While 2010 Fall runways were awash in high-heeled duck boots...even the regular, good 'ol LL Bean-style duck boots are having a moment. (Ummm...or the cheaper iterations, like my Land's End duck boots). And since the snow just keeps on comin', these boots have certainly come in handy. And it doesn't hurt that I kinda love 'em. They have a rugged feel without being too mannish. Tomboyish, perhaps? (And you know I'm a sucker for anything that gives me yet another way to wear my favorite, cover-everything-bad, post-partum sweater).
Whatever it is, I'm in.
I've been styling these babies with dresses, khakis, skinnies, straight legs....AND I found some really great inspiration pics from around the web. Read on, mamas! I think you'll wanna get on board...
(wearing: Theory ruffle tunic, sweater leggings bought several years ago, Lands' End Canvas socks, Lands' End Duck Boots)
With Khakis
Rolled khakis have a preppy feel, and go perfectly with duck boots. Unlike Uggs, Duck boots are slim through the ankle, making them much more flattering with the rolled pant. I like to offset the tomboyishness of the duck boot with something a bit feminine...in this case, swingy neutral layers.
ps. Boyfriend jeans would be equally cute.
(wearing: Banana Republic swingy sweater, BCBG bubble hem tank, Gap straight-leg khakis, Lands' End Duck Boots)
With Denim
This is pretty much a no-brainer. Pair with an interesting sweater - a cozy wrap sweater would be adorable - or, in my case, a thick vest, and roll the skinnies to show off the cute boot. Easy playground outfit. Sparkly headband optional.
(wearing: Gap Turtleneck sweater, Esprit Vest, Gap Denim Leggings, Lands' End Boots, J.Crew Headband)
Noel Vallens from The Owls Are Not What They Seem paired her duck boots with a gorgeous swingy trench, and pulled her denim over top of the boot. I love that duck boots can look cute whether the pants are rolled, or covering up the boot.
Dresses
It's funny...my favorite outfits were the ones with duck boots & dresses. However, it took me some trial & error. The moral of the story? It was much, much easier to pair the boots with winter weight dresses (sweater dresses, lightweight wool, etc.) than my summer staples. Yes - this should've been obvious, but I spent waaay too much time trying to be "creative". Still think the summery dress + duck boot pairing is possible, though...maybe with bare legs? Which is probably why I skipped it...it was 10 degrees last week, people. TEN.
(wearing: Vanessa Bruno dress, Esprit vest, J.Crew belt, sweater leggings, Lands' End Canvas socks, Lands' End Duck Boots)
Lastly, District of Chic (one of my favorite fashion bloggers) paired her LL Bean Duck Boots with a plaid flannel dress and vintage shearling coat. LOVE.
Not bad, eh? I love how these boots can playgroundize* virtually any outfit.
xo,
S
ps. I just remembered that Lucky mag featured duck boots in their Jan issue....and when I finally tracked it down (pictured below)...Voila! There they are, with a summer dress. And YUP - bare legs. Count me out for another month or so at least. I'm too much of a baby in the cold.
*playgroundize (verb)
to playgroundize (third-person singular simple present playgroundizes, present participle playgroundizing, simple past and past participle playgroundized)
- To make something playground-friendly
- To turn an outfit into something appropriate for sliding, running and/or climbing in muddy, dirty conditions
Usage: OMG! These hidden spandex shorts totally playgroundize this little skirt!
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