Paris Fashion Week is one of my favourite times of year—and not solely for the runway shows. Of course, there’s a thrill in watching Jonathan Anderson’s latest creations glide down the runway, but for me, the real inspiration happens outside of the show. The street style set weaving between the city, the celebrity arrivals spilling onto cobbled pavements—this is where I derive most of my styling inspiration.

Right on cue, Kate Moss emerged in Paris for a whirlwind of fashion week appearances wearing an outfit that stopped me mid-scroll. Forgoing her trusty denim, she opted instead for a breezy throw-on dress, styled with a pair of heeled lace-up ankle boots.

A gentle nod to the promise of spring, Moss’s calf-grazing dress came in a rich shade of blue, scattered with painterly purple and white florals. A drawstring waist softly cinched, whilst delicate button fastenings, and an easy A-line cut brought a casual elegance.

But it was the footwear that actually caught my attention. Conventional styling wisdom would suggest a knee-high boot to bridge the expanse of skin beneath a midi hemline. Moss, naturally, did the opposite. Her ankle boots cut off well below the calf, creating a subtle throwback to the carefree proportions of the 2010s. The lace-up detailing—an accent we haven’t seen dominate ankle boots for some time—added a faintly nostalgic edge, lending bite to an otherwise romantic silhouette.

Delivering warmth and practicality, this pairing also offers a fresh way to start rotating your lighter dresses into play before spring has fully settled. Scroll on to shop the chicest throw-on dresses to recreate the look.

Shop Throw-On Dresses and Heeled Ankle Boots

If there’s one thing fashion people in the UK and in France can agree on, it’s the importance of owning a good pair of jeans. Easy to style, versatile and, most importantly, comfortable, you’ll find denim trousers of some sort in the capsule wardrobes of stylish British and Gallic dressers alike. And this shared love also brings about a common dilemma: choosing which shoes truly look best with jeans.
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Now, of course, I already know that there are a number of very basic footwear styles that pair universally well with all jeans. But as a born and raised London girl, I’m not ashamed to say that the French fashion set is always my first port of call for jeans-and-shoe pairings that look fresh, elevated and just that little bit more on trend. And on my recent trip to Paris, I discovered seven key shoe trends that the Gallic girls will be wearing with their denim this year. And luckily for you, I rounded them up below.

From elegant suede loafers to effortlessly cool mesh flats, keep scrolling to discover the seven chic shoe trends French women are wearing with jeans in 2026.

7 Chic Shoe Trends French Women Are Wearing With Jeans in 2026

1. Backless Kitten Heels

Style Notes: The French girls love themselves a ‘90s trend, and with the recent resurgence of backless loafers, flats and trainers, it was only natural that kitten heels were the next step. They look chic, help to keep denim hemlines off the floor, and the lower heel height ensures all-day comfort.

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2. Slingback Flats

Style Notes: We already know that the French girls love ballet flats, but to make them feel fresh for 2026, they’re opting for slingback iterations. Adding a touch of elegance to your jeans outfits, this combo is perfect for when you want to wear your dark-wash jeans to the office.

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3. Suede Loafers

Style Notes: Loafers are just as popular across the pond as they are here in the UK. However, when they want a flat-shoe that’s slightly more elevated than classic leather, the French girls turn to supple suede iterations that are just as versatile but bring some polished edge to their jeans outfits.

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4. Pointed Ankle Boots

Style Notes: Ankle boots of any kind look good with jeans, but opting for a pair with a pointed toe brings a more directional feel to your outfit. I’m especially into the pared-back Western style that Franny is wearing with wide-leg indigo jeans above.

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5. Mesh Ballet Flats

Style Notes: French brand Alaïa’s mesh flats have quickly become a favourite amongst the fashion crowd since their release in 2022, and since then, there have been a number of options to choose from on both the luxury and high-street market. They’re comfy, easy to wear, and both look and feel cool throughout the warmer months.

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6. Chunky Chelsea Boots

Style Notes: If flat shoes are your thing but you still want to keep hemlines off the floor, chunky Chelsea boots should be your first port of call. They come French-girl approved, and of course, in true Gallic fashion, they love to pair them with bootcut and flared jeans alike.

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7. Minimal Trainers

Style Notes: The days of chunky, ostentatious trainers are gone, with fashion people turning to minimal, low profile styles instead. They’re versatile, look put together and lend themselves much better to dressing up for more formal events.

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When I set my sights on something, I'll stop at nothing to get it, and no, I'm not just talking about major life goals or achievements. Smaller things, like a specific skirt from 1998 or a sweater I saw once, left behind at an outlet mall, and never stopped thinking about, can likewise drive me up a wall. I'll spend as many hours as it takes to find it, scouring Google reverse image searches and resale websites until it's secured in my size and desired colour. And right now, the item I can't stop thinking about (and shopping for) is a pair of tan boots.

One look inside my closet will no doubt have you questioning why I could ever possibly need another pair of shoes, but wait! I own brown boots, black boots, burgundy boots, and grey boots, all of which I do love. (Why else would I waste precious New York City real estate housing them?) What I don't have in my possession are tan boots, which I personally believe are chicer than all of the above. Specifically, I either want The Row's Liv Boots that appear to be sold out everywhere—I'll hunt them down, don't worry—or a vintage pair of leather Chanel stiletto boots with a fitted calf and pointed toe.

