Be honest – there’s not that much to love about winter. The chill factor leaves us grim-faced (and red faced, if there’s lashing winds involved), the rain makes our hair stringy, and unless there’s the luxury of time and consideration involved, ‘chic winter layering’ often ends up as throwing on anything to keep in the warmth (resulting in Michelin Man slash human coat stand-like similarities). That being said, there’s one accessory sitting with a smug smile in your wardrobe – boots. Ah yes, the elements – bring it on, they taunt. It’s their time to shine (in patent leather, obviously) – so naturally, you need multiple pairs, in multiple colours, fabrications, heel heights… Get the picture? Shop! Immediately!
Read on for my edit of the eight all-time boots you need this season.
1. The Chelsea Boot
You can thank the Queen Mum for this enduring style – the design is credited to her Royal shoemaker, J. Sparkes-Hall. It’s their Brit-pack ‘60s persona, however, that rooted the Chelsea boot into Swinging London history (and brought upon the Chelsea connotations). Historical references aside, they’ve carved out a neat little niche working themselves back with whatever you throw their way – a neat little swing dress with tights, denim, you name it. The hardest working of the clique.
Balenciaga Brogues leather Chelsea boots, $755, matchesfashion.com
2. The Over-The-Knee Boot
From it’s somewhat, shall we say, ‘kinky’ past, the over-the-knee boot has been reborn post the lashings of ‘70s silhouettes we’ve seen this season – and their new interpretations are much less lady of the night than we’ve seen previously. A flat version is your best bet – perfect back with a knee-skimming dress and a coat, or tucked over a skinny with an oversized knit (and a more AM friendly take).
Stuart Weitzman Lowland boots $1,083.88, Farfetch.com
3. The Heeled Boot
The higher the heel, the closer to God, as they say – and who are we to argue with fashion rules of the Holy? If a flat boot at work just won’t cut it with the dress code, reach for a sturdy-heeled, clean and classic number such as these – the added height and slightly almond-shaped toe lend themselves to tailoring in any way, shape or form. Hallelujah!
Witchery Lois Boot, $159.95, witchery.com.au
4. The Patent Boot
Nothing makes you look more groomed, pulled together and generally ‘life on track-ness’ than a clean, shiny, I-can-see-my-face-in-this accessory – meaning, the patent boot. Feeling a bit flat and monotone? Play with textures instead – a bit of shine lifts black on black on black attire in a flash. If there’s one tip to share, it’s that quality equals comfortability here – patent has a tendency to crack and rub if it’s not real leather, so don’t be shy to go as high as your budget will allow (you’ll thank me later when your heels have recovered from all the blisters).
Church’s Monmouth patent leather Chelsea boots, $485.93, Net-a-porter.com
5. The Cowboy Boot
Let it be noted that we’re talking Isabel Marant goes Americana here, not Home On The Range – so anything that could feel accepted in a boot-scooting habitat should not be considered. It’s a suede slash wooden sole combination you’re looking for, with a slight nod to a Cuban heel – and, being of a country-fied nature, is your weekender pal. Pair her back with your casuals for an elevated take over your sneakers.
Seed Milla Ankle Boot, $199.95, Seedheritage.com.au
6. The Biker Boot
Meet the bad girl of the bunch. Whilst you don’t need to mix with her extra-curricular activities, it is the best option to reach for should you be looking for a little extra grunt to your outfit – jeans and leather, a simple shift, anything feeling too polite or stiff. She’ll boyishly rough it up (in the most polished of ways, of course).
Country Road Jodi Biker boot, $249, Countryroad.com.au
7. The Leopard Boot
Boom! If you’re going to put your best foot forward, it might as well be in leopard, right? This screams vampy – so the best way to not err on the side of OTT is keep the rest of your look tonal all the way. All black, all nude, all white – no extra prints to speak of. These babies are doing all the talking for you.
Gianvito Rossi Leopard-print calf hair ankle boots, $1,363.25
8. The Studded Boot
For the non-minimalists among us, a plain black boot might come across as a bit blasé – too much of a non-event to parade in day in, day out. Enter the studded boot – just enough to amplify the details, not too much to overpower. The perfect accessory yin and yang.
Senso Qwin II studded boots, $320, theiconic.com.au