As Winter kicks in, here’s your guide to some of the key boot styles you should be working into your wardrobe this season.
Cut-outs are an on-going trend on the high street thanks to the many imitations of Balenciaga’s buckle strap version at £795.00, but you can strap up your feet more affordably with Faith’s ‘Spitalfield Buckle’ Ankle Boots at £75.00, Topshop’s ‘Aubrey 2’ style for £78.00 and the ‘Astonished’ design by ASOS at £60.00 – although I would suggest wearing some thick tights or woolly socks with them!
Metallic heel capping or detailing on ankle boots adds some high-shine factor in Winter sunlight this season, and there are plenty of styles to choose from which follow the trend. Zara’s metal heel ankle boot at £59.99 is one to check out, as is the ‘Benny Buckled’ boot by Oasis with hot metal flashes at £68.00 (it’s also a favourite of The Saturday’s Mollie King). If you’re looking for even more shine though, Chloe’s ‘Susannah’ studded leather ankle boot is hot for your heels at £860.00, and Russell & Bromley’s ‘Zip-Code’ ankle boot at £175.00 is adorned in shimmering glitter fabric and features gold zip detailing – the perfect party boot with slim-fit leather trousers or denim.
If it’s more of a chunky heel you’re after, then ‘Swap’ by Carvela Kurt Geiger have the perfect style to pair with grunge-like floral dresses at £160.00, and for a serious injection of chic for your feet, try French Connection’s ‘Maresella’ perforated suede platforms at £135.00 which will ensure your ankles are getting lots of love this season.
Winter just wouldn’t be Winter though without the classic Chelsea boot, which is the ultimate transitional footwear because it works with everything in your wardrobe. Colour-pop your way through the crowds with Kurt Keiger’s ‘Sonic Blue’ suede version at £140.00 or show off your inner Grrr with River Island’s ‘Leopard Print New’ style at £50.00 – great with a sexy leather zip-front detail skirt from BLK DNM’s AW13 clothing range.
And talking of leather, if like me you love a bit of rock’n’roll in your life (and on your feet), then the biker boot is a perenially stylish choice, with Saint Laurent’s stomp-friendly studded ‘Signature Rangers’ making my heart beat faster everytime I see them, sadly not the price though, at £1,445.00 (Hedi if you’re reading this, I’m a size 6 please and thank you).
There are purse-friendly alternatives though such as my personal favourite, Zara’s ‘Flat Leather Biker Style’ at £119.00 which is as close to the Saint Laurent version as you can get. Oasis offer the ‘Lola Biker’ at £85.00, while Ash continue their rock chick style with the ‘Titan Studded’ biker boot at £279.00 and River Island’s ‘Leo Zip’ Boots at £45.00 are slick and stylish. FitFlop’s ‘Joplin’ boot with its rugged rubber outer and wedge sole is also on-trend, priced at £140.00 – and it’s a total coincidence that they happen to share the same name as the late great psychedelic rock icon Janis Joplin, pretty darn cool huh.
And continuing on the music-meets-pop-culture theme, the classic workwear boot turned punk/grunge fashion icon, the Dr. Marten boot, is still the footwear must-have for many street style tribes. This Winter there is a great mix of variations on its classic 8-eye boot – pair them with skinny ripped jeans and a slouchy sweater or a red, green or blue/black mix tartan shirt, one of this season’s hottest clothing trends.