While I go about my days thinking endlessly about these two things, I don't expect anyone else to follow suit. That's why I went ahead and rounded up the best tan boots on the market in 2026, from lighter suede pairs to darker leather alts, all of which feel elevated, elegant, and different from the shoes everyone else is wearing. Plus, they're just as versatile and easy to style as all the other neutral-coloured boot options, except that tan boots have a Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy vibe to them, which makes them that much more desirable.

Ahead, see how fashion people are styling tan boots in 2026 and shop the year's top pairs.

How to Style Tan Boots

Style Notes: The easiest way to style tan boots? Follow TikTok's sandwich rule and wear them with a matching tan faux-fur jacket and a pair of black jeans and a handbag.

Style Notes: This leather jacket and tan boots outfit is effortlessly chic.

Style Notes: Tan suede + tan boots = a match made in heaven.

Style Notes: Tan boots pair so well with darker neutrals like black or chocolate brown. Use them to brighten up an all-black outfit as shown above.

Style Notes: Lighter tans are perfect for spring. Wear them with matching jeans, a white tee and a striped button-up to freshen up this classic look.

Style Notes: There's something about tan boots that feel inherently western. Fully embrace the look with a suede fringe jacket and patterned scarf.

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As the icy spell continues, so does the need for footwear that keeps our feet warm, snug and protected from the elements. Trainers, ballet flats and slinky heels are great, but they won't cut the mustard against ice, wind, rain or snow. The most stylish people I know are reaching for boots right now, but nothing boring, basic or dated. I've been taking note of some of Instagram's most in-demand style-setters and their boots of choice, which are setting the tone for 2026 and quietly demanding your attention now.

On the streets of Copenhagen, London, Rome and Paris, the most discerning dressers are slipping on boots that evoke vintage moods and subversive trends, and pairing them with luxurious textures and classic hues. And how are they wearing them? Well, with anything you can think of: slim-fit jeans, bold-colour track pants, classic tailored black trousers, pencil skirts and minidresses, too (don't forget the tights!).

Keen to discover which boot styles I've been taking note of for spring? Scroll on for my pick of the best boots on offer now, so you, too, can step into the new season without putting a foot wrong.

The Best Boots for Spring 2026

1. Croc-Effect Boots

Style Notes: There's something so luxurious about croc-embossed leather, and I'm seeing it stealthily make its way onto boots this season. Opulent to the touch and high-shine, they can also be understated and pared-back, especially in black; an easy way to add a quiet polish to otherwise simple looks. Slip them over skinny jeans or wear them with tights and skirts, or even leggings.

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2. Chisel-Toe Boots

Style Notes: Women from across the Channel have been favouring this boot style for some time, and now I'm seeing it all over the streets of London. Chisel-toe boots are characterised by their softly-rounded square toe, which is a little elongated and typically set on a kitten heel, reaching just to the ankle. Featuring in many a curated wardrobe, I can see chisel-toe boots hitting the mainstream this spring, as they pair with tailored black trousers and jeans so beautifully, drawing the eye down and elongating the leg. J'adore!

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3. Pirate Boots

Style Notes: Pioneered on the runways in the early '80s by British fashion legend Vivienne Westwood, the subversive pirate boot is interestingly re-entering the chat for 2026. A new generation of fans is fostering a keen eye for the strappy, calf-high, flat-footed style, reminiscent of the garb worn by, yes—you guessed it, pirates in the 17th and 18th centuries. This year, we'll be wearing them with blue jeans, colour-pop track pants, pretty dresses and miniskirts. Ahoy there!

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4. Victoriana Boots

Style Notes: Continuing the growing trend for all things old-school, the Victoriana boot is the next utterly unexpected style that I've observed rising in the ranks. It's distinguishable by its knee-high length, multiple buckles or whisker-thin laces and many a silver eyelet, and is set on a skinny kitten heel. The Victoriana boot taps into all things Gothic, Medieval-leaning and baroque, so if that's your thing, these boots work with black, grey and monochromatic looks, be that dresses, miniskirts or balloon shorts. High-denier, fishnet or patterned tights are also an apt partner. The more frou-frou, the better!

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5. Lug-Sole Boots

Style Notes: Equestrian, jodhpur and knee-high boot styles will always be an easy win, but when the streets around you are looking particularly treacherous, only a lug-sole boot will do. Prada has been at the forefront of this trend for many seasons now, offering exaggerated lug-soled boots and loafers. Now, I'm seeing block-heeled versions come to the fore, which give a sense of elevation and, dare I say it, a day-to-night appeal. Want to know what to wear them with? Lug-soled boots toughen up skirts and party dresses, and perfectly complement kilts and tailored shorts.

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6. Wedge Boots

Style Notes: The innermost circles in the fashion sphere know the power of an "ugly" shoe trend. Here at Who What Wear UK, we have a sharp eye for anything a little bit off-kilter, so when we spotted wedge boots being endorsed by some of the most daring of dressers on our social media feeds, we knew it was a style to watch. In 2026, I predict that this trend is only about to get weirder (in a good way), more sculptural and even higher. It's the kind of boot which gives classic looks a truly modern spin.

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7. Over-the-Knee Boots

Style Notes: Equal parts sexy, sultry and boho-chic, the over-the-knee boot is garnering massive style points both on the runways and on the streets of the world's most fashionable cities. Leather is the optimal fabric here, as it gives that supple, ruched effect over the leg in classic hues of brown and black, or if you're feeling extra spicy, animal print.

