Black ankle boots - laces or no laces?

[PopiLongJon]

I’m looking for some ankle boots to wear with thick black tights/dresses but not sure on whether to buy laced boots or ones without? I’m not very tall, pear shaped and 30. Always get this wrong and end up looking like a frump!

Chelsea boots look nicer but lace ups tend to fit better.

Chunky soles are fashionable now.

Honestly, as a short, fat and heavily thighed hour glass, I would say that wearing ankle boots with dresses is not going to do you any favours. It just shortens an already short leg. Dresses are better with shoes IMO.

I do have laced ankle boots, I wear them with skinny jeans. They still make my legs look short, but it works better because it's a bit scruffy and grungy anyway. The denim is dark, and I'm usually wearing am oversized top too.

Do you have any you're considering? I have both and feel like the Chelsea boots are smarter while the DMs are more casual.

And I'd say ankle boots and dresses look good on everyone! If you want to balance it out go for a chunky one.

Something like these?

Thank you! I do like the M&S ones too, might go and try them on.

I’ve looked at two: these

And these

However neither of them are particularly chunky. Don’t want to spend more than £100.

@Enterifyoudare

Honestly, as a short, fat and heavily thighed hour glass, I would say that wearing ankle boots with dresses is not going to do you any favours. It just shortens an already short leg. Dresses are better with shoes IMO.

I do have laced ankle boots, I wear them with skinny jeans. They still make my legs look short, but it works better because it's a bit scruffy and grungy anyway. The denim is dark, and I'm usually wearing am oversized top too.

Skinny jeans on your (and my) body shape look worse than boots with dresses. Pear shapes need that extra material at the bottom to balance out the shape.

The type of boots will depend on the dress imo. Chelsea boots won’t go with every dress nor will lace up boot.

www.newlook.com/uk/p/688239201?extcam=UK_SOC_APPPDPSHARE I’ve hit these waiting for me at new look but I can’t go and get them until DS gets a neg PCR I wish I’d paid for home delivery

I think the Carvela lace ups look good OP and are definitely chunky enough to be in fashion. Also very good price for leather

Oh I like them both actually!

I’ve ordered the Carvella pair, really good price with them being in the sale. Hoping they’ll fit well!

Both are nice OP. The orinoco ones probably a bit more classic.

I'm shortish and and usually wear the same colour tights and boots

I tend to wear skirts that are shorter than knee length or straight jeans

Word of warning about the Clark’s Orinoco boots - I sent for them last year, and they were impossible to get on - a view shared by many of the reviewers. The lace up version they do are great though.

@KirstenBlest can you link any jeans? I’m rubbish at jeans. Can you see the pattern here

@weekend2021 I’ve heard this too. I did have a pair a few years ago and never had an issue, but maybe they’ve changed them slightly now

I am a fan of Gap jeans but you need to be sure of your size. I kept some of my gap long and leans and am glad I did as I will wear them again
I also like Levi's but they tend to have small pockets on the women's.

M&S have a really good selection, go in and try on lots of pairs . They vary from cheap and cheerful to posh ones, and have all sorts of styles

Fat Face jeans are pretty good too.

I'll wear most styles but am not keen on 'mom' jeans but will wear baggy dungarees Toora loora toora loo rye ay. At the time I refused to wear those low rise monstrosities that are now in the 50p tub at the charity shops. I get most of my clothes from charity shops and regularly find things like branded jeans (e.g. Levis) for £3 or less

I find 7 for all mankind comfortable

With jeans, go for a dark wash, and a straight leg, or a dark bootcut, and only wash them when absolutely necessary

Topshop is usually good for jeans, but I haven't any probably because I have so many gap ones

With jeans, buy ones with no or only a tiny bit of elastane, and wear a belt.

I forgot to mention good old George. I used to get some clothes from Asda but there isn't a convenient one near me any more. I got a great pair from there about 15 yrs ago (still in my stash).

Uniqlo might be worth a try too

If you are pear shaped, don't do the half tuck. Go for a slim fitting top instead, or a slim fitting top under a cardigan. A small waist is worth showing off.

Great tips thank you. Yes I have a pretty good waist but I am very ‘shapely’ around the lower half. I have never found a jeans that are a good fit, they gape around the waist, fall down all day, and they’re always too long

I feel your pain, I'm a different shape but have similar problems finding jeans - I carry weight around my stomach so they never fit both and always slip down. This year I've made the decision to stop trying to wear jeans and lean into a different aesthetic. Dresses and skirts and lots of black and swooshing about trying to be glamorous. With a pair of M&S jeggings for occasional wear.