With the end of one season and the start of the next, what we're going to wear is front of mind as a fashion editor, and right now, I'm focused on Boots. Whilst summer favours lighter fabrics and barely-there silhouettes, the seasonal shift means planning for styles better suited for the cooler weather. Be it a low-lift loafer or a timeless boat shoe, "freeing the foot" is best left to a heatwave. And, personally, I’ve always found that an elegant boot is the most practical option.

Not the heavy, weather-beaten boots you dragged through February, or the shearling-lined pair that saw you through last December. The boot trends cropping up on the autumn/winter 2026 runways feel fresher, cooler and decidedly more considered than ever before. Not only are they an easy way to extend the lifespan of your warm-weather wardrobe, but they also offer that elusive combination of practicality and style. One which will make dressing for autumn all the more enticing. Whether you're interested in flat boots that go the distance or are looking for something fun to wear for party season, below I've charted the six boot trends that matter most for 2026. Trust me: these styles will still feel relevant for a good few autumns to come.

The 5 Biggest Autumn Boots Trends of 2026

1. Knees Up

Style Notes: Knee-high boots might not be new, but this season they're stretching well above the knee and up to thigh-high proportions. Pairing just as well with miniskirts as they do slim-fit jeans, this versatile silhouette is equally at home mooching around shops (well, maybe a flat-soled version) as it is embracing your inner Sienna Miller on a trip to Paris. So whether you opt for a cosy, lined pair à la Chloe or a grittier, dominatrix-esque boot c/o Isabel Marant, ultra-tall boots are head and shoulders above the rest in 2026. Sorry, ankle boots.

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2. Bringing Back Boho

Style Notes: After Chemena Kamali made her runway debut as creative director for Chloé during the autumn/winter 2024 collection, modern bohemia was officially back on the agenda. How does that translate to the boot trends I hear you ask? Well, what could feel more boho than a slouchy boot? Softened silhouettes with relaxed proportions are so laid-back they're horizontal, and this elegant style is set to be everywhere this autumn.

A little bit Vivienne Westwood with a dash of Captain Hook, Sinead Gorey paired suede boots with playful argyle-print tights, giving the bohemian style noughties energy, whilst Chloé, meanwhile, kept it romantic with pretty pink princess skirts. The standout boot of the season, though, had to be Masha Popova's unique shade of moody blue: a statement all on its own.

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3. Witchy Wonders

Style Notes: If you’re after a boot with a little more pizazz, might I direct you to the wonderfully witchy boot? Less Sabrina the Teenage Witch and more Practical Magic and Hocus Pocus, this style first emerged as a microtrend during the autumn/winter 2025 shows thanks to McQueen and Ann Demeulemeester. The Victoriana-coded style featured heavily on the 2026 runways; see Prada's fanciful feathered pair for one example. Their exaggerated pointed toe, lace-(or button) up detail and corset structure make these boots decidedly spellbinding.

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4. Pretty in Print

Style Notes: Leopard, deer, python or croc: animal prints aren't going anywhere. But now, as we move into autumn 2026, the way we wear them is changing. Once synonymous with maximalism and glamorous Italian women, this season's animal print is entering its demure era. At Isabel Marant, snake, leopard and cheetah print boots were tempered with distressed red jeans and micro-shorts, giving the traditionally wild motif a deliberately undone edge. Situationist took an altogether more sculptural approach, pairing zebra-print pointed-toe boots with a sweeping black leather maxi skirt. And I’ve seen plenty of It girls (Dua Lipa) style these motifs with light-blue jeans and lightweight dresses too.

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5. In the Ring

Style Notes: If, at first glance, these flat calf boots remind you of the boxer boots worn by Michael B. Jordan in Creed, you’d be correct. A year after Alex Consani stepped out in an all-white iteration of the style at Stella McCartney, we were convinced—the once strictly functional silhouette had plenty of fashion credentials. For autumn 2026, it seems the boxing boot has officially entered the ring. Onitsuka Tiger showed a myriad of mid-leg styles in luxe snake print, whilst Lueders leaned into a more utilitarian mood with khaki-green iterations. And, always one step ahead of the curve, Miu Miu reimagined its gymnasium-inspired style with a gorgeous knee-high pair—equally suited to the gym and the streets.

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I love almost everything about winter, from the brisk morning walks with a hot matcha in hand to choosing which cold-weather accessories I’ll be investing in. But, there’s one part of the season that I’ll never be a fan of—rainy days. Between the bulky rain macs and frumpy welly boots, I end up feeling as miserable as the weather looks. And unfortunately for me, the showers have already started here in the UK.

