Practical, waterproof boots have been designed largely for people who needed rough, tough, who-cares-what-they-look-like shoes for far too long. It was a cruel dilemma for generations of shoe-lovers before us: Face life with footwear that required stress, pain, and a hyper vigilant attitude toward the forecast, or give up and wear deeply unattractive boots.
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Oh, how those people would thrill at the way form and function have since merged. Sorel’s steadily been making it easier to face the elements inherent with living, walking, and generally existing without giving up on looking good. The brand has evolved from its covetable snow boot silhouette to a whole range guaranteed to make you think, “Hmm, I do need more than one pair!”
Here, our favorites and how to style them.
How to wear all-weather boots with: a dress
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The design elements that have been lifted from classic hiking boots—like lace hooks and a thick tread—are no less practical when applied to a fashion form. Wear a pair with fishnets and an outfit inspired by ’90s grunge (key elements: layering and plaid) as street-style bait. Biggest bonus: Unexpected weather won’t faze you in the least.
Our favorite way of dressing up a boot is to find a style that isn’t so far on the other side of the spectrum to feel comical. Calf-length hemlines make more sense than minis, and a print like plaid (rather than, say, a floral) fits with the ready-for-anything vibe of the shoe. Got a dress that fits the bill but isn’t winter-proof? Style it with a turtleneck or thin knit.
Sorel Ainsley Conquest, $170
Worn with: Monse Dress, nordstrom.com; Wolford Bodysuit, amazon.com; Falke Tights, shopbop.com
How to wear all-weather boots with: a blazer
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For women that want to add a bit of height, a wedge silhouette is key (and it fits with a more polished outfit). A mega tread is equal parts style statement and traction for less than ideal walking conditions. When wearing these this season, look for outerwear beyond the parka and puffer. A tailored blazer might have more shared DNA with loafers or polished heels, but the juxtaposition against something rougher reads brilliantly.
The office-park topper feels younger worn with light denim and tones down a femme, ruffled lace blouse. Avoid awkward bunching between the pant leg and boot by slightly cuffing your jeans. Don’t overthink it with a thick, symmetrical fold; rather, give it a quick flip up for an unstudied look.
Sorel Joan Wedge Chelsea, $200
Worn with: Frame Blazer; Re/Done Jeans, nordstrom.com; Jill Stuart Top; APC Bag
How to wear all-weather boots with: a maxi skirt
Tucking jeans into boots might be the motion most ingrained in our brains when it comes to dressing for chilly days, but resist. There’s a heritage feel to a classic rubber-rimmed lace-up that deserves being put on display. Pull on luxe cashmere-blend socks and a silky maxi that’s winterized with a big chunky sweater.
Just like the practical rain boot plays against the fluidity of the skirt, so too should the knit you pair it with. The bigger, the better—funnel neck included. To keep a boxy cut from being overwhelming (or looking sloppy), tuck in a single corner.
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Sorel Out N About Plus, $120
Worn with: Beaufille Skirt and Sweater, Clyde Bag, garmentory.com
How to wear all-weather boots with: denim on denim
For a fresh spin on the boots-and-jeans look, double up on denim. Separates in the same rinse fool the eye into thinking it’s a single piece (like a jumpsuit, but so much easier to go to the bathroom in).
To keep the Canadian tux from reading too American farmer, pick a boot that demands to be seen. The western vibe of all that denim gels with the shearling accents and burnished leather of these wedges.
Sorel Joan Wedge Shearling, $250
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How to wear all-weather boots with: a suit
Unexpected combos are the bedrock of great style. Go for it this fall by taking two stand-bys—wool tailoring and a weather-friendly boot—and wearing them together.
The key to making it visually apparent that the boots are a purposeful choice—and not just the shoe you commuted in—is to make sure your outfit isn’t all corner-office. Instead of a button-down or formal blouse, pair with a soft white tee. Address a sliver of exposed ankle with hosiery and tie laces around the back of the shoe for a trendy touch.
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Sorel Ainsley Conquest, $170
Worn with: Akris Jacket and Pant, 877-700-1922; Citizens of Humanity T-Shirt, citizensofhumanity.com
(Jewelry worn throughout from: WWAKE, Jennifer Fisher, Mignonne Gavigan, Lady Grey, Mary MacGill)