Several years ago I bought myself a pair of tan, studded knee high boots, and before receiving them I wondered whether I’d made a huge mistake colour-wise. They weren’t cheap – I’d bought them from Duo Boots to get my calf width exactly right – and almost straight away started to wish I’d bought black ones instead.
But you know what – those studded tan boots (above left and above, second from right) have been worn to death and they’re still my go-to winter boots, because for some reason tan just goes with everything. I know they’re pretty much the same colour as my hair (so they’ll always match that), but I still maintain they were a better purchase than black would have been. Together with another pair of plainer, tan pull-on boots, they’ve finished off so many of my winter outfits and always added an extra hit of warm colour.
I thought I’d show you 8 of the ways I’ve worn these boots on the blog for some inspiration – if you’re about to make a long boots investment and can’t decide on the colour, this may help persuade you. At the end of the post is a selection of tan boots, including wider calf-fitting ones that I know so many of us need.
Are you a knee-high boots fan – and if so, what’s your colour of choice? I have been in love with my perfect black boots recently but I’ll always love (and keep coming back to) my tan knee-highs…!
1. With simple black and white (original post)
Tan may be a neutral, but if paired with bright white and black then it becomes the bright colour of the outfit. Here I dressed up a plain winter white coat with black jeans and accessories and let the tan boots stand out.
2. With warm autumnal colours and lots of layers and textures (original post)
Although this is from a couple of years ago, this is still one of my all-time favourite winter outfits. This outfit’s got everything: faux fur, leather, tweed, cable knit, denim…! The tan boots pick out the tobacco-coloured sweater and look great against a mid grey.
3. With a patterned midi skirt and biker jacket (original post)
Your leather boots don’t have to match your leather jacket. I matched my boots with my wide belt instead which I wore over my vintage midi skirt. Knee high boots don’t have to be worn over skinnies all the time – they’re perfect for midi skirts in autumn and winter.
4. With white skinnies and layered tops (original post)
I’d completely forgotten about this outfit and the fact that tan boots look great against white skinnies (must try that again soon). A big dollop of pattern mixing with the layered snood, shirt and top add a really nice relaxed feel to it.
5. With loose peg-leg trousers (original post)
As well as skinnies and midi skirts with knee highs there are peg-leg trousers too – if the ankle and calf of the trouser leg are loose enough. You won’t have the gap like you do with ankle boots (so you’ll be warmer) and you’ve got yourself something a little smarter than boots and jeans.
6. With coloured skinnies and a cape (original post)
I love this outfit as an example of how to stay winter-warm without having to cover up with a big coat. Again the tan is complemented by the warm red colour of the skinnies, and a neutral (grey) cape with a massive chunky knit are so much more interesting than black boots, blue jeans and a black coat. And as if it wasn’t bright enough I added a leopard trilby – well leopard is a neutral, isn’t it?!
7. With a short dress and tights and a long cardigan (original post)
Regular readers may know that I rarely wear short skirts or dresses, but when I do it’s usually with heels. Boots are perfect, especially on chillier days, and knitted layers add lots of texture and pattern.
8. With colour-blocked brights (and maybe a little pattern) (original post)
Another great outfit I’d forgotten about: Two primary colours (three if you count the splash of red) look good together regardless, but where black would have deadened their brightness, tan just enhances it. Brightly coloured midi skirts are a favourite of mine and are a perfect go-to combination for autumn and winter. It never hurts to match your boots and bag occasionally, so I guess that’s a rule-breaking rule breaker…!
Here’s some of the best TAN BOOTS (for all budgets):
WIDE CALF fitting boots:
All updated November 2015
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Hi Catherine love your style, the boots look awesome. I’m getting some for myself soon too.
Oh!! I have the same Duo boots with the buttons up the front and I often 'forget' I have them! Ha! I absolutely ADORE the 2nd outfit with all the various textures – you've given me new reason to pull them out before the season ends. Love your style xx
Wow Kimberly that means we're boot twins!!!! Yes you HAVE to wear your boots more – as (I think) I mentioned in the post I've worn mine to death, they must be such good quality because they don't even need reheeling. And I still love that same outfit now, two years later… quick, quick, wear them wear them before it gets too warm!!! Thanks hun so much xx
I love all of these looks! You did such a good job styling the boots so many different ways! Looks #3 and #7 are my fave! So chic!
bonbonrosegirls@gmail.com
Good choices, Jessica… I'd happily wear these outfits again so I must have made good choices at the time! The boots are so versatile! Thank you xx
Wow so versatile. I love the 1st look, very clean. But the second look is like amazing. Great post, :). http://fashionablyidu.blogspot.com/
I think the second one with the fur collared coat is my fave ever winter outfit, Idu… good choice, hehe!! Thank you my lovely xx
Never looked at tan boots from this point of view. Don't have any either.
