I’m a sucker for cute-yet-hardworking boots, (especially when they’re waterproof). That’s probably no surprise coming from this Northwest gal. Here in Portland, we’re lucky enough to be the headquarters for the Columbia Sportswear brands, so Sorels are aplenty around these parts.
How To Style The Sorel Caribou OTM Boots & Jeans
For this reason, I tend to get surprised when I run across a new Sorel style that I haven’t seen before — and these Caribou OTM boots are just that. I love the mixed fabrics and textures, the white sole, and how lightweight they are. (And yay, they’re also waterproof!)
Where To Buy Sorel Caribou OTM Boots
The Sorel Caribou OTM come in quite a few shades. I’m seeing that most places carry the taupe (pictured above), and I also have my eye on an olive green pair with rad yellow soles. I’ve rounded them up below to give you some options.
I found the Caribou OTM run true-to-size, but if you plan to wear really thick socks, or are between sizes, go up by ½. The upper is comprised of a waterproof suede, a waterproof woven nylon, and the sole has a nice tread for grip without being heavy.
1. Caribou Boots + (Almost) All Black
Jacket | Sweater | Jeans | Boots
This was perhaps my favorite combo. I got this Layering Jacket from Emerson Fry a few weeks ago, and it’s just so lovely and wearable. It’s perfect for wearing with my heaviest sweaters because it has room for their thick sleeves. It’s made of wool and has a beautiful cut. Definitely something I’ll wear forever.
I like that the sporty boots balance out the vibe here, as well as the color scheme, complementing the lighter sweater. Straight-leg jeans are still my jam moving into this year. I’m wearing a S in the jacket, and I sized up in the jeans to a 29, but mine have no stretch (the pairs I can find now seem to mostly have stretch.)
2. Caribou Boots + All Black & A Cozy Jacket
Jacket (s) | Jeans (27) | Boots
This Alo Foxy Sherpa is one of my favorites. I’ve had this jacket for a while, but it’s so warm I just now started wearing it. The removable hood is great for super-cold days and is nice that it comes off for other times. Wearing a S here. If you’re taller, probably size up as the jacket is fairly cropped. It’s beyond cozy.
I am finding myself grabbing my old standby Madewell skinny jeans this winter again, as I mentioned in this post recently. They’re easy to wear with all of my warmer boots, and shoes. Though I dig the silhouette of the straight leg, somedays you just need easy, tried-and-true pieces.
3. Caribou Boots + Light Wash Jeans & A Pale Gray Sweater
Sweater (s) | Jeans (27) | Boots
The taupe Sorels work well with both black and blue denim, and I’m especially liking them with my lighter-wash jeans. I’ve been loving these Madewell Vintage jeans recently, and they’re another pair of jeans that are easy to wear with boots.
I know, I know, you’re probably saying “why are you wearing knee rips in winter when it’s cold?” but it honestly doesn’t get that cold here, and I just prefer some distressing to my look. I always have. Even with the changing jean shapes, ripped knees have just remained a constant for me. I’m picky about the distressing, these are nicely placed above the knees and don’t blow out like other pairs. Size down though, as these jeans have a lot of stretch.
4. Mix It Up With A Black Puffer + Light Wash Denim
Coat (s) | Jeans (29) | Boots | Bag
Here, I did a little combo of lighter and darker pieces, and I was super happy with how it turned out. I like the cropped coat silhouette with the wider leg jeans. These are the Moussy Vintage Odessa I adore (size up), but the AGOLDE ’90s loose fit I also love would be a great alternative.
This beloved Abercrombie Vegan Leather Mini Puffer coat goes in and out of stock regularly, but I highly recommend it. I had a mid-length style in the tan color last year, but I love this much more. It’s more flattering on my shorter frame. It’s SO soft and warm, too, and they have it in some great other textures and fabrics, as well. TTS. Wearing a S. It’s another piece I’ll wear forever.
Oh, and let us not forget to talk about this Free People bag I have been carrying for weeks now, and I adore. It has a bunch of pockets so you can keep things separate and organized, plus it’s just the right size. LOVE. Comes in quite a few shades.
And I Tried The Black Pair of Sorel Caribou Boots, Too, But…
Jacket (s) | Jeans (27) | Boots
In general, I find black boots tough to style. Maybe it’s my height or leg length, and it definitely depends on the height of the boot shaft, but they just seem to weigh me down visually. I have a couple of options in my closet that work with specific outfits, but the Sorel OTMs, in black, did not. I MUCH prefer the taupe for my style and closet.
I do like the black pair with this outfit specifically, but they didn’t work as well with the lighter denim on me. With the lighter jeans, the black boots cut off my leg length. I probably should have snapped a pic showing that, but at this point, I don’t even try the combo anymore…haha.
Taller friends may be able to make these work, or if you are someone who wears a lot of true black denim or pants then I’d give them a try. On the contrary, I tend to gravitate towards faded denim, which never seems to work quite as seamlessly. Here, the deep black color and the cropped length of the jacket help to make this look work. But for me, the taupe shade won for most versatile with what I already own.
So far I’ve worn these boots a couple of times in the rain, and they’ve been great. I’m going to give them a good extra spray with my suede protectant just in case, but I find Sorel boots well-treated to begin with. They’re built for wet weather!
If anyone tries the olive green with the yellow soles let me know! Those are so rad. Maybe I’ll try to pull together or collage a few outfit ideas featuring them soon. Until next time!
xo,
L
Would love to have you follow me over on Instagram @laurajansenstyle for more rad fashion picks, kitchen dance parties, donut reviews and a side of taking things not too seriously, all from Portland, OR.
