Special Report: NYC Gives Sandals the Boot

If anyone hoping to poke fun at and/or laud the fashion choices of Newport's finest logged into No White After Labor Day for an OC fashion update last week and didn't see one, it's only because I was in New York for the CMJ Music Marathon! Coincidentally, it was fashion week but I'd probably have a better shot at a CMJ pass than getting into a runway show, so I took to the streets and brought back these juicy pics for y'all.




While some may dispute that the OC has its finger on the pulse of fashion, Summer had it right with her back-to-school outfits featuring BOOTS! (Although I'm not sure clutches are replacing backpacks in school these days but hers does look great!) Yes, it's true -- boots are still around for the coming fall and winter -- but this time it's not just those silly Uggs* or moon boots or stiletto-heeled knee-high boots. EVERYTHING goes this season when it comes to boots. My personal recommendation is vintage anything -- riding, cowboy, Dexter, Frye -- but there's a whole slew of new boots in everything from purple croc to lime green suede, ankle to mid calf to over the knee.
While it's still too hot here in the District to trade in our sandals, the ladies on the lower East Side and the 'Burg tested out some styles at CMJ. If a girl wasn't wearing a pair of Chucks, I guarantee you she had a crazy pair of boots on with whatever she was wearing. The style I saw most? Sadly, boots and SHORTS. I'll let y'all be the judge of this look (see photo, left).

Also girls have apparently taken the American Apparel-inspired "comfort" craze one step further by -- gasp! -- forgetting to wear pants! This young lady below was the HIT of the party only because everyone could see her stuff. Of course, I saw boots with skirts of all lengths and felt cowboy boots worked best with a layered look and a longer skirt but I could see how something above the knee could work. I think the key here, just as we said with wearing white after Labor Day, is how you wear it. Trial and error! Considering we're not known for our style here in DC, I say wear whatever the hell you want this weekend and see how you feel. If it's boots with a pair of underpants, I'm sure Peaches would be proud.

*The f-ing WASHINGTON POST predicted nearly two years ago that these things would go out of style in February 2004, but those NYC chicks refused to put 'em away last winter. We'll see if the array of new styles convinces them otherwise this year.

ADDENDUM:

One lovely reader brought this photo to my attention. Model Eva Pigford (is that really how it's spelled?), apparently taking a tip from the CMJ girl with no pants on...