As we transition into autumn/winter and the weather begins to deteriorate, it is important that we alter our footwear to suit.
No longer is it acceptable (or practical) to walk the puddled streets in your flimsy flip flops or trusty suede slip-ons. Instead, we recommend you opt for something more seasonally-appropriate: the boot.
As we have only just entered autumn, we suggest an ankle boot as the perfect pair to safely transition into cooler climes. Not only extremely practical, but versatile in nature, the ankle boot will see you safely through winter and well into the New Year.
Below, we highlight the top boot options available this year, and provide you with some inspiration on how to style them…
There are two essential styles to invest in first when kitting out your wardrobe with new ankle boots:
1. The Biker Boot
In terms of practicality, versatility, warmth and style, or indeed all four combined, the biker boot is hard to beat.
They look better the more beaten-up they are, so they’re low maintenance, and they come in such an array of styles, textures and colours that you’ll rarely find someone in the exact same pair.
As for styling, our initial inclination is to go for the obvious option and team them with dark denim drainpipe jeans and a classic leather jacket. But, as the saying goes, rules are made to be broken and biker boots work equally well with a floaty dress.
2. The Shoe Boot
The second pair in our essential ankle boot edit is something with a little more allure.
Seek out a pair of shoe-boots (or ‘shboots’ if you want to give the daft Fashion Compound Word thing a go) or a low-cut ankle boot to maximise leg length, with a medium heel to further elongate and add glamour to evening looks.
The flattering low cut of this style means that they will work well with any skirt as well as trousers, and they’re ideal for wearing with bare legs.
Once you’re equipped with these two staples, we’re pretty sure you’re going to want more.
The next essential is another timeless classic…
3. The Chelsea Boot
While the current trend is weak at the knees for all things seventies, the sixties Chelsea boot still holds its own in the fashion field. The beauty of a Chelsea boot is in its simplicity, though the modish silhouette has been given a refresh that sees contrast detailing and chunky wedge soles alongside the more traditional versions.
The most important consideration when buying Chelsea boots is the sizing. While their sleek slip-on design looks beautiful, the lack of laces means there’s no room for tweaking the fit.
As for style, the Chelsea boot is usually cut closer to the ankle, meaning you should pull your trousers over them, rather than tuck them in. They’re a smart, smooth style, so pair them with slim fitting jeans and tailoring.
4. Western
Though taking their cue from cowboy country, contemporary Western-inspired ankle boots are devoid of stars, stripes and spurs. Studs and stitching still loom large however, alongside buckles, braided straps, and on-trend fringing.
Calf-length cowboy boots have had their day, but the lower cut ankle boots remain more runway than rodeo. Look for supple suedes and burnished leathers, and team with jeans, a plaid shirt (one can never have too many) and blanket coat for an authentic edge. Yee-haw!
