Flat boots

When winter begins to make itself felt, our bodies inevitably end up demanding a minimum of comfort. As soon as the first freeze is announced, we tend to feel much less inclined to climb up on 14cm heels or test the latest open toes in fashion. Nothing seems more desirable, in fact, than pair of flat boots that will help us negotiate the sidewalks in complete security.

The trend turnover being as disconnected from our reality as always, it is without a second thought that we look to some of the spring/summer 2011 shows to help us with our winter looks. At a time when the present season is all about the bourgeois-classical Mad Men wardrobe, we can get ahead of the game by already adopting the rock/punk aura of the last Balenciaga show.

As we search desperately for a pair of flat boots that will allow us to manage patches of black ice with dignity while simultaneously matching our winter wardrobe, the Nicolas-Ghesquière girl, shod in 100% androgynous flat soles, looks particularly good to us right now.

In practice, however, care should be taken to avoid the pseudo-trendy models seen in the display windows at André (Paris) et al. Between their bad quality shearling trim, heavy buckles, poorly adapted suede for winter footwear and unflattering shapes, these boots would make any fashionista looking for a bit of Freja Beha style fall into despair.

Hoping for a minimum of allure while wearing a pair of flat boots, we will focus rather on models that are more sober, with a stronger, often masculine look. Laced low boots, that can go as far as to have a rangers look, should be considered in black leather only, and can be perforated (e.g., like boyish moccasins). As for mid-calf boots or ankle boots, they should be either subtly biker look, or very tomboy à la Alexander Wang.

As for how to wear them: although this style can accompany a darker look, it is above all by mixing genres that it will shine. Rangers can be worn with wool tights/sequined mini skirts/boy-cut blazer, or with a body-conscious dress and a shearling ¾ coat, or even with a pair of skinny, above the ankle pants, a long-ish shirt, cropped pullover and a duffle coat.

It is even possible to bring back Doc Martens (preferably in black) in order to reconnect (with just a tiny bit a guilt) with the looks of the 80s...