Having lived in the Pacific Northwest for the entirety of my life, I have dreamed of owning my very own pair of SOREL boots for years. I firmly believe that this is a common dream among women in this region. In part, I think this lust is borne out of necessity: one doesn’t simply wear “skimmers” on a rainy Portland day. But aside from this climatic mandate, many of us covet SOREL boots because they’re simply the most fashionable option for keeping our feet warm and dry. With this winning combination of fashionable functionality, you really couldn’t ask for a more versatile shoe.

Indeed, Sarah and I both agree that SOREL boots are like the SUV of footwear; perfect for exploring both town and country–you could probably wear them straight from the conference room up to Mt. Hood. Needless to say, we’re big fans of these versatile boots.

Now, speaking personally, I fell in love with SOREL’s Joan of Arctic boot the moment I laid eyes upon it, in the bright, ‘Taffy’ colorway. I then set about convincing myself that I should be practical and get a black boot that goes with everything, and besides how many wardrobe combinations would this camel-colored boot with bright red detail really match with? I chastised myself for being so insensible in my approach to wardrobe-building.

And then, as usual, I ended up getting it in Taffy anyway. (I’ve never been one for the sensible option anyway, bright is just so much more…well, BRIGHT!)

Sarah says they are like the Louboutin of the boot world!

Much to my relief, my Taffy boots actually work with a lot of my wardrobe and, after playing around a bit, I realized that these boots were born to be paired with plaid. Except technically they weren’t born. But you get the point.

Below are a few of my favorite ways to style my Joan of Arctics. I discovered that  these boots are a perfect fit for the Northwest lifestyle, whether that means playing in the city or on the mountain.

Town

Shirt: Vintage //Sweater: Banana Republic // Blazer: Vintage //Jeans: Joe’s Jeans //Beanie: Gap // Watch: Michael Kors //Boots: Joan of Arctic c/o SOREL

For pretty much three-quarters of the year, my style choices are all about layerability. Anyone can master the menswear-inspired, tailored look above. Simply throw a crew-neck sweater over a collared button-down and top with a blazer. Ta-da!

I do have to admit, however, that I was a bit surprised with how well this combination worked with my Joan of Arctic boots. This particular look says business up top, party on my feet! And I love it.

Country

Dress: Vintage Nightgown (you can find similar items at Macy’s) //Sweater: H&M //Sweater-Tights: H&M //Scarf: A Christmas gift from a friend //Pea Coat: Miss Sixty //Boots: Joan of Arctic c/o SOREL

Unlike my town look, which was inspired by formulaic layering, I really just stumbled upon this outfit, which I would describe as ‘Cabin Chic.’ Here a vintage flannel nightgown (yep! that’s a nightie…) takes a turn as a woodsy smock-dress. A cable knit sweater adds much needed structure to the look and a wool pea coat and scarf amplify the warmth. This is the perfect outfit for taking a walk in the snow and then sipping some fireside hot chocolate. Or, as in our case, eating huckleberry pancakes!

Well, readers, hoping these looks inspire you to get creative with your SOREL boots, and brighten up your winter wardrobe!

xo

Erin