Formula4Boots!

Its freaking chilly in South Africa it time to show off those BOOTS!!!

When thinking about what are the best shapes of boots and heels, consider your shape and what will balance it.

Check out these tips:

• Cone heels and wedge heels can work on many shapes as they have some sturdiness. 

• Completely flat shoes work best on those with average to longer legs, where Kitten heels are more flattering on women with proportionally smaller feet.

• Knee high boots are universally flattering (if you can find one that fits your calf – don’t forget boots can be taken in, or even stretched a little, if you have calves outside the manufacturing standards. Knee high boots make your legs look longer and slimmer, which is why they are so great, but if you have shorter legs, avoid those with lots of buckles, straps or other horizontal details as this will shorten their apparent length.

• Mid-calf or motor -cycle length boots are good for those with very slim calves; they cut you across the calf and visually widen the size of your legs.

• Ankle length boots can be worn by anyone under pants, but if you want to wear them with skirts/dresses, they need to fit closely at the ankle, and your skirt/dress needs to end above the knee.

• The more you want to elongate your leg, choose longer, good-fitting boot with little detail and a heel.  Match your hosiery to your boot colour to further elongate. If you have long legs you can add more detail to your boots and you don’t have to match hosiery.

• Shapely leg - If you want to create the illusion of a more shapely leg then ankle boots are for you.  Chunky heels are better for those with the feminine curvy hip, thigh, curvier calves and ankles.

• Smaller calves - If you have small calves, fitted styles and elastic boots are going to compliment your figure. Stiletto heels with their long slim skinny shape are best for slimmer body shapes and those with slim calves and ankles.

Another big fashion trend this season is designer gumboots in all different colours and prints. Not only are they practical but they look funky and you can wear them even when it's not raining.

So why all the fuss about body type? It turns out that the overall shape of your body makes a huge difference when it comes to picking out boots. For example, if you already have short legs, you probably don't want a boot that'll make them appear even shorter ... unless you're going for that oompa loompa look?

Please correspond your body shape with the below, to get the best boot style for you!

Pear or Plus-sized

If you're a pear shape or plus-sized, you want a slimming full-length boot. Since women who carry more weight on their bottom half tend to have thicker legs, the right height when searching for a boot is crucial. Avoid calf-length boots; instead look for a boot that ends just below the knee. Unlike a calf-length boot that cuts your leg in half (and can make you look stumpy), a knee length boot makes your legs look longer -- especially if the boot comes in one solid block of color.

To give your legs more shape, try looking for a long pull-on boot that is also tight around the ankle

Apple

If you have an apple body shape, which means broad shoulders and big boobs, the ideal boot for you is a wedge. Wedges visually act as an anchor -- especially for apples with slimmer legs." It's important to anchor your feet with a chunky shoe since your slim legs have a way of making your feet disappear. Not only does a wedge add interest to your feet, it also helps balance out your body. For example, a wedge imitates the weight on the top of your body, and helps even you out.

Tall and Slim

If you're tall and thin, the ideal boot for your body shape is a flat riding boot. Since you don't need the height, you can skip heels or platforms -- unless you'd like to be even taller. Bonus: A flat boot is probably the most comfy out of all the boot options. And if you're looking for something a little fashion forward, try an over-the-knee boot. With your long legs, you can definitely pull it off.

Hourglass

If you have an hourglass figure, you want to look for a boot with some sturdiness. Cone heel will help ground the foot, balancing out your sexy curves. Pair a cone heel with a platform for extra lift.

A rounded toe imitates the curves on an hourglass body. It's also a reference to the '50s when the ideal figure was an hourglass shape.

Rectangular and Boyish

If your body shape is rectangular and/or boyish in build, try a stiletto-heeled boot. Stiletto helps feminize a typically boyish (non- curvy) body and looks amazing on girls with thin calves and ankles. Another way to girl-ify a rectangular body is by choosing a boot with embellishments. Try ones with buckles, straps, fur lining, or interesting cutouts.

Short and petite

If your body shape is short and petite, meaning you're on the shorter side, you'll want a boot that elongates your leg. High-heel or platform boots give you some extra height. Adding height is especially important when you're wearing a dress or skirt that hits below the knee, since the hemline will shorten your legs even more. Also, try looking for a pointed toe, which will also help make your legs look longer.

Try on as many pairs as you can, to find that perfect boot!!!