Winter Boot Try-Ons

Lately, when I’ve been going to get dressed, I find myself struggling when I want a casual flat shoe. I often opt for sneakers, but sometimes I want to level up, and I just realized I don’t have any flat or low-heeled boots in my closet at the moment. All that to say, I set out to fill that hole in my winter wardrobe.

I ordered a few Sorel styles to try when I saw them on sale last weekend, and then I set out to the mall in search of a pair of black leather boots. I had in mind some type of Chelsea boot or lug sole boot, but something more urban and not quite as rugged as the Sorel boots I ordered. So that’s where we’ll start!

Tory Burch Chelsea Boot

at Nordstrom (8) // brown option // at Tory Burch (8) // sweater (S; similar for less) // jeans (28)

These are the boots I found at the mall. I only went to Nordstrom, and there weren’t a lot of options for what I was looking for, but this pair pretty much nailed it. AND they were on sale! (They still are, but sizes are getting depleted quickly, so act fast if you like them!)

The leather is a bit stiffer than some of my Vince boots, but I wore them to dinner with friends Sunday night, and it softens up quickly with wear. They look very high quality, and I’m sure they’re going to hold up well.

I also love the 7 1/2″ high shaft because it slips easily under straight crop jeans. And while they’re not completely flat, the 1 3/4″ heel feels a lot lower than the 2 3/4″ heel on my Dolce Vita Vikram boots. Here’s a side-by-side comparison.

Tory Burch (8) // Dolce Vita (8)

At first, I was afraid these two pairs of boots would be too similar to justify having both, but once I put the Dolce Vita on to compare, I realized it definitely has a higher heel and more of a Western vibe. I think I’ll find myself opting for the Tory Burch pair when I want a more walkable, low-heeled boot and a less edgy style.

VERDICT: I kept these, and I’ve already worn them once!

Dolce Vita Vikram Bootie

at Evereve (8) // sweater (S; similar for less) // jeans (28)

These are great boots, too. I’ve had them for a few months and worn them quite a bit. They have a higher shaft than the Dolce Vita Volli, which I appreciate when I’m wearing more of a cropped length of jean. (These jeans are ankle length.)

As I said above, these have a little bit of an edgy vibe, and the Western styling is very much on trend this season.

While Dolce Vita quality isn’t considered on par with Tory Burch, I have no complaints. I feel like they look almost as nice, and they’re typically about half the price. If you’re debating the two, you can’t go wrong with either; it’s just a matter of which style you prefer.

La Canadienne Connor Waterproof Boot

at Nordstrom // at Bloomies // at Saks // Sundry top (1) // jeans (29)

Because I can’t leave well enough alone… I ordered these lug sole Chelsea boots when I got home from the mall that night. In fact, I also ordered the Freda Salvador Brooke after seeing them on another influencer as I was perusing Instagram.

I realized as soon as I saw them that this is more of the look I wanted, with the rounded toe and lug sole. They remind me of the Blondo OTK boots I wore so much for a few years with skinny jeans and leggings.

When I searched the Freda Salvador Brooke, this La Canadienne Connor also came up, so I ordered them both. And since then, I’ve also ordered the Vince Remi to compare.

I used to struggle with this style of boot when all I wore was skinny jeans, but they’re perfect with the straighter styles that are trending right now.

My first impression when opening the box was these are gorgeous boots. I’ve never had La Canadienne boots before, but I always consider them on par with Aquatalia.

But once I pulled them on (and they are remarkably comfortable), I felt like they almost look plasticky. I guess it’s because they’re waterproof.

They also may be more clunky than what I want. I like the more streamlined silhouette of the Tory Burch… which is a good thing, because by the time these came in the mail, I’d already worn the Torys!

I wish I had the Freda Salvador Brooke and Vince Remi to show you and compare in this post, but they won’t be in for a few more days, and I wanted to get this post up while the Tory Burch pair is still somewhat in stock. I’ll do a big side-by-side picture of all the boots when they come in, and share my thoughts on each.

