Contributing author Madeleine Burka Hill is a writer, shoe-lover, and girly-girl raising two boys with her fabulous naval aviator husband. In her spare time, she indulges her online shopping habit and practices yoga. In Dec. 2010, her husband's Navy career took this self-proclaimed east coast girl and her family to live in central California.
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I swore I’d never wear them.
Here's why: in the early 2000s, it seemed like all of young Hollywood was being photographed in Uggs with shorts and bare legs. I still see this a lot today - It might work for celebrities, but in my opinion, it’s not an attractive look for anyone, especially not for a mom.
But there I was. It was February 2010 – there were uncharacteristically frigidly cold temps in Virginia Beach, Va. My beloved clogs just weren’t going to cut it. So off to the department store I went – and out I walked with a pair of the formerly sworn off Uggs (black, of course - I can't help it). And I fell in love. They were so warm, so cozy and comfortable. They are definitely not for trudging through huge snow drifts, but they do serve a purpose.
An Uggs look that works for most is to slide them over leggings or very skinny jeans - this avoids bunched up pants. The slimness of the pants balances out the bulkiness of the boots.The trick is to avoid looking sloppy. On top, a chic, simple sweater or a long and drapy style works best. My friend Sharon (pictured) is a perfect example of how to wear Uggs and look polished – slim pants and a cozy sweater - kind of like an urban snow bunny.
If you're squeamish about wearing a waist-length sweater with slim pants (which Sharon pulls off beautifully), go with the long drapy look. I like one that I can wrap around myself.
Ladies with muscular calves should stick with a shorter Uggs style, of which there are many. Like the look but don't want to invest in a pair of Uggs? Try the Bearpaw brand - it's the same look but at a cheaper price.
Here are a few cozy and chic winter looks for Uggs & leggings/jeggings...
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the loose, exaggerated cowl neck on this Anthropologie sweater - a perfect long drapy look (and good for post-partum!). The dangly earrings add a little sparkle and a delicate detail to help balance out the bulkiness of the boots.
If you're feeling a little more adventurous, try a pair of Uggs in a color. A perfect time to add a little brightness - in February when we're all sick of short, gray days. Uh - oh - I'm getting some online shopping ideas....
The corduroy stretch leggings accomplish everything a simple legging does - but with more texture and added warmth. The fair isle pattern of the sweater is both classic and on-trend.
Readers, where do you stand on the Ugg front? Love 'em or hate 'em?
- Madeleine
