Elizabeth Banks

When it comes to fashion, aren’t we always struggling with the style vs. function dilemma? Alissa is here to solve it. When it comes to boots, anyway. Xx -EB

Every year when the temperature starts to drop, women casually start looking at each other’s feet. You can almost hear the whispers, “Are Uggs out of style yet?” These boots seem to be an unstoppable trend that just won’t die.

“Buy whyyyyy?”
you ask.

Because Uggs are the footwear equivalent of sweatpants.

You wear Uggs for the same reason you wear sweatpants. You know you just want your feet to be warm, soft and enveloped in fuzzy comfort. But I think these boots have finally worn their course and are only appropriate for outfits you would consider wearing sweatpants with. I tried my best to make them look cute. I threw on a dark wash skinny jean and a fleece with a cute hat. Nope. Still look like I’m 14 and I still felt like I should be wearing sweat pants…

So how’s a girl living off Lake Erie in Ohio supposed to look cute and stay warm?! Hello, you try walking in stiletto heel boots on icy snow! While the most stylish in New York may take on this challenge, Midwest winters are nothing to sneeze at. Not even the “walk like a penguin” method will work here - maybe I’ll have to demonstrate this technique for you later!

Thankfully, this season’s boot trends have lent us style, warmth and functionality. I’ve found a few pairs that do just that.

The first pair is the Born Attila - and BONUS, they are waterproof. These motorcycle style boots are edgy enough to wear with jeans and feature soft massage footbeds and a soft lining for all-day wear. Take that, Uggs! This simple and classic style has leather straps to keep these boots from boring. Wear with a dark pair of skinny jeans and a tunic top…and maybe a studded bracelet if you’re feeling extra edgy.

The second pair is the North Face Bryn. These boots have gripping soles and a specially designed sole to keep you comfortable. These are also waterproof and will keep you tootsies feeling toasty. Try these with a color-blocked sweater/tunic and leggings.

And for those extra blustery days, try the Sorel Tivoli High mud boots. The fun plaid print distracts from the super thick sole. These aren’t your grandpa’s duck boots (is that another Midwestern reference?)! While they aren’t the prettiest, they are certainly the warmest. Wear these with some color jeans and a big cozy sweater or oversized scarf to stay warm, dry, and stylish.

So, step away from the Uggs and quit wearing sweatpants as shoes! With a few small switches, you can look stylish and not like you’re rolling out of bed.

I paired my riding boots with thick wooly socks, a classic trench and a scarf. This will keep me warm and dry and vertical. The small heel will keep me from falling on my butt in even the harshest conditions.

Feelin’ stylish and like I actually got out of bed! I didn’t even shower for this picture – pinky swear!

What are your favorite stylish/comfortable shoes?
Share a photo or a link below!