Ankle boots are a year-round wardrobe staple, no matter your style. They come in every form imaginable, making them the chameleon of footwear. Whether you tend to lean towards classic styles, or are looking for something a bit more fashion-forward, this season’s best and biggest trends have got you covered. Boots work just as well with dresses and skirts as they do with jeans, and you can pair them with tights or socks. There’s no need to be ashamed of owning several pairs of boots, because they’re a total investment, right!?
From hiking boots to Dr Martens, heeled boots, biker boots, western and Chelsea boots, the choice is endless. Here’s my edit of the best boots to buy this year…
HIKING & COMBAT BOOTS
Hiking boots have become one of the most sought-after items of 2019 and they serve as the perfect counterpart to ultra-feminine dresses. Thanks to Holly Willoughby, the Grenson Nanette boot became the most lusted after boot of 2018. They quickly sold out but have been restocked and due to their popularity are now being stocked in a variety of stores and boutiques. Even Kate Middleton was spotted in a pair this summer! If you don’t have Holly’s budget, don’t fret there are lots of alternatives on the high street that are much more purse-friendly.
Grenson Nanette £275, Office Ansel Boots £89, & Other Stories Chunky Suede Hiking Boots £135
METALLIC BOOTS
If you think these shiny boots might be hard to pull off, think again. In fact, they’re one of the most versatile, statement-making trends to wear. Metallic booties add a certain flair to your wardrobe basics. Style them with a pair of jeans, a T-shirt, and a blazer for effortless day-to-day chic, or wear them to complement your slip skirt and sweater. Without a doubt, these will be your new neutral boots.
Sosandar Gold Leather Ankle Boot £95, Sezanne Alba £190, Hush Cliveden Boots £185
WHITE BOOTS
Giving me all ‘90s vibes and seemingly impractical, white boots are officially a wardrobe staple. First making an appearance in 2018, I wasn’t sure if they were just a passing fad? It’s safe to say they are here to stay so maybe this season is time to invest?
Acne Studios Jensen £420, Kurt Geiger Shakira £89, & Other Stories Croc Embossed Boots £135
ANIMAL PRINT BOOTS
There is no animal print that is off the table this year, whether it be zebra, leopard, croc or snake print. Animal prints are still going strong as a trend and for me, they have always been a neutral. Animal print boots are a great nod to the trend plus they are so much fun too!
LK Bennett Calf Hair £375, Sosandar Zebra Print £119, Hush Burford £199
SQUARE TOE BOOTS
It’s time to ditch those pointy-toe boots because this season, it’s all about boxy square-toe silhouettes. Love them or hate them, square-toed boots are a subtle nod to the ‘90s. Everyone loves a good ankle boot, but if you want something that looks a little bit different but still has some edge, consider the square toe.
& Other Stories Square Toe Tan £135, Whistles Black Square Toe £169, Topshop Breeze Snake £42
COWBOY BOOTS
2019 saw cowboy boots take a turn for the better. Gone are the pointed, tall, embroidered styles of the noughties and instead we are seeing shorter, square-toed versions in finishes such as black mock-croc or simple black leather. Historically worn by cowboys and made for walking, their comfort is paramount. Most cowboy boots have enough heel that they’ll give you some height but not too much, so they’re still comfortable enough to wear anywhere. Brands including Isabel Marant, Fendi, Off-White, and Tibi have all created their own elevated take on the cowboy boot. Naturally, the high street has their own take and there are some great affordable options from stores like Mango, Zara and Topshop.
Tophsop Howdie £89, Air & Grace Starlight £279, & Other Stories Croc Embossed £205
KITTEN HEEL BOOTIES
Kitten heeled booties are the ultimate mixture of casual and elegant. They’re the type of boot you can wear to work and out on the town after hours. Plus, with just the right amount of extra height, your feet won’t be throbbing by the time you get home.
Steve Madden Lucinda Red £115, Whistles Celeste Kitten Heel £225, Sam Edelman Kadison £140
SNAKESKIN
Snakeskin is all set to be the next leopard print. Zimmermann, Rochas, and Tory Burch all incorporated snakeskin into their collections this season. As with all animal print, it’s a fine line between classy and trashy, so if in doubt keep it subtle and simple.
Steve Madden Cade £115, Zara Animal Print Ankle Boot £29.99, Kurt Geiger Burlington £149
ANKLE BOOTS
Trends come and go, but classic black boots will never let you down.
Hush Farley Boots £149, & Other Stories Chelsea Boots £110, Hush Whitby Ankle Boots £199
And finally…
Living in the UK, a boot is a year-round staple. You will probably wear them more than your favourite trainers or sandals. So with this in mind, it is always worth spending as much as you can afford and making sure you go for comfort as well as style.