How They Wear: Cropped Boots
Here at Who What Wear headquarters, we always keep a vigilant watch on the footwear worn by the well-heeled Hollywood elite. While over-the-knee boots and ankle booties still rule for fancy, non-working nights out, fashionable celebs pick a more moderate style for their daytime activities. The favored selection—henceforth to be referred to as cropped boots—is invariably paired with a loosely tucked-in pair of deep blue or black skinny jeans, resulting in a perfectly undone, totally easy-going look.
While the way these ladies wear their cropped boots might not seem revolutionary, the subtle style tweak makes all the difference. Don't forget that up until recently, a casual boots-and-jeans look always required a pair of knee-high equestrian or vintage boots and some methodical denim tucking (one never wants to add bulk to ones calves). However, as witnessed on some of the savviest trendsetters, the cropped boot is fast replacing its taller counterpart.
As for why this look is dominating, well, we're not exactly sure. Maybe everyone loves cropped boots because they offer a weather-appropriate way to transition into a spring wardrobe? Or perhaps it's a time issue: who has the patience to zip, button or lace a boot all the way up, when you can just pull on a boot that is roomy enough to easily slip your skinnies into? Whatever the reason, we are quite taken with the look, and can’t wait to showcase our favorite cropped boots, as seen on some of the most stylish tastemakers from coast to coast.
One of the most popular ways our trendsetters style their cropped boots is with menswear-inspired pieces. While running errands around Beverly Hills, Emma Roberts paired her Doc Marten 1460 Boots
($99.95) with Current/Elliott's
The Legging Jean
($218) and Elizabeth and James' Double Breasted Blazer ($471). Kate Moss wore a shrunken schoolboy blazer with buckled boots while shopping in central London, while Agyness Deyn opted for a boyfriend jacket to create a strong T-shaped silhouette when picking up coffee in the East Village last week. Though neither of the Marc by Marc Jacobs' boots seen on Moss or Deyn are available for purchase, try BCBGirls' Herry Boots
($69) or Topshop's Aztec-Studded Ankle Boot ($160) to duplicate their utilitarian chic look. We are also keen on Nicky Hilton's military-esque boots, which looked smashing with her tucked-in Jet Trasher Skinny Jeans ($188) and leather moto jacket. Try Michael Kors' Mogul Boots
($399) for a similar effect.
Of course, some fashion-forward forces prefer to wear simpler styles. For example, Mary-Kate Olsen and Michelle Williams both opted for no-fuss flat boots to run errands in Manhattan and Brooklyn, respectively. Olsen may have paired a vintage embroidered poncho with Vivienne Westwood's AngloMania Boots, but we love DV by Dolce Vita'sKent Buckle Ankle Boots
($71) for a well-priced alternative. If you want Williams' carefree and casual look, slip on Free People's Landon Bootie ($118) and jaunt around your neighborhood in understated style.
In addition to biker buckles or simple slouchy models, many celebs are also going for boots embellished with studs, ruching and fringe for a decidedly hippie vibe. Rachel Bilson reached for a cropped boot with gathered leather details, much like Forever 21's Nadia Slouched Boots ($35). Sienna Miller selected a boot with metallic adornments to get a luxuriously boho look. The British beauty chose a pair of Strategia's Studded Buckle Suede Boots
($437), but we like Forever 21's Monet Studded Boot ($34.80) even more, considering the lower price point. Claudia Schiffer slipped her cobalt blue bottoms into a pair of fringed Minnetonka Moccasin Trampers
($55) which complimented her floral belle sleeve blouse beautifully. And there you have it: nine cropped boot examples, each one cooler than the last.–Kate Mulling
Photos of Emma Roberts, Michelle Williams, Agyness Deyn, Mary-Kate Olsen, from Splash; Photos of Kate Moss and Nicky Hilton, from Pacific Coast News; Photos of Rachel Bilson and Claudia Schiffer, from INF; Photo of Sienna Miller, from Bauer-Griffin.
While the way these ladies wear their cropped boots might not seem revolutionary, the subtle style tweak makes all the difference. Don't forget that up until recently, a casual boots-and-jeans look always required a pair of knee-high equestrian or vintage boots and some methodical denim tucking (one never wants to add bulk to ones calves). However, as witnessed on some of the savviest trendsetters, the cropped boot is fast replacing its taller counterpart.
As for why this look is dominating, well, we're not exactly sure. Maybe everyone loves cropped boots because they offer a weather-appropriate way to transition into a spring wardrobe? Or perhaps it's a time issue: who has the patience to zip, button or lace a boot all the way up, when you can just pull on a boot that is roomy enough to easily slip your skinnies into? Whatever the reason, we are quite taken with the look, and can’t wait to showcase our favorite cropped boots, as seen on some of the most stylish tastemakers from coast to coast.
One of the most popular ways our trendsetters style their cropped boots is with menswear-inspired pieces. While running errands around Beverly Hills, Emma Roberts paired her Doc Marten 1460 Boots
Of course, some fashion-forward forces prefer to wear simpler styles. For example, Mary-Kate Olsen and Michelle Williams both opted for no-fuss flat boots to run errands in Manhattan and Brooklyn, respectively. Olsen may have paired a vintage embroidered poncho with Vivienne Westwood's AngloMania Boots, but we love DV by Dolce Vita'sKent Buckle Ankle Boots
In addition to biker buckles or simple slouchy models, many celebs are also going for boots embellished with studs, ruching and fringe for a decidedly hippie vibe. Rachel Bilson reached for a cropped boot with gathered leather details, much like Forever 21's Nadia Slouched Boots ($35). Sienna Miller selected a boot with metallic adornments to get a luxuriously boho look. The British beauty chose a pair of Strategia's Studded Buckle Suede Boots
Photos of Emma Roberts, Michelle Williams, Agyness Deyn, Mary-Kate Olsen, from Splash; Photos of Kate Moss and Nicky Hilton, from Pacific Coast News; Photos of Rachel Bilson and Claudia Schiffer, from INF; Photo of Sienna Miller, from Bauer-Griffin.
