Kevin Van Paassen/The Globe and Mail
The notion that some women would willingly choose to wear heavy footwear in hot weather seems a little on the silly side. But now that "seasonless" dressing has been embraced as a fashion ideology, there's reason to revisit the summer boot as a viable footwear option for the office.
Certainly there are more than enough versions - all likely on sale now - that are work-appropriate. Many of the styles available in stores today share DNA with high-end designer collections, whether it's Givenchy's imposing black platform wedge or Balenciaga's strappy-linen open-toe bootie that could be worn to liven up a classic LBD.
Additional interpretations include shoe booties from Dolce & Gabbana combining a fishnet upper with a stiletto vamp - think Mad Men meets Nine. The jury is still out on Tod's slingback bootie, which closely resembles diner waitress footwear circa 1988. And Isabel Marant probably doesn't even realize that her signature suede pirate-style booties are akin to pirate's booty, given the proliferation of knockoffs.
Theoretically, you could get away with wearing your winter ankle booties through the summer. But know that small changes can make a big difference, both in comfort and statement. Laser-cut leather cutout patterns (see Prada, Alaia and Pierre Hardy), mesh panels, linen and lighter colours such as tan and caramel are better suited to July than January.
There is only one rule to the summer boot and it's this: the closer to ankle height, the better. Attempt a style that hits mid-calf - or, perish the thought, the knee - and you invite assumptions that you're a professional, um, dancer. This also opens up a Pandora's box of hosiery issues. With ankle boots, bare legs are perfectly acceptable; go any higher and the contrast is too extreme. One exception is cowboy boots and a denim miniskirt, but good luck convincing your colleagues that this passes for appropriate office attire.
Always think about balance when putting together your outfit. Carrie Bradshaw may be able to rock dainty floral frocks and strappy chunky booties; she's also a fictional character who doesn't manage people's money or teach anthropology at summer school. Still, have fun flouting convention: Kick up your heels and soak up the summer sun before real boot season begins.