The Boot Edit
The boot style I return to year after year
Boots are a huge part of my Autumn/Winter wardrobe and something I’m willing to invest in. But there are a few things I like to consider before buying a new pair
What will I be wearing?
My boot style is always determined by what I’m wearing, particularly the style of my jeans or trousers. Currently, I’m reaching for my relaxed, straight-leg jeans or a baggier, wide-leg trouser, which lend well to a pointed toe with a little height. Hence, a low-heeled ankle boot being my style of choice and the shape I’ve returned to over the past few years. I like to see a little point or square toe peaking through my jeans or baggy trousers for a cleaner silhouette.
In the past, I’ve opted for a flat Chelsea or Biker style boot, which I think works better with a slim leg or long dress/skirt. There’s still a place for them in my wardrobe, but it’s not something I’m looking to buy again right now. I tend to wear this style more in spring/summer. I do love a knee-high boot under a silk dress or midi skirt, and have a pair from last year (Russell & Bromley’s Sleek boot), but again, it’s not something I reach for day-to-day.
“My latest purchase, a low stilleto heel pointed boot from Aeyde, to pair with by baggy jeans and relaxed trousers”
My Top 5 Boots
- Aeyde Valeria, the latest edition to my wardrobe. Instantly elevate my outfits thanks to the sharp point
- Loeffler Randall Thandy, hand down the most comfortable pair I own
- Toteme Ankle Boot, not a pair I own, but definitely on my radar
- Aeyde Alena, another Aeyde pair. I’ve had these for years, a great day-to-day boot thanks to the block heel
- Other Stories Sock Boot, a slim silhouette that looks great with a relaxed trouser or jeans
A flat Chelsea boot still has a place in my wardrobe, but I tend to wear it more in the spring/summer or for a relaxed weekend winter look
Where am I going?
I know this one might seem obvious, but I’ve been guilty in the past of buying into something that doesn’t suit my life and what I do day to day. So, now, before making a big purchase, I think about how it fits into my lifestyle and where I intend to wear.
Do you want a pair of boots for weekend wear? If so, a flat, chunky boot might suit better for park walks or Sunday lunch. Is it more for an evening look? If so, a knee-high boot might be more your style. For me, it’s for my work life, which consists of running around London for press events, showroom and store appointments and meetings. I need to be comfortable, so a low heel is ideal. They need to be durable for UK weather- so leather is the more practical option, as much as I love suede. And I want to look elevated in my style- so the heel and the point lend to a polished look.
What’s the budget?
What’s reasonable or possible to spend on a pair of boots is completely different for everybody, but I would say buy the best your budget will allow.
I’ve had my Loeffler Randall pair for a few years now- they’re the most comfortable pair I own and designed to last. Toteme’s leather ankle boot is on my radar, and Khaite’s Nevada boot is the coolest out there. Brands like Aeyde, Neous and Dear Frances cover practicality, design and craftsmanship, but you don’t need to blow the budget to get a well-made, stylish pair of boots. Brands like Flattered and Russell & Bromley cover the mid-price point, along with Dune and H&M premium on the High Street. My daughter has just bought The Odele from Dune as she needed a smart pair for work that will work for the commute; the chiselled toe is perfect if you don’t like too much of a point. Mango has some great 100% leather options, too.
Trending or Classic?
Boots are pretty classic in design, but of course, certain styles will be trending. Cowboy boots, Biker boots, and Over-The-Knee boots have all had their moment in the spotlight over the years, but I would say stick to the pair that most suits your style.
A Cowboy boot isn’t something I would personally wear right now, but that’s because my style doesn’t work with them. A knee-high biker boot might look great on the Miu Miu runway, but sadly, doesn’t work so well in my wardrobe.
The same applies to a coloured boot. It would be easy for me to be drawn into buying a brown or burgundy boot as they’re trending right now, but I know I’d reach for my black pair over them; they just fit better with my outfits. It’s about tuning into what you’re drawn to, what you’re wearing, and what suits your lifestyle to get the longevity. I prefer a low-lift boot I can slip on with pretty much any outfit, so I don’t have to think about how to style them. For me, that’s a black, classic low-heel boot with a pointed or slightly rounded toe.
I’ve had every type of boot over the years—the Golden Goose biker boot (I loved the worn-in vintage style), Chloe’s Susannah boot (I got so much wear out of these as they really suited my style at the time), and Balenciaga’s Knife Boot (way too high for me—I can still remember the pain!). As much as it’s fun to play around with trends, not if it’s going to be a costly mistake.
The Row’s Zipped Boot is a good example of a trending boot with longevity that would work well for my style. They’ve proved to be a hit year after year, and I think that’s down to their practicality. I’ve not invested, as I have the Prada Monolith, and they do the same job, but I consider them every season. Check out Flattered for a similar style.
My Prada chunky boots and the killer Balenciaga knife boots that I no longer own
