15 Pairs of Statement Boots That Made Me Trade in My "Boring" Black Ankle Boots

At some point, we all agreed that when building the perfect capsule wardrobe for autumn, it would compromise of a select few items: 1) a trench coat, usually in versatile beige, 2) some cashmere knits also in neutrals, and a black turtleneck is mandatory, 3) a "goes with everything" pair of jeans, and 4) a pair of black ankle boots that could be worn with anything from floral dresses to wide-leg trousers. Sound familiar? If I'm not entirely accurate, I'm willing to bet I've come close, as not only do I own all of those items but so does everyone I know.

There is, of course, nothing wrong with these pieces—they're wardrobe staples for a reason—but as I scoured the net for yet another pair of simple leather boots for the winter months ahead, I found myself longing for a style that ticked more boxes than just "practical" and "reliable." It's time your feet enjoyed something a little more exciting…

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(Image credit: @_marisamartins_)

This is, after all, my favourite time of year: boots season. The perfect time of year to layer up, and dress up, and as our social calendars slowly begin to fill up in anticipation of the party season ahead, there is no better time to step out in boots that mean business, and boy, has autumn 2022 delivered in spades.

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(Image credit: @ali_tate_cutler)

In my opinion, there's nothing chicer than a simple, understated outfit with a statement boot, and the truth is, no matter what state the rest of your wardrobe might be in, a trend-led pair of boots can bring every other item you own bang up to date, making a good pair of boots a wise investment.

Just how bold you want to go is entirely up to you, but I urge you to consider making the next pair of boots you buy something a little more out of the ordinary. A square toe here, an embellishment there, perhaps even a print? (I get a surprising amount of wear out of a pair of knee-high tiger-striped boots). So before you click to add another pair of black ankle boots to your basket, keep scrolling for the most exciting shoes to shop now, and then wait for the compliments to start rolling in. 

THE BEST STATEMENT ANKLE BOOTS 

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(Image credit: @leasy_inparis )

THE BEST STATEMENT KNEE-HIGH BOOTS 

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(Image credit: @sasha.mei)

THE BEST STATEMENT OVER-THE-KNEE BOOTS 

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(Image credit: @huesofwhite )

Up Next: It's Boots Season—These Are the Trends That Will Dominate

Remy Farrell
Fashion Editor

Remy Farrell is a London-based shopping editor with nearly 10 years of editorial experience covering fashion, beauty and lifestyle. After graduating with a journalism degree and working on the editorial and fashion teams for titles such as Grazia, Elle, Cosmopolitan and British Vogue, she moved into the luxury e-commerce sector, working as fashion assistant at TheOutnet.com styling for the social media channels and helping to develop the collections for the in-house brand Iris & Ink. After expanding an assisting and styling portfolio that includes shooting talent such as Gigi Hadid, Victoria Beckham and Miquita Oliver, she also branched out into beauty, creating tried-and-tested reviews and diverse beauty content.In her role as shopping editor at Who What Wear, Remy is interested in discovering new and exciting brands to share with the Who What Wear readership and particularly loves uncovering hidden gems at affordable prices to make shopping accessible to everyone.Born and raised in Sheffield, Yorkshire, Remy moved to London in 2014 and lives in the Docklands with her partner and pug Billie.