commenting. thanks for reminding me that i Need ankle boots. :)
Brielle
Im such a shoe fanatic! I just bought a pair of Steve Madden slouch boots and they are going to be great for the fall. I can wear them to class or even on a night on the town! I do have to say that I need to invest in a pair of those really cute ankle boots!! Thanks for the great article!!
Julie
It’s interesting that you mention boots now because I was just looking through the new Free People catalog, and boots are in almost every outfit.
Usually Free People is a fashion that I try (and fail) to make workable, but this fall they have some really interesting layering with jumpers and skirts with opaque tights/jackets I thought were really cute.
Unfortunately, like Free People, boots usually end up being unconventional for me. That’s why this is such a great article. Thanks. :)
anna maria
I love winter and boots!! but as I’m 5 “2″, finding the right pair of knee length boots that don’t end up on my thighs is pretty hard. Any suggestions? thanks!
la petite fashionista
I LOVE boots, i think they’re a teensy bit more stylish than flats yet much more comfortable than heels. i still rock my cowboy boots even though they went “out of fashion” a couple years ago.
To the 5′2” person above me (i’m 5′0” so i feel your pain– don’t let it stop you from finding the perfect pair– aim for boots that are designed to hit mid calf & they will probably be the perfect height.
Jennifer
Very helpful post! I’ve been looking for comfortable, classic boots for quite awhile!
Kelsey
Great post! I saw those AE ankle boots at payless after I saw this, they’re even cuter on ^^ I didn’t think I could pull of ankle boots but I like those a lot. Thanks!
RetroBunny
I actually have a pair of harness boots that I bought for $100 (down from $350), and I adore them. I wear them constantly, and after the first couple of wears, they’re beyond comfortable!.
Kayla
What about wedge-heeled boots? I’m kind of short so I definitely prefer some height but I think wedges are much easier to walk with on concrete and grass, etc. Ideas?
Melanie
I love this post! I have a pair of leather, pull-on boots that I bought about a year ago. I wear skinny jeans tucked into them, but I have trouble keeping my jeans from riding upwards and getting baggy around my knees. Is there anything I can do to keep them tucked in?
M
^ Melanie: Try tucking your jeans into some socks. Just be careful when you take your boots off in front of people. :P
S
I’m all about lace-up ankle booties this upcoming fall! I’m planning on getting my hands on a whole bunch soon :)
Zephyr
Kayla – Wedges can be easier to walk in, but that’s not always the case. I recommend trying on a bunch of pairs and finding some that are the easiest to walk in.
IUgirl
So excited, just ordered my pair of over the knee gray suede boots from Chinese Laundry!
Jenn
I absolutely love boots! They are perfect for the train and even better if they can stand up to snow in Boston! I fell in love with boots last fall/winter when I got a pair of brown snowboots. My feet were saved! And now that I have to prepare for Providence snow, I am a huge advocate of boots! Get them in every color to go with every outfit, because they are the most logical (and stylish) choice for fall and winter.
avl
i have the AE ankle boots from payless.
They’re great. And the price was just right – about 30 dollars
I would suggest anyone looking for brown ankle boots to get them. But get them a size or half smaller because they are a little big.
Great article.
Jessica
I’m wondering what style of boot would look best over skinny jeans? I really like wearing flats but come winter I think I would feel silly wearing them even if I changed once I got to school. I’m thinking a flat boot that appears slightly slouchy. I don’t think tight boots over tight skinny jeans would feel too comfy all day for me!
I’ll admit that I love the look of my UGGS over skinny’s but realize it’s time to update that look with a new style.
Rebecca
I was seriously considering buying an Ugg-type boot for this fall/winter (it’s my first year in university, and I live in Canada, so it’s coooold), but now I’m thinking more about the suede type boots that I’ve seen around that I really like. But I find a problem with them – how do I wear them with jeans? I know they’d look great with tights, but I don’t wear skinny jeans, only flares really, so I’m sort of at a loss. I worry they will just get covered up, and their prettiness will go to waste! Any advice?
Lyd
Jessica, You can try high ankle boots tucked into skinny jeans (the kind that hits the top of your ankle). Slouch kinds are alright, but how about a little heel on the boot?
stephanie
I just bought some new boots for this coming fall! Both the suede boots and ankle high boots. They are sooooo comfortable and cute and I’m excited to wear them for Fall!!! thx for keepin me on track
Selena
I love wearing cute shoes – totally not a sneaker girl, I’ll only occasionally wear converse if I really need to. But to be honest, I have been wishing for shoes I could walk in and look cute in..I’m a bit tired of my flats. Flat, slouchy knee-high suede boots have done that for me and given me a little extra kick in my style. They’re more comfortable than my converse and the vans I steal from my sister occasionally :) I don’t know how I lived without them!
Jasmine
Does anyone have any idea who makes the red suede boots that Serena wore on an OLD episode of Gossip Girl called “The Blair Bitch Project”< She wore them with a tan Just Cavalli Jacket as she was walking Blair to school….I have lok everywhere for these and really want them but I cannot get any information on them! HELP!