It’s the first week of October so it’s time to think seriously about snagging a pair of L.L. Bean Boots if you don’t already own a pair. Bean Boots are the best boots out there for the fall and winter. They are the boots you see every time you stumble upon an adorable photo on Instagram of someone crunching fall leaves in New England. They sell out quickly every single year (!!) and get majorly backordered so if you want a pair you honestly do have to order them now. There are a few different styles of L.L. Bean Boots so keep reading my guide to get the perfect pair for you and to learn how to style them.
L.L. Bean Boots Buying & Styling Guide
Height:
The first question I always get when asked about Bean Boots is what height to get, 6″ or 8″ . I have a pretty simple answer to this question… if you live in a place with lots of snow then get the 8″ boots. If you live in a city or in a cold place that doesn’t get a ton of snow, then go for the 6″ boots. I like to have a little height on my boots so I have the 8″ and I love them.
Size:
Sizing is very, very important. If you order the traditional 6″ or 8″ boots, then I recommend going down a full size because Bean Boots run large. If you usually wear an 8 in shoes then order a size 7. I typically wear a size 6.5/7 in shoes so I have a size 6 and I’m really happy with them. If you order your regular shoe size in Bean Boots then the rule of thumb is that you’ll have to wear really thick socks for them to fit properly.
Warmth:
Bean Boots are generally a pretty standard boot in terms of warmth. But you can make them really warm and cozy to protect you on super cold or snowy winter days. If you know you need extra warmth, then get the Thinsulate, Gore-Tex/Thinsulate, or Shearling-Lined Bean Boots. The Thinsulate and shearling-lined boots cost more but are definitely worth it if you live in a really cold place. Another option is to get the standard boots as well as the shearling inserts to put in on really chilly days. Bonus: these flannel lined boots are brand new this year and adorable (I’m guessing the flannel adds an extra dose of warmth!).
Color:
Bean Boots come in a handful of different colors. I have them in the tan and navy color combo and just love them. I also really like the tan and brown color combo. If you get the 8″ boots then you have a few more color options with the addition of plumb, red wine, ash, and navy.
How to Style Bean Boots:
As you can see in my photos, I usually wear my Bean Boots with a pair of camp socks. I like to mix up the color of my socks so I have a handful of pairs (gray, blue, tan, and red). L.L. Bean sells a version of camp socks that are great and I also love the J.Crew camp socks.
Get the L.L. Bean Boots look:
Photography by Carrie Patterson & Valorie Darling
