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The 5 Best Ankle-Boot Tips We Know

To keep you both comfy and stylish

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You know them. You love them. You wear them year-round. But now is prime ankle-boot season, and we’ve got a few tips for looking chic (and not totally crying in pain) all autumn long.

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Kirstin Sinclair/Getty Images

1.

Buy a Half Size Larger

Narrow booties have a tendency to pinch even more than stilettos do. But here you have more leeway to go up in size. (It’s not like they’re going to fall off.) Take advantage of the extra room and insert insoles for maximum comfort. Or tape your toes (really).

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The Fashion Guitar

2.

Opt for Chunky Heels

Thank goodness those rock-star booties are trending. Stacked heels are infinitely more stable and walkable than stilettos. (And there’s a bunch of options under $100.)

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Christian Vierig/Getty Images

3.

Choose Your Socks Carefully

Hi, anyone who’s standing within a five-foot radius can see your white athletic socks. (Yes, even the “ankle” ones.) Instead, try footie socks to keep your ankles naked—and chic.

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Sincerely Jules

4.

Give Your Ankles Breathing Room

Now that you have the sock thing figured out, let’s talk about your pants. The most flattering way to wear jeans with ankle boots is to cuff them. Flashing a little skin is the chicest way to pull this off. (Yes, even as a shortie.)

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Timur Emek/Getty Images

5.

Wear Them Instead of Ballet Flats

Your cute little dress and tights are ready to go. But what about shoes? Our advice: Never choose ballet flats. They will stunt the line of your feet and make you look dowdy. Instead, swap in tough ankle boots for visual balance.


susan waits

Lousy baker, stellar shopping buddy

You can find Susan either blissfully buried in a pile of clothes or on a plane between L.A. and NYC.