Greetje
I guess this post wasn't any help to you, then, Greetje…?!!!! hehe no worries – I'll try harder next time ;))))
Ahum… Just discovered two pairs of tan/nearlycognac, but really… tan… Boots in my closet. Ahum. Yes, well. Just applied the high heeled ones with a pencil skirt and a green leather jacket. It was a hit.
I am obsessed with that cape! It looks so classic and stylish on you! I feel the same about tan boots-they just work so well with everything.
Thanks sweetie – I don't wear the cape enough, I really should get it out more! Thank you, from one tan boots lover to another 😉
Thank you, Heather!
Great post chick, I have ran OTB just now and wondered what to wear them with. Their far more versitile than I thought
Lauren
livinginaboxx
They really are, Lauren – I come back to them time and time again! Thank you x
Love, love, love this post. I saved like 5 of the outfits to my inspiration folder. I have same colored boots. 🙂 You have such a way with color.
Daphne.
Aww thanks Daphne… so nice to hear someone's been inspired!! Have fun styling your tan boots 🙂
Every outfit is AMAZING! I'd be honored if you'd join my new link up party starting this Friday: FUN FASHION FRIDAY!
OXOX
Dawn Lucy
http://fashionshouldbefun.blogspot.com
Dawn thank you – I shall be over to link up!! C x
Dear Catherine,
I bought a pair this automn and as I own a handbag in exactly the same colour I wear them in never ending combinations. My white Jeans get a wonderful winter kick-off and so do my red skinnies.
You show some really awsome combinations that I will definitely keep in mind!
Thank you.
Gros bisou
Sandra
They're great with white skinnies, aren't they Sandra? I really must wear that combo again soon. Thanks for your lovely comments, so glad you got some inspiration! x
Awesome post — I have found my cognac tall boots so versatile, as well! Pinning this for inspiration 🙂
Jen @ Librarian for Life + Style
Another tan boots fan to add to the list, Jen!! Glad they gave you some inspo :)))
Lovely post Catherine! I always love how versatile your style is and the way you've taken these tanned boots and created all these different looks, really highlights that. 🙂
Take care,
Daniella xox
You always leave the loveliest comments, Daniella… thank you my lovely!!!!! =mwah=
such a great post!!!
Thank you, Diane! x
I have tan and black boots and always seem to be wearing the tan. I don't think you can ever go wrong with boots of any color. I have a pair of suede tan slouchy boots that I bought 11 years ago and I am wearing them a lot this season. They still look new after all this time. I love all your outfits! Peace! Cheryl
I think my old brown suede wedge boots are abut as old, Cheryl – and I still wear them loads too! There's nothing like a pair of old faithfuls, is there ;))
Thank you for your lovely comment x
What a beautiful colour! So versatile!
♥♥♥
Jeanne
http://www.fashionmusingsdiary.com
I think the number of times I've worn them on the blog proves that tan IS super versatile, Jeanne, you're right…! Thank you xx
I'm also a great fan of tan boots. Currently I own a pair of classic Scapa boots (bought in the sale naturally!) and I wear them a lot with skirts,dresses and trousers so it was worth investing in a good quality. I quess I have been wearing tan boots for over a decade now, never black, so I can definitely class myself as a tan-boots-girl! I like your bold combinations, I see things I wouldn't have dreamed up and that inspires me, I usually keep on the safe side (max two colors etc)
Hehe you probably know me well enough by now Irmin that I rarely stick to just two colours…!!! Glad to find another tan boots preferrer, there are a few of us it seems. Thanks hun, you're a love x
I very badly want a pair of tan boots but I'm having a hard time finding a pair that works for me. In part because I can't decide if I want a heel or not! I love your studded pair and all the styling!
When you find them you'll just *know*, Gracey…!!!! Thanks so much my lovely (and I think you'd look awesome in tan boots with your long legs)!
Tan boots are great! Need to get a pair. I like all of your outfits, especially the first one.
It's quite an unusual look, that first one isn't it Martina…?! I don't have that white coat any more (I exchanged it for another one in the end) but I have bought another white coat since. Think I need to pair THAT one with the tan boots now! Thank you hun x
I'm in the tan boot fan club too! I actually have them on the blog in a post from Sunday. They were £140 years ago from Jones the Bootmaker and I wish I'd bought them in black too. Had SO much wear out of them. I love your styling suggestions x
Yay to another tan boots fan, Sarah! I'm not sure I would have liked my studded tan ones in black… but I love my new black boots too now. Thanks my lovely, so glad you liked the outfits! C x
Love, love, love, your look on the second photo 🙂
Cris
I have to admit I love it too, sweetie… such a fave of mine still! Thank you x
For me you just can't beat a black boot. I do think those look great on you though, especially with skinny/leggings.
Rubi | The Den | http://www.the-den.blogspot.com
I thought the same about tan boots (meaning you can't beat them) till I discovered The Perfect Black Boot, Rubi… now I love them both equally!! For the amount of wear I've got out of the tan ones they were worth every penny! And thank you x