However, for winter 2025, I’m determined to look elegant and polished even when it's pouring outside. I mean, let’s be honest with ourselves, there’s a high chance that we’ll have more rainy days than not over the next few months, so it’s crucial to look, and more importantly, feel good even when the downpour starts. I therefore decided to take a browse at my favourite style influencers on Instagram for some wet-weather outfit inspiration. And I was not disappointed.

From savvy layering techniques that keep you equal parts warm, dry and stylish to intentional accessories that perfectly blend form and function, below, I’ve rounded up seven elegant rainy day outfits to try out this winter. Keep scrolling to see and shop the looks.

9 Elegant Rainy Day Outfits to See You Through Winter 2025

1. Technical Jacket + Barrel Trousers + Trainers

Style Notes: 'Technical chic' is having a moment this season, and there’s no better time to adopt this utility-led style into your outfit than when it’s raining outside. Add a pair of barrel-trousers to elevate this classic outerwear style, and then keep accessories simple and practical.

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2. Car Coat + Cropped Trousers + Boots

Style Notes: Stay prepared for unpredictable weather with a waterproof car coat. It’s easy to wear and will look just as chic on those days when it’s not rainy as it does when it is. Pair it with cropped trousers that will keep hemline off the wet floor and patent boots for some interest.

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3. Trench Coat + Midi Skirt + Chunky Loafers

Style Notes: It doesn’t get more elegant than a trench coat, in my opinion, and this classic outerwear style was made with rain in mind. Try wearing it with a bold red knit, neutral midi skirt, and chunky loafers to keep the trench from touching the ground.

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4. Maxi Coat + Jeans + Cap

Style Notes: You might initially feel sceptical about wearing your maxi coat out when it’s raining, but with the right styling choices, you can make it work. Add some chunky trainers to stop the coat from skimming the wet floor, and add a cap to shield you from lighter rainfall.

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5. Wool Coat + Shorts + Kitten-Heel Boots

Style Notes: You don't have to shy away from shorts just because it's raining. A wool coat and jumper will keep you toasty on top. Then, just add some tights to beat the chill and a pair of kitten-heel boots to keep your feet warm and dry.

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6. Wool Blazer + Leggings + Riding Boots

Style Notes: When it’s dreary outside, there’s nothing I want to be more than comfortable, so a sweatsuit-and-leggings combo will always get a yes from me. To dress (and warm) it up, add a boxy wool blazer and sleek riding boots.

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7. Wax Jacket + Chelsea Boots + Knitted Hood

Style Notes: A wax jacket is as good as waterproof, and is luckily very on-trend at the moment as well. Pair yours with some tonal accessories and then add a bright knitted hood to protect your hair from the drizzle as well as add some interest to your look.

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While autumn comes with all the joys of open fires, cosy loungewear and hearty meals, it also brings the prospect of more rain. And we Brits know that the unpredictable autumn weather calls for us to factor in everything from an umbrella and a coat to sunglasses in our daily outfit. What this turn in weather also means, though, is that there's now a reason to invest in new rain boots. They are a wet-weather essential, after all.

Camille Charrière wearing Chanel rain boots.

While you can of course dust off your old wellies that are most likely sitting at the back of your cupboard, I'm here to tell you that there are some incredibly stylish boot styles out there that are rain ready. And they're not just typical green wellington boots. I'm talking Chanel logo pairs, Gucci heeled (yes, really) iterations and Bottega Veneta stompers, as well as some fantastic high-street styles.

Claudia Berresford proves that cold-weather footwear doesn't need to be boring.

In fact, I've narrowed it down to five boot styles that I firmly believe will hold up against even the drizzliest of days. They're not all certified waterproof, but they'll definitely help protect you from the elements. Up first, there's the more traditional rubber pair (long or short), followed by chunky, thick tread styles that elevate you off the ground with their cool track soles, reducing your chance of getting getting soggy toes. Next, it's tall flat stomper boots, which I like to think of as the practical version of the trending heeled knee-high boot. And finally, snow boots. A hero item for winter, these boots have been specifically made to keep you dry and cosy. 

No matter your style preference or the weather forecast, there's a rain-proof boot for you. Scroll down to discover the best.

1. Short Rubber Boots

2. Long Wellington Boots

3. Thick Tread Boots

4. Tall Flat Boots

5. Snow Boots

Next Up: The 7 Boot Trends Everyone Is Eyeing Up for Autumn