The "Risky" Shoe Trend Taking the Place of Basic Boots

When it comes to boot trends, there are key styles that will always be considered classics. Think heeled ankle boots and chunky moto styles. But this season, both the fashion set and celebs are introducing fresh boot silhouettes into their wardrobes as alternatives to the basics, including a slighter "riskier” choice: platform boots.
Statement-making in nature, this shoe style has the ability to instantly elevate even the simplest ensemble thanks to its bold and somewhat daring design. And while heeled platforms will always be a favourite, there’s a variety of flatform picks out there (ahem, The Row's iconic zip-front pair) as well to bring comfort and ease to an ensemble. Sure, these styles won’t completely replace basic ankle boots (they'll always be a wardrobe staple), but we think more and more style-setters will gravitate toward them this season.
To highlight this fashion-forward shoe trend even more, we’re showing you how some of the trendiest people are wearing platform boots this season. Plus, we've collated our favourite pairs of flat and heeled pairs to shop now.
Hailey Bieber wears a Bottega Veneta coat and bag with The Row Zip-Up Boots (£1300)
Style Notes: Roll up your straight-leg jeans like Bieber did to really highlight the boots.
Style Notes: Chunky boots feel unexpected (and yet so right) when paired with tailroing.
Style Notes: We've been spotting this look everywhere this season. Pair a miniskirt with a cardigan and platforms for a noughties take on the footwear trend.
Style Notes: Pair chunky ankle boots with a dress to make your dresses work well into autumn. Just add cosy layers and you're set!
Bella Hadid wears a Maison Margiela suit with Nodaleto boots.
Style Notes: Square-toe boots look impossibly cool with an on-trend pinstripe suit.
Style Notes: Stuffing wool trousers into platform boots looks so fresh. Add a blazer to keep things polished.
Style Notes: Skinny jeans work well with mid-calf or knee-high boots. Go for black to get that seamless look.
Style Notes: While just about any boot silhouette would work with this sweater-and-trousers outfit, the platform boots take it to the next level.
SHOP MORE OF OUR FAVOURITE PLATFORM BOOTS BELOW
Next Up: This Popular Shoe Trend Looks So Chic With Classic Leggings
This story originally appeared on Who What Wear U.S.

Bobby Schuessler is a fashion editor with over a decade of editorial experience covering shopping, style, and beauty. He's spent 10 years at Who What Wear, currently leading the market team to deliver highly covetable and convertible content. He creates data-driven shopping guides featuring top retailers like Nordstrom, Shopbop, and Net-a-Porter and is at the forefront of Who What Wear's shopping tentpole strategies, including Amazon Prime Day. He also works on branded content initiatives and appears on camera in video and shopping livestream franchises.
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