If you were to ask me what a staple piece is in my fall wardrobe, I wouldn’t even hesitate to say a cute pair of boots. To me, no other accessory is more synonymous with the season. Not to mention the variety, from a dainty pair of ankle boots that pairs well with a pair of straight leg jeans to a chunkier combat boot with some tights and a skirt. But my personal favorite is and always will be the classic knee-high boot. Whether I saw Julia Roberts sporting them in “Pretty Woman” or in Anne Hathaway's outfit montage in “The Devil Wears Prada”, a good pair of knee-highs or even thigh-high boots make any outfit look so chic and autumnal. When I was finally old enough and bought my first pair, I was excited only to be slightly disappointed when the zipper never came all the way up my leg, or at least not without a little fight. The only thing these movies never told me about was how hard it was to get a decent pair for those of us with wider calves.
As the fashion industry evolves to cater to diverse body types, many companies are embracing this. Wide calf boots come in various styles, and while some truly tailor the boot for a perfect fit, some don’t slip on as easily as Cinderella’s shoe. We’ve found the top brands with lines of wide calf boots in all kinds of styles, colors and fabrics, and these are our favorites.
Dolce Vita recently released an entire collection of wide-calf boots. The brand is praised for their inclusivity in design and making timeless shoes for all customers. Black Leather Knee-high boots is the equivalent of a little black dress and they offer so many different styles and variations of this classic. Some of our favorites include the Gyra and Tyrone boots, both of which come in black leather with pointed toes, the only difference is the heel. The best part is the wide calf. These pairs works really well with some dark tights and your favorite going out dress or skirt and top combo to make a sleek and sexy night outfit.
Another brand dedicated to embracing inclusivity with footwear is Duoboots. Just like Dolce Vita, they’ve designed collections of boots for different foot and calf widths. Aside from their inclusivity, they’re praised for their craftsmanship working with family run factories in Portugal that deliver high-quality shoes. As a nod to our new favorite color of the fall, our favorites from Duoboots are these equestrian style knee-high boots in burgundy. With a lower block heel, these are a great day-to-day shoe that can be styled with your everyday outfits. Other alternatives with more unique pops include a pair of lace-up boots if you want the similar equestrian style or even a snake skin pair if you're looking for variations of the warm tones. Whether you pair them with some fitted jeans and a blazer for a work outfit or simply hang out at a coffee shop with a pleated skirt and oversized sweater, these are great pairs for fall days.
Nothing makes a fall outfit look more cozy yet stylish than a pair of suede boots. Another brand that blends diversity with craftsmanship, Vince Camuto’s boots are another great option for different styles of boots. Vince Camuto's options offer a diverse style with fun features like fringes and leather patterns. One of our favorites trends of the fall is the revival of boho, and the best way to achieve that is with a cute pair of fringe boots. But if you're someone who can get daunted by the maximalism of the hanging fringes and still want texture and movement in the boots, a simple slouch pair is a great alternative. These are great for elevated and chic daytime looks. I love pairing boots like these with skirts and dresses, especially ones that hit right in the middle of your calves or even have a slit to draw more focus to the layers and textures.
A good pair of brown boots is perfect with any fall outfit. Outside of the look, comfort and walkability are key. These Sam Edelman pairs are yet another classic staple for the wardrobe. The over the knee option in a brown suede is great for when you want the shoes to be the star of the outfit. They're so simple, yet the length and craftsmanship of it make for such a flattering accessory to your outfit. I would let these boots speak for themselves in an outfit with a short skirt or dress so they can really shine. If you're going for the classic leather pair, the dark brown makes it wearable for day-to-night outfits. A slimmer block heel gives more stability and support, while still having the sleekness of a stiletto. To me, a good pair of brown boots pairs well with any outfit reminiscent of 90s fashion. This means monochromatic looks with muted tones, long coats, and oversized silhouettes.
Boots are always the ideal autumnal shoe and complete any outfit for the season. They're perfect for your favorite fall day. Whether you're sporting your riding boots at a pumpkin patch or walking around in a pair of stiletto knee-highs on a chilly night out, these are some great inclusive options for all body types.