Want to find the perfect Type 2 boot this winter season?
As you’re considering the details and gathering information in order to find the boots you’ll love this season, remember that comfort is so important.
I’m Anne, your Dressing Your Truth Type 2 Expert, and I know how much better your DYT experience is when you prioritize comfort! Be sure to honor your desire for comfort in all aspects of your life–and especially when choosing footwear.
Whether a boot is comfortable or not will make or break whether or not you actually wear it. Tune in later down this article for my personal story about that!
First, I want to share these 5 tips for choosing footwear that expresses your subtle and soft beauty:
(PS: All of the boots I’m sharing below have shoppable links! Just click on each picture to be taken to the website.)
1. Follow the 5 Elements of Style for Type 2.
The 5 Elements of Style are design line, texture, pattern, fabrication, and color. Refer to this video to get the basic elements of a shoe and consider these things as you choose your perfect boot:
Design Line:
Look for a softened toe line, a classic oval toe line is perfect for your Type 2 flowing energy. Avoid a harsh pointed or severe square toe. If you’re drawn to either of those toe lines, choose a softened version. A boot with a bit of slouch or drape in the shaft is a great look for Type 2s.
Texture:
Softened suede is ideal for your Type 2 energy. You’ll want to avoid shiny patent leather, and rather opt for softened textured leather.
Pattern:
Usually, you are going to choose a solid boot, but pattern can also be added by other elements. Look for laces, buttons, and buckles that add interest and detail. A patterned boot could also be a really fun addition, but may not be worn as much as a solid.
Fabrication:
Comfort is key with this element. You don’t want a boot that is so stiff it takes too much time to break in or mold to the shape of your foot. And make sure you have room to wiggle your toes! Consider sizing up a 1/2 size to allow room for socks and room to breathe. Too stiff of a shoe-bed will feel constraining.
Color:
Black and brown seem to be a popular choice for shoe color. Beware of choosing a brown that is too rich or dirty. Use your Style Guide to find a beautiful Type 2 brown. There are plenty of options: Taupe, Sand, and Mocha. Of course, Gray is always a smart choice for Type 2s.
2. Consider the style of the boot
There are so many options to choose from: bootie, mid-boot, knee-high boot, and over-the-knee boot.
As a Type 2 you will probably not be drawn to an over-the-knee boot as it will create a dramatic statement, so stick with a style below the knee and lower.
A bootie is a beautiful, classic option, but won’t offer as much coverage. If you don’t like to wear boots over your pants, go with a bootie. If you’re looking for a boot to keep you warmer go with a taller style.
Mid-calf and knee-high boots are wonderful styles and there is a lot of variety within those styles.
Most likely you will wear a mid or knee-high boot over pants so make sure you have some slimmer fitting pants to go with your boots. If you have wider calves there are many options that fit a variety of sizes. Here’s a blog post that gives great information about boots for all body shapes.
Look for fun Type 2 elements in the design line such as s-curves in the stitching, added detailing in buckles, laces, stamping, etc.
Many boots have zippers; choose silver metal. If you find a perfect boot and it has a gold zipper, look at the overall boot–does the zipper stand out or blend in? If the gold zipper isn’t noticeable then go for it.
Consider as well that you can refashion the metal with nail polish.
3. Consider the heel height of the boot
As a Type 2 you are most likely comfortable in flat to low-heel shoes. And it would be the same for a boot. For a versatile option choose a heel height that you know you are comfortable with. Most online stores have an option to narrow by heel height. I’ve found my perfect height is about 2″-2.5″.
4. Comfort is key!
You can never underestimate the power of comfort in the world of a Type 2.
A great way to determine what makes a shoe comfortable for you is to identify the elements of the most comfortable shoes you currently own.
Is it the heel height, the material, the width, the size? Once you have a great idea of what your preferences are, you can narrow down by eliminating what you know won’t fit into that criteria.
Once I found a boot style that I absolutely loved!
They were 2-toned leather, cute, wedge heel, and fun buckle accents. I bought them immediately!
Shortly afterward, they became uncomfortable and I dreaded wearing them even though I loved the style.
I was sad to do it, but I eventually gave them away.
And after I did it was a relief because I no longer had shoes that I didn’t wear sitting in my closet staring at me!
I didn’t know when I bought those boots that they wouldn’t be comfortable, but I can guarantee you that they have now taught me that I actually don’t like a high heel on my boots. I won’t buy a style like that again.
Sometimes you buy things that you don’t like just so you know what not to buy again!
5. Be willing to invest
Once you’ve narrowed down your preferences when it comes to comfort, and you have an idea of the style you are looking for, use the online search tools to find exactly what you want.
Last winter I was searching for the perfect boot.
I knew exactly what I wanted because I’d bought enough boots to know what I liked and didn’t like. I wanted a mid-calf, taupe, soft leather, flat boot.
So I searched online using those keywords. After a few searches, I found a beautiful boot–everything I wanted! But then I saw the price. It was more than I wanted to spend on a boot, but it was perfect!
After a few days of thinking about it (you know us Type 2s!) I decided to buy it. I could always return it if I didn’t end up liking it.
Once it arrived I fell in love! It fit like a glove, was so comfortable, and just the right color. I was still hesitant because of the price but finally put them on and wore them.
I am so glad I was willing to invest, even though I was resistant at first. I wore those boots probably every other day last winter! They are high-quality and will last many years.
My point is: be willing to invest in a good boot. I could have bought three “okay” pairs of boots for the price of my one perfect boot that will stand the test of time. Set a budget that is reasonable for you.
I hope this information supports you as you find that perfect pair of boots!