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8. Slouchy Boots

Style Notes: Yet another footwear trend that taps into our craving for all things bohemia, I can't seem to stop spotting slouchy boots on almost every street corner. A healthy mix of boho, Western and Y2K, slouchy boots will no doubt continue to dominate the streets this spring due to their sheer versatility. They partner best with cigarette-cut jeans (tuck them in!), satin midi skirts and leggings. Need further inspo? Look to Kate Moss, Sienna Miller and Suki Waterhouse, who wear them so well.

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9. Round-Toe Boots

Style Notes: IMHO, round-toe boots get a bad rep, but when styled well, they speak for themselves. It's an unassuming style, but the best examples I've identified are usually heeled and in unusual colours, such as nougat, tobacco suede and khaki. Better still are the ones split at the toe (hello, Tabi boots). Oozing '90s nostalgia, round-toe boots are best styled with stove-pipe, bootcut and flared jeans, so you can be sure they'll match all of your denim with ease.

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Fashion people have long had a soft spot for the so-called "ugly" shoe. From sneakerinas to five-toe flats and wooden clogs, there’s something about a deliberately unsightly silhouette that adds edge. So when I heard whispers that wedge boots were shaping up to be next season’s most directional buy, I needed very little convincing.

At first glance, they resemble your classic heeled ankle or knee-high boots. But, instead of a traditional heel, this emerging style is anchored by a solid wedge that extends from sole to floor, creating a unified, sculptural silhouette with a satisfyingly weighty feel.

While wedge boots might not have the sleek sharpness of a stiletto or the daintiness of a kitten heel, that’s precisely their appeal. The architectural lines and chunkier profile give them a much more modern edge than your average heeled boot.

Poised to become one of the season’s defining footwear trends, high-street and designer labels are backing the silhouette right now. From Zara’s polished pairs to Paris Texas’s streamlined takes, scroll on to discover the chicest wedge boots to buy right now.

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If there’s one ankle boot style dominating the fashion crowd right now, it’s suede boots with a sleek pointed toe. It’s less about chunky soles and square silhouettes—this season’s most elevated option is all about refinement. The soft, velvety texture of suede instantly adds richness to any outfit, while the pointed shape elongates the leg and gives even the most casual look a polished edge. Think of them as the grown-up evolution of the everyday ankle boot: quietly luxurious, endlessly wearable and just a little bit Western-inspired.

Fashion girls are styling suede pointed-toe ankle boots with everything from tailored wool trousers to slouchy denim. The key is contrast—pairing their soft texture with structured pieces for balance. A black turtleneck, camel coat, and chocolate-brown suede boots feel timelessly chic, while a pair in slate grey or rich burgundy looks unexpectedly modern with lighter denim and oversized knits. It’s the kind of shoe that grounds an outfit without overpowering it, lending that effortless “I didn’t try too hard” finish.

And when it comes to night-out styling, these boots are the quiet statement that does all the work for you. Fashion insiders are slipping them under satin midi skirts or wearing them with longline blazers and mini hemlines to play up proportions. Whether you go for ankle-skimming or cropped trousers, a pointed-toe suede boot peeking out feels instantly intentional. This is the one ankle-boot trend that looks rich, feels refined, and—judging by how fast it’s catching on—isn’t going anywhere soon.

See our favourite suede pointed-toe ankle-boot outfits below and shop the style along the way.

Get the look: Suede long coat + Sweater + Jeans + Suede pointed-toe ankle boots

Get the look: Fringe leather jacket + Sweater + Jeans + Suede pointed-toe ankle boots

Get the look: Belted jacket + Long skinny jeans + Suede pointed-toe ankle boots

Get the look: Maroon sweater + Matching trousers + Suede pointed-toe ankle boots

Get the look: Thin sweater + Trousers + Suede pointed-toe ankle boots

Get the look: Suede coat + Sweater + Jeans + Suede pointed-toe ankle boots

Get the look: Trench jacket + Turtleneck + Trousers + Suede pointed-toe ankle boots

Get the look: Moto jacket + Sweater + Long denim skrit + Suede pointed-toe ankle boots

Get the look: Suede jacket + Turtleneck + Black jeans + Suede pointed-toe ankle boots

Get the look: Long sweater + Maxi skirt + Suede pointed-toe ankle boots

Get the look: Denim jacket + Matching jeans + Suede pointed-toe ankle boots

Get the look: T-shirt + Jeans + Suede pointed-toe ankle boots

Get the look: Faux-fur coat + Cardigan + Printed pants + Suede pointed-toe ankle boots

Get the look: Textured blazer + Sweater + Jeans + Suede pointed-toe ankle boots

When I think of Scandi style, my mind immediately goes to colourful bonnets, voluminous skirts and chunky trainers—a uniform of playful pieces and joy-sparking colour, neatened by the sleek styling and inherent grace that runs throughout the Scandi style-set's wardrobes.

While I often look to them for inspiration in the summer months, I was particularly curious to see how they’d be elevating their outfits ahead of the coldest season. A few minutes of scrolling was all it took to spot the shift: this winter, the Scandi style set is trading in its chunky trainers for something ten times sleeker—chic kitten heel boots.

