FRESH KICKS

5 ways with a classic black ankle boot

The black ankle boot is a stalwart sartorial saviour. From weekend casual to Saturday night prowling by way of 9-5 office attire, just one pair can pace you through all facets of the urban jungle. We've got five outfits that you're going to want to try.

Give your outfit edge by way of embellished ankle boots. Think metal straps, studs or buckles. Just keep them more on the understated side so the boot doesn’t dominate your look. Best of all, you can rock most of these looks in the spring too with cropped pants or jeans and a shorter skirt hemline or lighter dress fabric!

The rules:

Pointy-toed ankle boots give a slick edge for the office and they elongate your leg especially if you’re wearing black pants or tights;
Stick with all leather including the heel as it looks more polished for the 9-5 shift;
For a flattering leg, wear boots that are more tapered and finish at the ankle bone – not boots that finish at the base of your calf – if you don’t have slim calves (they can make your pins look shorter and wider).

look 01.Weekend casual

Wear the boots with skinny jeans so they can sit inside. This also flatters the silhouette of the legs.
Wide-legged or straight-legged jeans will make your legs look boxy and shorter.
If wearing ankle boots that finishes at the ankle, your jeans should also be the ankle variety, just touching the top of the boots showing a sliver of flesh.
Add a Midas touch to boots with metal buckles or studs with matching aviators.

look 02.Evening out

This winter is your last change to indulge your velvet crush before it's out of season, so bring it on!
Team with a sleek yet tough leather jacket draped over the shoulders for a modern rock-n-roll edge.
The length of the dress doesn't really matter, but in winter I like to stick with knee or midi length for a sophisticated mood.

look 03.work lunch

Donne a crisp white tee under a black jacket. Together with a black skirt, it breaks up the monotone and sharpens your look.
Bare legs (hello tanning cream or tropical escape!) and a neutral leather handbag adds lightness to the overall look.
The fray edge of the white tee and style of the boots gives this look a more casual edge.

look 04.Friday Casual

Heading out for drinks after work? You're sorted with this leather dress. Paired with the boots and tights, the comfortable fit is given an immediate urban edge.
Add a deconstructed coat with a longer hemline and interesting pattern tied loosely at the waist to give a textural dimension, giving peeks of the leather beneath.
The tights adds a layer of warmth but you could also do this look without them.

look 05 . freelance meeting

Add a little flair and a hint of creative sass with a beanie, a minimalist statement necklace and a leather backpack.
The exaggerated sleeves create the illusion of a tapered waist whilst the swirling hemline does the same for your hips as eyes are naturally drawn to the folds around your calves.
These feminine touches are kept in check with the boots. If replaced with flat pumps, you've lost your edge!