Wellies Have Been Given a High-Fashion Makeover

Who What Wear editor Kristen wears her Hunter boots with a black lace dress.

Kate Moss made Wellington boots a fashion item when she wore Hunters with her micro shorts to Glastonbury. They were a key part of her festival look but also still served a practical purpose as she wore them to wade through thick mud. This year, however, wellies are being worn outside of the countryside, as several designers such as Prada and Loewe are backing rubber boots as an alternative to leather Chelsea boots.

This is the next stage in the chunky boots trend which has been gaining momentum over the past few seasons. Miuccia Prada showed wellies in soft pastel shades (such as pink and baby blue) with thick track soles, while Bottega Veneta created a more fitted Wellington boot in neon green and fluoro pink named "puddle boots." Brands like Ganni and Loewe have created rubber boots that fall on the ankle, making them a cross between a traditional pair of wellies and Chelsea boots. 

Wellington boots at Prada. 

Designers styled them with outfits that would typically be paired with a pair of leather knee-highs, such as dresses and midi skirts. Bottega even put its neon wellies them a pink sequinned gown. With the rise in cottagecore countryside dressing this year and staycations, we have a feeling you'll spot these boots in Hackney as well as fields in the Lake District this winter. 

Paula of Hill House Vintage wears her wellies with a midi skirt and knit. 

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Next up, see our guide to the key trends for autumn/winter 2020.