Styled with jeans, wool trousers and even suede separates, these streamlined boots are fast becoming the finishing touch to Scandinavia’s most polished cold-weather outfits. A sharp pivot from the sporty silhouettes they usually favour, this winter-ready alternative offers the warmth and coverage the season demands, while bringing a level of elegance that trainers could never quite match.

And while stilettos will always have their place, their fussier feel is at odds with the Scandi girl’s relaxed sensibility. Kitten heels, however, the right amount of lift and poise—enough to elevate an outfit without making it feel overly considered.

More refined than flats and more wearable than towering heels, read on to discover the chicest kitten heel boots to shop this winter.

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Though the very nature and name of this viral denim style might indicate that the best shoes to wear with bootcut jeans are the footwear shape featured in its moniker, let me be the first to admit that this is misleading.

That’s not to say that boots aren’t a suitable pairing for bootcut jeans. On the contrary, this fit is so harmonious that the entire denim category is titled after it. However, I feel that this epithet can be considerably deceptive and trick people into believing that boots are the only thing that works with them. Quite the opposite is true, in fact.

The fit-and-flare structure of bootcut jeans already makes them a hero in any well-edited wardrobe. But this slight broadening from the knee to ankle is also what makes them versatile enough to work with an array of shoe styles, going beyond the humble kitten-heel knee-high (Saint Laurent’s slinky Francoise) or square-toe contemporary classic (Khaite’s Nevada).

Christian Dior once said, "You can never take too much care over the choice of your shoes," which is an apt adage I’m committing to heart when it comes to bootcut jeans and shoe pairings. You see, the slightly frustrating part about wearing bootcut jeans with the wrong shoe, per se, is that you might end up looking like Marissa Cooper from The O.C.

Whilst Barton’s character is so beloved, with her arsenal of Chanel handbags and coterie of flouncy boho dresses, one wrong step and you could be wearing an ensemble that feels slightly like it’s stuck in 2005. Of course, with the Y2K renaissance still in progress, this isn’t necessarily an issue. Still, certain shoes help bootcut jeans feel more contemporary and chic. (And fitting for 2025.)

Interestingly, bootcut jeans have also emerged from the slumber of early-2000s fashion trends and are swiftly becoming one of the most in-demand silhouettes for the autumn/winter season. No longer slung low on our hips and paired with shearling-lined UGGs, the bootcut jeans of today are modern, polished and a little flirty, so shouldn’t the shoes we wear with them reflect this?

So, whether you’re looking for a little leg lengthening or more modern footwear options, scroll on for the styles that will make your bootcut-jeans outfits feel far fresher this season.

The 6 Best Shoes to Wear With Bootcut Jeans

1. Ankle Boots

Style Notes: Obvious? Yes. Derivative? Never. Putting the boots in bootcut jeans, it would be remiss of me to begin this edit without calling out the shoe style this denim is actually inspired by. Unlike straight-leg or super skinny jeans, bootcuts are designed to be spacious enough to accommodate any length; however, I particularly enjoy wearing them with ankle-grazing styles. There’s almost something tantalising about the way only you know that the end of your shoe just kisses the bottom of your leg while the rest of the world thinks you’re polished and put together enough to wear something that could even extend above your calf.

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2. Ballet Flats

Style Notes: Whilst those with a stronger moral backbone might always take the high road, the same can't be said for the sophisticated dressers wearing bootcut jeans. A heel never goes astray at the best of times, but I can’t in good conscience omit all the flat options that look equally good. Ballet flats might seem like an unruly combination, but the mixture of an ultra-prim and feminine shoe with a relaxed and masculine trouser achieves that chic décontracté (or casual chic, for those of us who don’t speak French) that Parisians are internationally revered for.

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3. Pointed-Toe Mules

Style Notes: Though I hate to sound fickle after waxing lyrical about going sans heels in your next bootcut jeans outfit, consider this effortlessly elegant outfit from French muse Sylvie Mus as a testament to the merits a slightly elevated shoe can bring. Timeless for a reason, the pointed toe and backless shape bring a soft, tailored effect that enhances even the most elementary looks.

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4. Heeled Flip-Flops

Style Notes: One to bank for hotter temperatures, but I can’t think of a slinkier look than combining a sensual heeled flip-flop with a bootcut jean. Throw on a white button-down shirt that’s knotted at your belly button for a look that will have you channelling Jane Birkin in her prime. (Because who doesn’t want to feel like they’ve just returned from a sojourn in Saint-Tropez.)

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5. Loafers

Style Notes: It feels counterintuitive to call loafers a trending item, considering they were invented nearly a century ago. In that time, though, it feels like they’ve traded up from the floors of Wall Street and corporate attire to become a cool girl staple endorsed by the likes of Zoë Kravitz and Kendall Jenner. Indeed, there are really no limitations when it comes to what you can team loafers with, and I personally find the pairing of a floor-skimming bootcut jean and a moccasin-esque pair particularly tasteful.

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6. Low-Profile Trainers

Style Notes: Jeans innately lend themselves to a more undone disposition, so why not embrace those qualities by opting for a pair of trainers? When you know you can walk upwards of 10,000 steps comfortably and still look like you’ve just stepped off of Celine's runway, I can’t think of a reason not to try them. The only caveat is to avoid anything too chunky. Sticking to retro styles and low profiles will help bring cleaner lines to a look that can otherwise veer on the boxy side. Dries Van Noten, COS and Zara are doing this shape exceptionally well at the moment, proving to be the true definition of putting your best foot forward…

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Why Trust Us?

