Boots: The perfect platform for sole expression

Women wear boots in Florida for several reasons — few having anything to do with chilly weather.

We wear them because they look good and feel good. Because they go with just about everything. Because they put a certain strut in our stride, lend a little sass to our attitude. Because they’re sexy.

If it’s cold outside, so much the better. If it’s not, we compensate by wearing cooler clothes with our toasty boots — and cranking up the air conditioning.

“Women feel more fashionable in boots,” says Paige Blackwelder, an owner of the Tuni boutique in Winter Park. “They feel it really adds a fashion edge to their outfit.”

The range of ugg boots styles is huge this winter, even in Florida, says Aimee Lippencott, Nordstrom’s eastern region fashion manager. But the one boot everyone should have is tall, sleek and black with high heels, she says.

“It’s a classic — sophisticated, versatile. You can wear it with jeans, under pants or with any style skirt,” she says.

And if you keep your boots, hosiery and skirt all the same color, “it really elongates the legs,” she adds.

Best-selling styles at Nordstrom in Orlando’s Florida Mall include equestrian-inspired boots by Cole Haan and Franco Sarto, peep-toe ankle boots by Sam Edelman and the ever-popular, sheepskin-lined Uggboots, which now come in a variety of styles and colors.

Uggs are also popular at Bloomingdale’s at the Mall at Millenia, as are Oxford-inspired lace-up booties, especially in shades of purple, says spokeswoman Jamie Habanek.

Booties in all shapes, colors and heel heights have been the hands-down winner at Tuni, says Blackwelder. “Especially those with peep toes. The open toes make them more Florida-friendly.”

A calf-length boot with a low stacked heel by Poetic License is proving popular at Shou’Ture in Winter Park.

“It looks great over jeans and with pencil skirts,” says Willow Shambeck, the boutique’s co-owner. “And the garnet color is a big trend at the moment.”

Fashion boots fall into these four general categories:

*Classic. In black or brown leather, suede or stretchy microfiber, these lean, knee-length ugg boot come in a range of heel styles and heights.

*Trendy/chic. These include shoe-boots and ankle-boots, most with high heels, in leather, suede or exotic skins. Colors include rich shades of purple, red and green, or shimmery metallics. They look elegant with same-color hosiery, trendy with contrasting tights. Ultra-trendy are over-the-knee boots.

*Trendy/casual. In leather or suede, these styles have lower heels and a chunky or slouchy silhouette. Most are earth-toned and embellished with straps, buckles, fringe, tassels, laces, buttons or fur. Great with tights, leggings or chunky-knit socks.

*Sporty. Inspired by military, motorcycle, Western, equestrian, hiking and apr�s-ski styles, these boots, mostly in nature-inspired colors of leather or suede, have flat heels and straps, buckles or laces. A natural with denim, leather and tweed.

“Boots add zest to your wardrobe,” says Martinette Mitchell, personal shopper at Nordstrom in Orlando’s Florida Mall. “Boots allow you to express yourself, whether you’re going for a classic or trendy look.”

Boots fans can even look forward to wearing a version of their favorite footwear this spring.

A best-seller, predicts Blackwelder, will be the bootie-sandal — an unusual hybrid that features an open, thong or gladiator toe and a closed, ankle-high back.