In Tokyo right now it’s cool and clear and gorgeous: so I am out and about seeing fabulous winter fashion ensembles. The key element appears to be boots, boots, boots (and coats, but that’s another story).

Cool Japanese women have been in boots from the moment the temperature dropped, accessorising dresses, skirts, pinafores, asymmetrical skirts and boleros, knits and jeans. It’s a fantastic look and, providing you are in a temperate climate, very successful.

I am almost overwhelmed by the choice available: flat, heeled, buckled, cowboy, rubber equestrian style, fur-trimmed, wedge, black, tan, white (this is impossibly elegant), biker, platform-sole, quilted, not to mention the high-end labels (Burberry’s rubber is very popular), so I’ve done some thinking on the best way to wear boots in winter.

Flat knee-high boots

I am quite tall — 5′9″ — so the flat knee-high style has been a highly sought-after item, but prior to my current sojourn, nearly impossible to find instore (online is another matter, which savvy shoppers have discovered).

I would totally recommend investing in a pair of knee-high flat boots to wear with denim skirts, printed empire line or black knit dresses, tailored shorts and, of course, jeans. Bootcut would work best as straight leg jeans need a shoe to be most flattering, unless you are tucking the jeans leg inside the boot, which is a look best suited to very lean girls, or wearing an ankle boot.

I find that while elegance is desirable, a bit of an urban edge is more accessible with a flat boot.

Ankle boots

The last season has seen the return of the ankle boot, so in fashion-conscious Tokyo this is quite a popular look: solid heeled, sometimes platform and very elegant with opaque tights and miniskirt or shorts. I love this look but it’s probably more formal and needs a black legging or tights to balance and elongate your legs.

I also see ankle boots worn with cuffed shorts, tights, and very, very short denim minis but I will leave that to your discretion!

With skirts

Wear boots with opaques, patterned or ribbed tights — not sheer pantyhose as you are aiming for a more solid leg.
This is extremely flattering and balances the bulk of coats and scarves.

I love the flat boot with a solid heel (half inch maximum), but if you want some height, the rounder toe and not too stiletto a heel would be a good choice.

In Japan most women are very slender so the more delicate spike heel suits but the current cone-shaped heel would be ideal for those not so tiny.

Right now bohemian layering and mini dresses are in style, but maxi skirts and printed sundresses also work well with boots, especially at a more casual level (think the school drop off, rather than the office).

So get booted

Perusing websites, there are many winter boot styles available so I say go girls, this item is worth investing in and will be good for years to come.

Here are some Bargain Queen-approved boots to start off your search:

* Tall suede low-heel boots (tan or black) by Nine West, $53.69
* Tall black suede boots with elegant high heel from Isaac Mizrahi, $36.99
* Knee-high black leather high-heel lace-up boots by Nine West, $139.99
* Knee-high black leather heeled boots by Naturalizer, $84.99
* Fun daisy-print rain boots, $32.89
* Red, white and blue floral rain boots, $19.99

Or shop Piperlime’s boots on sale, and enjoy their free shipping and returns.

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