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If you're trying on your calf-length boots with capri pants and shaking your head, it's because deep down, you know that something isn't right. You hit on a good idea by mixing up your seasons: the hint of summer that the capris bring can be the perfect way to transition easily into fall, while the boots give a nod to the chillier weather. However, there's more to take into consideration than the seasons and that's where your look went wrong.
The Awkward Factor
You know when you see someone with an unzipped dress or mismatched shoes and you think "I hope that's on purpose"? You're cringing at the same time that you're looking away because you don't want to have to tell her. That's what happens when you wear a style that's totally unclear. It's awkward for everyone else, embarrassing for you and no one ends up a winner. Capris and calf boots aren't quite that bad, but they do give off an awkward vibe that's pretty unclear. Are her pants supposed to be tucked in? Are they supposed to be out? When your boots and pants meet so closely, your legs will do a funny peek-a-boo show every time you move, causing cringes and uncomfortable stares.
The Discomfort
At the same time that everyone is checking you out with uncertainty, you'll be forced to constantly readjust your outfit. You will need to either pull down your pants so they stay near your boots, re-tuck them in because they're too short to stay or re-pull them out because you don't want them to be in. The capris and the calf boots will give your look an identity crisis and cause you to spend the whole day adjusting your outfit. High maintenance outfits are never fashion "dos."
Fix the Pants
In order to make your calf boots work, you've got to change your pants. If you love the look of pants tucked into your boots, go for a longer pair that will actually stay tucked in. The best pants to choose are skinny jeans or straight-legged jeans that hug your figure on top and tuck in nicely at the bottom -- no scrunching necessary. Bootlegs should be avoided at all costs because they will cause lots of bunching inside your shoes, potentially looking silly and definitely feeling uncomfortable. If you wanted a pair that sticks out, try Bermuda shorts. These wide and baggy babes will still mix summer into your look and provide nice coverage of your legs, but are short enough to be clearly separate from the boots.
Fix the Shoes
If you'd rather skip the shoes than the pants, go for a pair that's much lower than calf height. Ankle boots can look adorable with capris and still give off a fall vibe that transitions your capris to the autumn with ease. Try ankle boots with heels and dressy capris for the workplace or flat ankle boots with casual, fitted capris for a weekend chic look. You can also pair your capris with ballet flats or pumps for a style that's equally fall-appropriate. As long as the shoes are closed-toe and the capris are a seasonless pattern, such as plaid or solid, they can make the switch from summer to fall.