Does anyone know about the scarf that MK Olsen is wearing. I ve been trying so hard to find it. I thought it was Loro Piana but it's not. Please, does anyone have any clue? Thanks.
Posted by: Minji | 2009-11-17 01:21:20
Noone wears em without jeans??
Posted by: Theresa | 2009-03-28 14:49:27
good god almighty, has the olsen been injured? poor old dear.
Posted by: sarah | 2009-03-27 23:56:16
Like this post A LOT - but I tried out the suggested DV by Dolce Vita'sKent Buckle Ankle Boots ($71) and they are GROSS. Cheap vinyl, bad style, too bad, they look ok in pictures but IRL, just gross. Endless has free returns so they are going back asap.
Posted by: Mess | 2009-03-27 12:35:09
Kate, Kate always looks great, I'm such a Fan!!! I love the cropped jackets and boots on everyone!! Its one of my favorite looks because I'm tall and I love making my legs look even longer ...I have always worn cropped boots or ankle booties, I have some tall boots but I always opt for the cropped ones !!!I actually for once like Nickys' look and those seem to be her favorite jeans, and that's' cool because I love Jets', Emma looks really cool too and Rachel one of my most fashionable actresses looks great!
Posted by: The Illustrious | 2009-03-26 11:40:32
I am in love with the DV Kent boots, I need them! Thanks for the advice on amazon!
Posted by: Leah | 2009-03-26 10:27:22
Skinny and cropped boots are really good friends that matching perfectly! Love the outfits of Caudia Schiffer & Sienna Miller most. www.journeytofashion.com
Posted by: Leann | 2009-03-26 09:06:33
I agree, Aggy looks human and I would have loved to have seen some skirts/dresses with cropped boots. Apparently the only answer here is "wear them with dark rinse skinny jeans."
Posted by: MEP | 2009-03-26 07:59:22
I can't wear skinny jeans, only straight leg ones... my calves are too muscular from running. I'm super envious of these looks, though.
Posted by: vimucyeta | 2009-03-25 21:45:03
oh btw i just got a pair of dolce vita kent boots on amazon for 43 dollars! free shipping too! ^.^
Posted by: tangy | 2009-03-25 21:33:33
yaaaay! i just invested in two pairs of cropped boots so i'm pretty happy with this article ^^ the only thing is i have a hard time tucking my skinnies into them -.-
Posted by: tangy | 2009-03-25 21:30:36
WOW - i love whowhatwear more than normal as i was looking for cropped boots and then with perfect timing you produce this! Thanks :)
Posted by: N | 2009-03-25 17:00:10
Ehm, why is it that no one is pairing theirs with skirts and dresses? I prefer that sometimes to the skinny pants - especially on me. A model body I have not, so if I were to wear these look as is, my legs would only look bigger and stumpier! Cheers, Lusty www.ontheblogbandwagon.blogspot.com
Posted by: Wanderlusting | 2009-03-25 15:25:05
I agree with Jerry. Olsen's boots aren't VW AngloMania boots.
Posted by: LuLu W-L | 2009-03-25 14:48:44
Olsen's boots aren't Vivienne Westwood. They're Carol Christian Poell rubberband boots.
Posted by: Gerry | 2009-03-25 13:59:41
borriinnngggg. MK is my idol, but i think she looks plain trashy in this picture. i dont know why shes been wearing this shaw so much lately either. ive seen several paparazzi pictures of her in this and none of them are flattering. i think her boots are the ugliest of them all too. i agree with lala, this is just one outfit varied from photo to photo!
Posted by: Ami | 2009-03-25 13:20:54
Is it just me or does almost every woman in this post wear a variation of the exact same outfit? Boring.
Posted by: lala | 2009-03-25 12:42:21
RACHEL BILSON IS ALWAYS PUT TOGETHER. I LOVE HER LOOK. NOIR BLANC ET ROUGE PARTOUT NOIR BLANC ET ROUGE PARTOUT
Posted by: NOIR | 2009-03-25 12:24:57
i love this post-i want some cropped boots even more now. and thanks for covering all the bases and pricepoints wwwd...much appreciated!! oh me!! oh my!!
Posted by: Ru | 2009-03-25 11:57:44
Love Emma's doc martens...just goes to show you they will never go out of style.
Posted by: Lola | 2009-03-25 10:51:41
Love MK, Rachel and Kate! I feature them on my blog! http://www.lovellegirl.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Tara | 2009-03-25 09:52:48
I love all the outfits and boots! One of the best newsletters in a while.
Posted by: chelsea | 2009-03-25 09:49:54
love aggy and mk's boots! am saving for a pair of vivienne westwoods! http://fashionhedonism.blogspot.com
Posted by: Christing | 2009-03-25 07:58:30
So happy you included my 3 fav style icons right now. MK, Rachel and Michelle all look awesome.
Posted by: Victoria C | 2009-03-25 07:09:09
Is that Aggy?!? She looks like a non-martian, and i'm on board.
Posted by: Erock | 2009-03-25 05:46:42
i lovee how emma roberts pulled off the androgynous style. it really suits her i reckon. and i looveee rachel bilson's fashion stylee!
Posted by: charisseee | 2009-03-25 04:38:40