At Who What Wear UK, fashion is our speciality. Our editors have years of industry experience, from reporting on seasonal fashion trends seen at international fashion weeks to working with some of the most recognisable names in fashion. Every item we recommend is carefully selected based on current trends, quality and real-world wearability.

We regularly try on pieces ourselves—everything from best-selling jeans to designer shoes—and speak to external experts and fashion insiders, staying closely connected to what our readers are searching for. Our advice is grounded in expertise, and each and every buy we feature has to meet our exceptional taste standards—so you can feel confident in every recommendation.

Before there were Pinterest boards and Instagram accounts to scroll through for outfit inspiration, there were Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen movies—and for anyone growing up in the early ’00s, that was really all the fashion guidance you needed.

As if their cinematic wardrobe moments weren’t enough to shape my sense of style, the twins’ cult-favourite label The Row has long cemented their influence. As such, they’ve been my personal style icons for as long as I can remember. Since the sisters are rarely photographed, catching even the briefest glimpse of their outfits always feels like a gift. The next best thing? When their stylish sister, Elizabeth Olsen, steps out in a look that feels straight out of the Mary-Kate-and-Ashley playbook—especially when it happens to be perfect travel attire.

Spotted at the airport, Elizabeth Olsen wore a boot trend that immediately brought her sisters' aesthetics to mind. Her choice: a pair of sleek, black leather ankle boots featuring a thick sole and curved-toe finish—notably reminiscent of the duo’s much-adored zip-up leather style. Chic and practical, they're supportive enough to handle a day of terminal trekking and easy to slip off at security—a no-brainer if you have a travel day coming up.

Crafting a casual and comfortable outfit, Olsen grounded her look with dark-wash jeans and a black wool coat and a simple blue cap.

Always ready to take a style cue from an Olsen, I’ll be adding sturdy black ankle boots to my winter rotation. If you’re feeling similarly inspired, read on to shop Elizabeth’s travel look and discover the best ankle boots to have on your radar right now.

Shop Elizabeth's Look

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Like me, you might’ve begun to notice a film of dust settling on the pretty summer sandals, balmy strappy slingbacks and flirty peep-toe heels that you only purchased a few months ago. If that’s the case, then it’s time to acquaint yourself with the key winter boot trends dominating in 2025.

There’s truly nothing more essential, at least when it comes to cold-weather dressing, than investing in the right footwear. Trudging through the mist and light downpours, elemental episodes that are guaranteed to emerge during the British winter, isn’t feasible when you’re wearing gorgeous low-profile leather loafers or dainty ballet flats. That’s where sturdy and sophisticated boots step in.

As much as we’d love for those seasonally-appropriate apple red flip-flops from The Row or deliciously suede Jalen shape from A.Emery to be a year-round staple, the truth of the matter is that they serve a perfunctory purpose. On the contrary, winter boots are both practical and chic. If treated well—see: avoiding any unnecessary scuffing and polished with care after a long day trotting about—they'll remain as elegant as the day they were taken out of the box.

The winter boot that’s right for you will depend on the chill factor of your local climate. However, the one universal thing that collectively defines all winter boots is the way they can enhance even the most fundamental outfits. Indeed, straight-leg jeans and funnel-neck jackets are transformed into something all the more refined with the addition of a contemporary curved heel or lifting kitten heel.

"With the weather becoming more unpredictable, we're leaning into footwear that looks good but allows for practicality," says Jamie Brogden, head of creative design at Dune. “This season, it's all about sleek, ankle to knee-high silhouettes that hug the leg.”

You only need to look to the latest designer offerings for proof—Miu Miu’s autumn/winter 2025 collection featured knee-skimming sock styles in primary colours like purple and mustard that included a buckle around the top, Zimmermann’s biker iterations had braided leather accents in lieu of buckles, Toteme’s version were sleek and tight, appearing almost to be vacuum sealed to model’s calves.

As Brodgen puts it: “A fitted heeled boot or a relaxed slouchy style feels fresher, more wearable, and much more modern.”

With that in mind, keep scrolling through for the 6 key winter boot trends of 2025.

The 6 Key Winter Boot Trends of 2025

1. Slouch Boots

Style Notes: The most prominent winter boot trend for 2025 is none other than the slouch boot. A palpable reminder of the indie sleaze era and the swashbuckling aesthetics of yore, this relaxed shape has returned with a vengeance, earning the approval of Y2K dressers and boot experts alike. “The slouchy silhouette is making a strong comeback,” Brogden notes. “Elevating any day to night outfit, the structured fold around the ankle or calf, brings texture and relaxed elegance that softens any look.”

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2. Mesh Accents

Style Notes: Mesh has been a trending design motif ever since Pieter Mulier applied it to a ballet flat. This year, the transparent fabric has been appropriated once more, subverting the notions of what can be considered a traditional winter material. While naysayers amongst us might reject the idea of wearing something so flimsy during the briskest time of year, this novel approach is already being adopted by the most prolific designers, including The Row and Christopher Esber. Dear Frances, who also helped pioneer the rise of mesh shoes with their viral Balla flats, has also endorsed this look. Speaking to the brand’s founder and creative director, Jane Frances, she tells me that “there’s a certain level of intrigue with wearing mesh, the unique texture has formed a central part of Dear Frances for some time now. Our interpretation of mesh is unconventional and offers a quiet confidence”.