SOREL Brex Boot Chelsea

at Zappos (8) // at Macy’s // at Nordstrom // sweater (S; similar for less) // jeans (29)

Okay, switching gears a bit here, these are the first pair of Sorel boots I ordered. I was drawn into the ivory with camel and rust accents, and I thought they looked practical and casual and comfortable for wearing with my light wash blue jeans.

I also tried them cuffed, so you can see more of the details of the boots, but I’m not such a fan of this. I feel like all it does is make my legs look shorter and stumpier, and it really isn’t necessary, as the shaft of the boot is slim enough to slip underneath the jeans when they’re worn un-cuffed.

Here’s how they look with an ankle flare jean. This works too!

Mother Hustler in Au Revoir (28)

These boots are extremely comfortable, and I love the styling, but I’m afraid they’re a little too rugged for my personal style. If I lived in an area with a lot of snow, I would definitely consider keeping them, but when the next pair came in the mail, I knew they were The Ones.

SOREL Hi-Line Heel Chelsea

at Zappos (8) // at Macy’s // sweater (S; similar for less) // jeans (29)

These boots look more like a fashion boot and less like a snow boot, and the grey trim ties into the cool tones in my wardrobe a lot better than the tan sole on the Brex, as does the white suede as opposed to the ivory leather.

I also tried these with the jeans cuffed, and here you can see my Smartwool socks. These boots are not as soft and supple inside as some Sorel boots I’ve owned, and I felt the need to wear a comfy sock with these. Also, when I sit down, even with the jeans un-cuffed, a bit of my calf is exposed, so the socks look better.

Happily, these boots work really well with the ankle flares too…

Mother Hustler in Au Revoir (28)

And here they are with a full length flare. I don’t mind this look, but I’ll probably end up wearing a pointed toe boot when I wear these jeans. I just don’t love that rounded toe with the full length flare, even though these boots do have enough height to keep my proportions in balance.

I also ordered these boots in the Umber/Ceramic, but I forgot I had them until about 5 minutes ago, so I ran upstairs and threw them on real quick.

If I hadn’t already worn the Chalk/Ceramic pair, I might have considered keeping these instead. This is such a good brown… it has cool undertones, so it works with my wardrobe better than a lot of other brown shades. The nubuck would also be a lot easier to keep clean than the suede.

Evereve Boxy Snap Front Henley (S) // Mother Dazzler (29)

Although, I feel like the heel almost looks clunkier on these… Maybe because it’s lighter than the upper, which is the opposite of the Chalk/Parchment version?

Anyway! I already wore the Chalk, and I don’t want to keep both, so these are going back.

SOREL Joan Of Arctic Next Boot WP

at Zappos // at Nordstrom // sweater (S; similar for less) // jeans (29)

These boots definitely fall into the rugged snow boot category! They’re amazing, and so so so warm and soft inside, but I just don’t think I have the need for anything like this.

VERDICT: I kept the Sorel Hi-Line Heel Chelsea Boots in the Chalk/Ceramic combo, and I returned the Brex, the Joan of Arctic Next Boots, and the Hi-Line Heel Chelsea Boots in the Umber/Ceramic.

Quince Try-Ons

I ordered a few random items from Quince last week. I often get asked if Quince is legit, and how their quality compares to other retailers. Quince is one of those retailers (sort of like Everlane) that uses a factory-direct model to cut out the supply-chain middlemen and reduces costs.

I feel like they provide a better than average value for the quality. It’s a good place to get quality basics, especially cashmere, and they have free returns for up to 365 days!

Quince Brushed Lounge Jogger & Brushed Short Sleeve Lounge Tee

joggers (S) // tee (S) // slippers (8)

These two pieces are odd because they sound like they go together, but the fabric is slightly different. I have no idea why, but I don’t think it’s intentional.

That said, they are impossibly soft and so comfy. I wish I could live in them. I do think I could size up in the joggers, though. The waist was tight, and they look a little short.

VERDICT: Returning. I would want them to match better, and I’d need to exchange the joggers for a medium.

Quince Mongolian Cashmere Sweatpants

sweatpants (M) // top (S) // similar sneakers (39)

Okay, now these I LOVE. I ordered the small and the medium, because I’ve ordered their cashmere joggers in the past and remembered they ran small. The medium is definitely the better fit.

