Ask Kim France: Seasonally Appropriate Boots That Aren’t Blundstones?
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Kim France has joined the Strategist with a monthly column to answer the highly specific style questions of “girls of a certain age.” She’ll cover going-out outfits for Gen-Xers who don’t like getting dressed up, what to wear when you spiritually feel 27 but physically you’re about to turn 40, and solutions for anyone generally confused about pants. Send your questions for Kim to strategist@nymag.com.
What about seasonally appropriate boots (i.e., ones that won’t slip on ice when I walk down to the subway) that aren’t Blundstones?
When it comes to shoes that’ll get you through the worst of winter, the most important thing to look for is a good chunky lug sole and — ideally — weatherproofing.
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My previous pair of Penelope Chilvers shearling-linedIncredible Bootslasted me ten years before I finally gave in and went for a new pair. They are toasty warm and as cute as they could possibly be and are currently marked downin the gray.
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AnotherPenelope Chilvers bootthat is lined in shearling and is waterproof for up to 20 hours.
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You can’t beat an old-school pair ofDr. Martens— shearling lined for your comfort!
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Fit Flop has been one of my unexpected resources for comfortable-and-not-uncool footwear for a while now, and I’ve been wearing theselaced bootiesnonstop. They are truly like walking on a cloud, and I’m always in favor of a sole that gives me a little extra height without pain.
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This very cool lace-up boot is from Varley, a newish sporty-chic London- and L.A.-based brand I really like. I appreciate that they have zippers, so you don’t have to actually tangle with those laces.
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This fun puffy pair comes in quite a few other good colors and would be a fun excuse to buy cute new socks.
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The ace Italian footwear brand Sturlini is carried Stateside only by the brand Toast; I discovered it on a visit to Toast’s Atlantic Avenue store. This pair is just desperately chic for a winter boot.
What are your favorite ways to layer in the winter?
I never had much in the way of hot flashes, but these days I’m a sweaty mess if my first layer is much of anything other than silk or bamboo. You really do want a material that will wick away moisture effectively. As tempting as it may be to wear a cotton turtleneck, you will live to regret it.
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You want a silk turtleneck, and you want it to fit on the snug side so it keeps cold air out.
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This Buck Mason tee is made of silk and cashmere and is as soft as the day is long.
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And here’s a bamboo tee that comes in a ton of shades and has helpfully long sleeves.
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If my weather app tells me it’s under 35 degrees out, I reach for a pair of these Uniqlo Heattech long johns. I used to be afraid I’d run out, so I bought a pair for every day of the week. They’re cheap enough to do that.
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I also very much like Uniqlo’s scoop-neck Heattech tee because it doesn’t get in the way of your neckline.
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If it’s 25 degrees or colder, I go for these Patagonia long johns, which are toasty warm at just about any temperature.
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Over that, I’d throw a silk button-down like this washable one from Quince.
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I really like the steely blue on this silk button-down too.
My white whale is a long gray wool coat. All wool (no plastic) for under $1,000. I’m petiteish, so it can’t be too long or too oversize.
A wonderful 100 percent wool coat under $1,000 is a pretty tall order, but I managed to locate a few; the others are wool blends that lean heavily on the wool part.
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Kule The Allen
This double-breasted number from Kule is 100 percent wool, and it’s lightweight enough to be packable but cozy enough to keep you warm.
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The fact that this nicely slouchy one is a wool and alpaca blend gives it a chic brushed look.
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Another wool and alpaca option with a subtle herringbone pattern.
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This has a less subtle herringbone pattern, and it’s marked awesomely down.
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A smart coat that comes with a removable vest and has a chic menswearish feel.
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Here’s one that runs just under $200 and is just as sharp as you please.
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I dig the elegant stand collar on this option.
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Soeur Germain Wool Coat
This comes very close to being 100 percent wool, and I like the slightly architectural silhouette.
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This Alex Mill coat is collarless, which I always like. I’d wear it with a big chunky colorful scarf.
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