How to wear tricky items: mahogany leather boots.

Last week, I saw this gorgeous woman in Savers trying on a pair of mahogany-coloured leather boots. They were a perfect fit and they looked fantastic on her. I went up to her and told her how good she looked, and she said “Thanks, I really like them, and they’re only $8, but I’m not sure what I would wear them with”. I just stood there with my mouth hanging open. If I found a pair of boots, that fit well and cost less than a cafe lunch, I would have them home faster than you can say “supercallifragilisticexpeallidocious”. I proceeded to rattle of a list of possible outfits that she could put together with those boots, and then watched as her frown turned to a smile, and she happily walked towards the register with a fantastic bargain.

I think that the main problem she had with the boots was the colour. Most people are perfectly comfortable in black boots, or tan boots, but a rich mahogany colour pushes the boundaries a bit. I thought I would put together a few different combinations to illustrate just how versatile a brilliant pair of boots (in any colour) can be.

Boots are a great winter wardrobe staple, and always look wonderful when they are teamed with jeans and a chunky sweater. This outfit is simple and chic, but also warm and comfortable.

Boots aren’t just for winter. They can also be added to your summery outfits to carry them through to autumn and spring. The rich colour of these boots lends them to bohemian/ 70’s style combinations. Just throw them on with a pair of flared jeans (or a gypsy skirt), a peasant blouse and a pile of rings to channel your inner Janis.

The sexy quality of these boots means that they are great for dressing up. Just add opaque tights and a dress in dark winter colours, such as red, gunmetal grey, black or navy and you are good to go.

In some ways, a brown boot will be more versatile than a black pair. Brown boots blend nicely with dusky pink and gold tones to create a girly twist on the bohemian look. A pair of black boots would look far to harsh with soft pieces like this dress.

Boots look fantastic with skirts in winter time. They are a brilliant addition to your wardrobe if you like to get a little extra mileage out of your clothes, as you can wear them with tights and summery skirts. The Japanese wooden hair comb and the wooden buttons on the cardigan carries the mahogany tones of the boots throughout the outfit.

A classic pair of shoes is a great building block for outfits that feature vintage pieces. They blend well with the red tones of this outfit, without detracting the focus from the gorgeous ruby tunic blouse.

It’s always a good idea to think carefully before you buy anything, but sometimes we can overthink. If you find something that fits you, that looks good and is an excellent price, I would reccommend snapping it up and then spending some time playing in your wardrobe. No doubt you will be able to come up with some great combinations. Don’t be afraid to experiment with classic items in non-traditional colours. You will find that they can actually be very versatile, and will add interest to everyday outfits.