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3. Curved Heels

Style Notes: When we think of boot trends, it’s often colour and length that come to mind. But in fact, there’s far more at play, and the curved heel trend proves that best. Playing with proportions, this geometrically inclined silhouette slants the shoe at an intriguing angle that makes any ensemble appear more thoughtful. As Brogden explains, this “style feels fresher, more wearable, and much more modern.”

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4. Ultra Flats

Style Notes: On the other hand, another style that’s reigning supreme is one that involves an absence of heels altogether. I’m, of course, referring to the rise of the sock-inspired flat boot. Cinched to the foot and formed close to the ground, this shape has begun cropping up at leading minimalist brands like Toteme, Khaite and Soeur, proving it to be an essential part in any well-edited wardrobe. The most crucial part of achieving this look is to ensure the boot you choose is a glove-like tightness. “Sculpted and fitted boots are another must-have this season,” says Brogden. “The tight leather finish works perfectly when paired with textures such as wool or layering alongside long coats and midi skirts.”

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5. Square Toes

Style Notes: While razor-sharp points have sliced through its competitors to be the most prolific boot trend in recent memory, fatigue for these piercing styles has begun to set in. In its place, square toes have emerged. This boot trend is arguably the most versatile, complementing everything from corduroy trousers to wide-leg pants. They might be more tapered, but what you lack in that elongating effect, you gain in flair.

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6. "Toy" Stilettos

Style Notes: One of the more innovative winter boot trends of 2025 is the “toy” shape. First debuted by Jonathan Anderson on Loewe’s autumn/winter 2024 runway, they first gained a cult following in more eccentric and zany circles before finally breaking through to the mainstream this season. (Or at least, that’s my prediction.) The shape features a rounded toe and stiletto heel that crescendos into a petal shape.

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Why Trust Us

At Who What Wear UK, fashion is our speciality. Our editors have years of industry experience, from reporting on seasonal fashion trends seen at international fashion weeks to working with some of the most recognisable names in fashion. Every item we recommend is carefully selected based on current trends, quality and real-world wearability.

We regularly try on pieces ourselves—everything from best-selling jeans to designer shoes—and speak to external experts and fashion insiders, staying closely connected to what our readers are searching for. Our advice is grounded in expertise, and each and every buy we feature has to meet our exceptional taste standards—so you can feel confident in every recommendation.

If you’ve spent any time with me, you’ll know one thing for sure: I’m a boots person through and through. Come summer, autumn, winter or spring, you’ll rarely catch me in anything else (save perhaps for the year's very hottest days). There’s just something supremely chic about a great pair of boots. Over the years, I’ve become something of a connoisseur—honing a few foolproof outfit formulas that always bring out the best in my favourite pairs. Naturally, jeans play a starring role in all of them. And now, as we edge into the cooler months, my go-to boot-and-denim combo is ready to come into its own.

While different boot and jean styles drift in and out of my rotation, one pairing remains a constant: rounded-toe boots and straight-leg jeans. This week, Jennifer Lawrence reminded me exactly why I’ve always loved this timeless duo when she stepped out wearing the very combination I swear by.

Polished but practical, Jennifer styled her straight-leg, mid-rise jeans with The Row’s Billie Leather Ankle Boots (£512), a (sadly sold-out) Lemaire Leather Bomber Jacket, an Hermès Leather Bag, dark sunglasses and an oversized grey scarf.

Free from sharp lines or overstatement, straight-leg jeans and rounded-toe flat boots are an enduringly wearable combination that won't falter when the trends start to turn. Jennifer’s bomber-and-scarf look has definitely sparked my styling inspiration for the week, but as the temperatures drop further, I’ll be swapping in a longline wool coat or sweeping trench for an equally refined finish.

While pointed-toe or heeled boots can sometimes feel too fussy or impractical for day-to-day wear, rounded-toe flats always hit the perfect note. Similarly, though I've been tempted by the baggy jeans and flared pairs that fashion people have been leaning on this season, it's straight-leg styles and their consistent wearability that I'll undoubtedly come back to year after year.

Ever inspired by Jennifer’s style, I’ve rounded up her look, as well as my edit of the best rounded-toe flat boots to shop now.

Shop Jennifer's Look

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The autumn/winter runway collections will always introduce new styling tricks and viral trends—for 2025, Prada introduced the loafer boot, Chloé ushered in a new take on aristocratic styling and chocolate brown was undoubtedly the colour of the season. However, regardless of all this newness, there are certain trends that we return to every autumn/winter and that will always be big business for brands from September onwards.

The autumn collections are defined by a back-to-school mentality—traditionally, this is the time of year when everyone invests in the hard-working building blocks of a wardrobe, from ankle boots to a wool coat. While summer might invite more frivolous styling opportunities, autumn is regarded as the moment to revisit the fundamentals. A winter coat or a pair of boots tends to be one of the biggest shopping investments of the year, and so naturally, this means things tend to slant more towards the classic, with items that promise longevity, instead of ingenuity.

Loafers, trench coats and blazers will feature in every autumn/winter trend report, however, subtle tweaks to fabrication and design can help to reinvent these classics each year and add another chapter to their storied history. For example, for autumn/winter 20,25 The Row shrunk the proportions of a classic trench coat, prompting a wave of mini trenches to arrive in new-in sections. Prada introduced the peep-toe loafer as a new category for the classic shoe, meanwhile, Miu Miu tweaked how we wear our cardigans, with knits pulled off the shoulder to reveal satin bras.