The pockets were really visible on the size small, and the waist was too tight. These, however, fit perfectly. I also like the length and slouchier fit better on the medium. (Compare to the lounge joggers above, to see what I mean.)

For some reason, I did not order a matching top… I think I meant to? But I have other black cashmere sweaters I can wear with them, if I want a matching set. Or the thermal I’m wearing here actually works.

VERDICT: Keeping! I will likely only wear them around the house, but maybe not… I can see wearing them with a cashmere hoodie or a white tee and denim jacket to run errands on a mild winter day.

Quince 100% Organic Cotton Mockneck Sweater

sweater (S) // jeans (29) // boots (8)

I think I’d like this better if I sized up for a more relaxed fit, but it’s a nice transitional sweater in 100% cotton. I chose this Dark Pink in an attempt to add some color to my closet, but it comes in a bunch of classic neutral hues as well as a pretty bright blue that plays into the 2023 winter color trends.

It has a classic fit with a mock neck and flattering raglan sleeves. (At least, they flatter me! I love the way the diagonal lines of a raglan sleeve de-emphasize my broad shoulders.)

I also like the slightly shorter-than-average length. It isn’t cropped, but I can leave it untucked, and it looks good on my short-waisted body type.

VERDICT: I returned this, but I may re-order i the medium.

Quince Cashmere Tee

at Quince (M) // jeans (28) // slides (8)

I love a cashmere tee, so I ordered this one to try. It’s a nice transition piece for spring. The fabric is incredibly soft, and the fit is classic and flattering.

It does run small, though. I ordered the small and medium, and this is the medium. I could not wear it any smaller.

VERDICT: Keeping!

A Few More Random Try-Ons

Here a few more things I’ve ordered recently. I was going to save them for my next try-on haul, when I have more from these retailers, but I always worry about them selling out, so here you go!

Maeve Short-Sleeve Pointelle Sweater

at Anthro (S) // jeans (28) // slides (8)

I thought this might be a cute sweater for spring (I ordered it with my Florida trip in mind) but the fit is on the small side.

That said, I love the pointelle knit and the black trim. The neckline is flattering, and the gathered sleeves are feminine but not too precious for my minimalistic tendencies.

VERDICT: I might order the medium, but I returned this size small.

Dolce Vita Lucas Wood Platform Sandal

at Evereve (7.5) // Quince cashmere tee (M) // Mother Hustler (28)

I love these platform slides for spring and summer! I think they’ll look amazing with the wide leg pants that are trending… I ordered some of those too, so stay tuned for next week’s Try On Haul!

These shoes are surprisingly comfortable and easy to walk in, and they aren’t too wide for my flat/narrowish feet. They run true to size, or size down if in between.

VERDICT: Keeping!

SUNDRY Pigment Thermal Pullover

at Evereve (S) // Agolde Riley (29) // John P448

Sundry rarely disappoints, and this thermal top is right up my alley! I knew the second I saw it on the Evereve website that I’d love it. I even texted Amy with the link to announce my delight in this fabulous find!

The wide crew neck, raglan sleeves, 23″ length, and lived-in pigment dyed fabric in the perfect shade of pink to pair with light wash blue jeans… perfection!

I like it with both the sneakers and the lug sole boots, but I expect I’ll wear it mostly with jeans and sneakers.

VERDICT: Keeping! I’ve already worn it once. My only hesitation is that maybe I’d rather have a medium. I hope it doesn’t shrink. 🤞🏼

Reese Floral Print Mix

at Evereve (S) // jeans (29) // booties (8)

Finally, this long sleeve floral blouse is a great little transition piece. I should have also tried it with white jeans and pumps for spring, but I love how it pairs with these dark wash flares and light beige boots for now… although I just realized it’s black, not navy, so I might prefer it with black jeans.

The puff sleeves aren’t my best sleeve silhouette, but I think they’re okay because of the flattering v-neckline and the shorter (23″) length of the top.

VERDICT: Keeping for now… I will see if I reach for it before the return window expires.

And that’s all I’ve got for today, although a bunch of stuff came in yesterday, so once I go through it all and try it on, I’ll have more to show you!

Let me know what you’re shopping for right now, and I’ll see what I can find.