It used to be standard practice in the fashion world for one specific style of boot to dominate each winter. For example, last year the spotlight was fully on the chunky-soled boots loved by everyone from Bottega Veneta and Gia Borghini to Zara and Mango. This year though, we've been spoilt for choice, with multiple styles quickly gaining cult status and a pair of boots out there for every personal aesthetic, outfit and event in your diary.
Now unless you have been living under a rock, you will most likely have seen that the key players this season include Khaite’s cowboy boots in brown suede or white leather as well as really any form of knee-high boot, which is a style that continues to be a firm fixture in the wardrobes of some of our favourite fashion influencers.
Anouk Yve wears the Khaite Dallas suede ankle boots with dark wash denim and a blazer.
Totême’s mid-heel elasticated ankle boots are also a favourite, becoming one of this season's worthy investment buys for those looking for a smarter everyday ankle boot that can be worn with trousers and dresses alike. First released in black leather and suede, due to their continued popularity they are now available in a tan suede and brown leather moc-croc, all of which you can shop below.
Across the high street COS, Massimo Dutti and Mango have been the go-tos for premium leather footwear at a reasonable price. As always, COS doesn’t disappoint when it comes to modern yet classic styles in neutral hues and Mango has plenty of timeless pairs in its repertoire this winter. Meanwhile, LK Bennett’s gold croc-effect knee-highs were finally released after much anticipation and Massimo Dutti continues to be my own personal favourite for amazing quality footwear at high-street prices.
Marianne of @smythsisters has a particularly impressive boot collection.
And the best thing about all of them? Each style is so different that they will instantly give your existing outfits a fresh, new season update, without having to purchase a whole new wardrobe. Intrigued? Scroll down to shop the 10 It boots that are on my radar right now.
1. The Chunky Knee-High Boots
Chunky-soled ankles boots show no sign of waning in popularity, but for this season, it's all about pairing a chunky knee-high pair like these from Mango with a utility-style mini-skirt or tailoring. They're also an easy way to add a cool touch to your everyday leggings and knit pairings.
2. The Gold Boots
They're an investment, but finding a pair of chic gold boots is no mean feat, especially for under £1000. Hotly anticipated since first previewing them at an influencer event in November, they are finally available to buy, and just in time for Christmas and New Year's Eve. The classic shape and easy-to-walk-in-heel mean they will bring you joy for years to come.
3. The Wear-With-Everything Ankle Boots
Ladies and gentlemen, introducing this season's must-have pair of high-street boots. This pair of COS ankle boots are pure gold. The heel is perfect for both day and night, the leather is buttery soft and their versatility knows no bounds. Yes, I love them!
4. The Practical Boots That Look Good
Louis Vuitton first released a pair of its desert boots circa 2015 and I have since always dreamt of adding them to my footwear collection. This pair from Marks & Spencer may be a fraction of the price but they are not far off in style and are perfect for the icy weather we are experiencing right now. I find investing in stylish yet practical footwear makes getting dressed on a frosty morning all the more fun!
Shop the other colours:
Not a fan of black? Opt for this timeless camel pair.
5. The Sleek Investment-Buy Boots
Totême's popularity is largely down to the brand's ability to design pieces they know are pretty hard to come by. And although it may seem hard to believe that there was a gap in the market for a simple ankle boot that could be worn everyday, and dressed up or down, it was indeed hard to find until Totême stepped in. After the huge success of the black suede and leather versions, they are now back in the mock-croc leather above. Rejoice!
Shop the other colours:
The OG boots.
I also love this rich brown hue.
A patent black pair will truly go with everything in your wardrobe.
6. The Cotemporary Boots
Want an easy way to modernise existing pieces in your wardrobe? Massimo Dutti's white leather knee-highs will do just that. The elasticated leg will give you a stream-lined silhouette and balance out volume when paired with dresses or wide leg trousers. There's no denying that these are on the top of my wish list!
7. The Snow Boot
Dressing for the cold snap has never been so stylish or fun with so many versions of moon boots, snow boots and hiking boots available. One of my favourites right now is this collaboration with knitwear label Alanui, known for their uber-luxe paisley belted cardigans. This kind of footwear is no longer purely functional but is also an exciting way to brighten your winter looks.
Shop the other colours:
Not interesting in investing in the pop of pink? There's also a more subtle black pair.
The khaki might just be my favourite.
8. The Timeless Heeled Knee-High Boots
We may dream of the Khaite cowboy boots or pink snow boots, but ultimately what we inevitably always gravitate back to is a great pair of heeled, black knee-high boots. Lord knows I have scoured the high street and every designer retailer going, but finding the perfect pair with the perfect leather, heel height and shape is not an easy task. But I think I've finally found them...
9. The Designer Cowboy Boot
The cowboy boots trend is here to stay and will be dominating the catwalk and pavements well into Spring/Summer 2023. Khaite's paired-back interpretation of the trend is by far the coolest I've seen. By some miracle, there are still some available to buy on the internet, but I have a feeling that they won't be around for long.
Shop the other colours:
Think how amazing these will look with a floral midi dress or light-wash denim.
The chocolate brown suede pair are an influencer favourite.
Wear these with jeans, mini dresses, leggings and more.
10. The Denim Boots
Y2K denim is back for Spring 2023, with everything from low-slung jeans to denim maxi skirts taking centre stage. Get ahead of the curve with these denim knee-high boots from Zara, which will look so chic with a denim skirt, jeans or midi dress.
Up Next: Spring/Summer 2023 Fashion Trends: The 21 Looks You Need to Know About
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