Even the most classic, timeless pieces can be given an image overhaul and so these classic autumn/winter fashion items continue to feel not only relevant, but fresh. Below I bring you the history and trajectory of six enduring pieces that will always feature in our autumn/winter wardrobes. Chances are you know what they are already...

6 Autumn/Winter Fashion Pieces That Will Never Date:

1. Loafers

Style Notes: As an Ivy League staple, loafers have a history with academia—wearing-in a new pair of penny loafers is practically part of any enrollment process. While origins can be traced back to Norwegian fisherman—GH Bass’s iconic “Weejuns” style which was introduced in the 1930s, is a spin on Norwegians—they are also a symbol of All-American style.

Gucci loafers, for example, were created in 1953 after Aldo Gucci, the son of the founder Guccio Gucci, was inspired by the loafers that he saw people wearing in New York, and added a horsebit loafer. While the 1953 loafers continue to be a well-worn classic, over the past 70 years the house (and its creative directors) have managed to reinvent the loafer again and again—from Alessandro Michele’s backless furry iterations to Sabato de Sarno’s stacked platforms. This is just one brand and one example of how loafers have remained an enduring staple in our autumn wardrobes.

For autumn/winter 2025, loafers once again had a central role on the runway—Sarah Burton used monochrome and white loafers to ground the suiting in her first collection at Givenchy, Miu Miu had sleek no-frills leather takes and Prada zoned in on hybrid designs, with peep-toe penny loafers and boot versions of this classic flat. Other design details that are popular for autumn/winter 2025 include deep chocolate tones, suede finishes and simple slip-on leather styles that have a lack of any ornamentation.

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2. Wool Coat

Style Notes: Wool coats and cloaks have been used throughout history for warmth, however there’s no doubt that Max Mara is the brand that has ensured this remains firmly in the fashion spotlight. The Italian brand translated tailored, traditionally masculine, camel coats into womenswear in the 80s, with a style known as the 101801 that was crafted from wool and cashmere. They have remained integral to every autumn collection, and are considered a landmark purchase that is guaranteed to look just as stylish decades later. While belted camel wool coats that are part of Max Mara’s core design DNA spike every autumn—LikeToKnowIt notes a 450% increase in searches for camel coats over the last 30 days, a trend that repeats each autumn—tailored overcoats are a classic that can be updated.

Toteme has made wool and cashmere coats central to its design vision, with its oversized coat beloved by Jennifer Lawrence known as the ‘Signature’ and cropped styles with fringing and an in-built scarf. In general, oversized, sweeping proportions elevate any design, while we love how at Chloé for autumn/winter 2025 tailored coats were paired with faux-fur stoles. While there is no shortage of references to pull for this look, Who What Wear UK’s Hannah Almassi has long cited the chocolate brown overcoat Kevin McAlister’s mum wears in Home Alone as the perfect winter coat. We have to agree. Thirty-five years later, it looks just as stylish.

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3. Cardigan

Style Notes: Knitwear is an essential staple in any autumn wardrobe, and while there are many iterations we could have selected for this list, the cardigan is a classic that keeps being reinvented. Miu Miu, a brand that has revisited the humble cardi several times, has ensured it is a key look for autumn/winter 2025 thanks to its latest approach to styling, with buttoned-up knits pulled off the shoulder to show a glimpse of the bras. While Gucci amped up the cardigan hype with its oversized chunky knit in a zesty lime green, covered in intricate embellishment, worn open over lingerie, showing this isn’t just an emblem of buttoned-up, conservative styling.

The cardigan was first worn in the military, as officer James Thomas Brudenell (the 7th Earl of Cardigan), favoured wearing knitted jackets in the Crimean War (hence the name). It originally was sleeveless, but had the buttons down the front you would recognise on a modern-day cardigan. Coco Chanel also played an important role in the cardigan story, as they were one of her own style signatures in the 1920s, along with Breton tops and strings of pearls.

Beloved by Queen Elizabeth II, cardigans have at times been more associated with WI than high fashion, however in 2019, this changed when Katie Holmes made a cardigan and knitted bra set by Khaite go viral. Six years on, the Scarlet cardigan remains a classic in the knitwear space that has spawned hundreds of replicas. Whether you opt for a neat Bree van de Kamp-coded twinset or a nostalgic homespun knit à la Shrimps, a cardigan is a forever autumn hero.

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4. Chelsea Boots

Style Notes: Boot trends come and go, however Chelsea ankle boots are as classic as it gets. We are firm believers that everyone should own at least one pair, whether they opt for a chunky sole or a classic close-fitted silhouette. They have been an integral part of London style since the Victorian era, when according to shoe lore the Queen’s shoemaker Joseph Sparkes invented the style as a practical walking and riding shoe. It wasn’t until the 1960s, however, when they were adopted by the style set that frequented the King’s Road, that this boot really became a cultural icon.

Features of a classic Chelsea include a fabric tab at the heel for easy removal, a low heel, an elastic panel at the ankle and a body that finishes just above the ankle. While the most classic iterations have a streamlined silhouette and supple leather, brands like Bottega Veneta, Ganni and Dr Martens have toughened up this boot with track soles and even biker hardware.

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5. Trench Coat

Style Notes: The trench coat is often associated with April showers, however, it is also a fundamental autumn staple that reappears every year—LikeToKnowIt, the influencer fashion app, notes that over the last 30 days, trench coats have seen a 3,188% rise in searches, a spike that is in line with an increase in searches last September.

This story is often thought to start in the trenches of WW1 (hence the name), with Burberry and Acquascutum both claiming responsibility for its origins – although their predecessors, waterproof coats known as “macks”, were created in the 1820s by Charles Macintosh and Thomas Hancock. These first, military trench coats had a double-breasted silhouette with a belt and were realised in khaki, however, a run through Burberry’s archive alone shows that the trench coat is an item that can continually be reinvented and retain cultural relevance.

An emblem of Hollywood, just this week Miranda Priestly showed up at the Dolce & Gabbana show in Milan in a glossy, vinyl belted trench from the spring/summer 2025 collection. At London Fashion Week this September Alexa Chung showed that a Burberry classic trench looks just as stylish now, as it did when Audrey Hepburn wore hers in a downpour in Breakfast at Tiffany’s in 1961.

Although the classic, oversized silhouette will always be hailed as a symbol of enduring style, making it a worthy investment, 2025 has also welcomed a number of updates to the original. The Row’s cropped trench, belted like a dress and worn with black opaque tights, has guaranteed that mini trenches have featured in many-a street style gallery this autumn, while single-breasted styles and dark, moody colours, like moss green and cocoa, are also current twists on the classic.

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6. Blazer

Style Notes: Tailoring is always a dominant feature in autumn/winter collections, as the sunlounger season comes to an end and work typically ramps up as we head into Q4. The back-to-school feeling continues far beyond graduation, and blazers aren’t just the uniform of private schools and preppy colleges, but an integral part of any autumnal wardrobe. When Harry Met Sally wasn’t just about chunky cable knits, as Meg Ryan’s chocolate corduroy blazers and heritage herringbone tailoring was an essential part of her New York in the fall aesthetic.

It was originally associated with rowing and the royal navy, but in womenswear blazers became a symbol of power, with suffragettes wearing tailored wool jackets as part of their uniform. In 1966 Yves Saint Laurent adopted the tuxedo for women, called ‘Le Smoking.’ The designer said, “a woman wearing a suit is anything but masculine. A strict, clean cut accentuates her femininity, her seductiveness, her ambiguity.” He cited Marlene Dietrich, the actress who used to wear men’s tailoring, as one of his muses for this style of dressing. Coco Chanel also played a significant part in this movement, of course, as borrowing clothes from her then-partner the Duke of Westminster while in Scotland, inspired her in the mid-1920s to create her own tweed tailoring, which had previously been reserved for menswear.

Every autumn Saville Row-style tailoring makes an appearance, and for autumn/winter 2025 the mood feels distinctly British thanks to a trend we have dubbed ‘frazzled, but fabulous.’ Valentino’s tweed oversized blazers look like family relics you’ve borrowed from your grandparents or stumbled upon on a successful charity shop visit. While a black double-breasted blazer will always be functional and stylish, for winter we also suggest you embrace Sloane styling tropes, with wool, tweeds and colours you’d expect to see in Balmoral. Before we head into the time of year when you can’t leave the house without many layers of insulation, an oversized blazer is a classic layering tool you can wear over pretty much anything.

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Much like the start of a school year, autumn marks the beginning of a new fashion year. It feels like a momentous reset, as the days start to cool, we prepare our wardrobes for the chilly months ahead, which will stick around until the first flowers bloom in spring. For some, the new season is denoted by the September equinox; for others, it's the first walk through crunching leaves. For me, it's signalled by my first sighting of a Gucci loafer. As soon as I set my sights upon the iconic horsebit motif, it’s apparent that a shift is underway. But this year, it wasn’t the classic loafer that signalled this change in mood, but a fresh silhouette in the form of the Gucci Horsebit Boot.

From the style set to my fellow editors, it seems that this shoe is already making a play for the It style of the season. Whilst offering a boot silhouette with its ankle length form, the feature that sets this style apart is the sleek design details that nod to the classic loafer. Noting the slip-on style, the high front vamp and the lace-less design, the Horsebit boot bridges the gap between loafer and boot, forming its own defining silhouette, one that has timeless appeal ingrained in every stitch.

As fashion followers, we’re all well acquainted with Gucci’s beloved loafer, a refined style that gains its eye-catching appeal from the House’s recognisable horsebit motif. The same Horsebit emblem decorates the front of the boot, a clear iconography that links the modern design to the brand’s rich heritage and equestrian influences. The enduring influences don’t stop there, as the refined form of the boot as well as the smooth suede fabrication ensure that the appeal of the shoe is just as long-lasting as any other beloved Gucci style.

As far as smart investment buys go, this boot will hold its place in your shoe collection for years to come. Already this season, we’ve spotted stylish people pairing theirs with reliable denim, easy leggings, and even peeking out under crisp tailored trousers. Whilst the brown suede version is proving most popular, there’s a selection of colourways to explore, including a soft beige, classic black, and more playful grey and green. If your current wish list includes a boot with ease, luxury appeal and timeless form, you’ll want to scroll on.

Keep scrolling to shop the Gucci Horsebit Boot, and shop more loafer-boot styles available this season.

Shop the Gucci Horsebit Ankle Boot

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