I Just Tried On Over 50 Boots and Bags—and These Are the Ones I Loved

Here at Who What Wear UK, we're all about delivering the latest and greatest shopping edits, as approved by our team. That's why we've created a new shopping column, The Joy of Shopping, which will see me, Joy Montgomery, heading to all your favourite stores to test out new-in pieces IRL. From summer dresses to the brands you might've forgotten about, prepare for changing room selfies aplenty. Is there something you'd like me to cover? Make sure to tweet or Instagram me your requests!

As any anyone who is a regular Who What Wear reader will know, I am a total wimp when it comes to accessory shopping and will avoid it at all costs, which generally means I stubbornly use old bags and shoes until they are literally falling apart at the seams. I find it so hard to tread the dreaded line between 'fashion' and 'practicality', and so searching for new pieces to replace my wardrobe failsafes has become a particularly fraught experience. 

However, as I drift into the cooler months, I cannot ignore the pressing need for those pieces that serve a particular purpose in my life: Think sturdy boots for my London commute, comfy heels for evening events and a bag that can work for both work and weekend. After all, autumn is the time to take stock of our fashion portfolio, unearth old favourites and work out which gaps need to be filled. The solution to my sartorial tight spot? Kurt Geiger.

From lace-ups and strappy sandals, to totes and cross-bodies, the brand has everything you could possibly need for the new season. In a market where fashion has become polarised—with 'super cheap high street' at one end and 'eye-wateringly expensive designer' at the other—Kurt Geiger manages to bridge the gap with pieces that feel premium, but don't come with a four-figure price tag.

I had a look around their new season collection and can safely say that is something for everyone, from the most trend-focused fashion-lovers to those who prefer to stick to style classics. Highlights include a pair of super comfy hiking boots, a baguette bag that actually fits more than an iPhone and a pair of knee-highs that are sure to turn heads in the street. Want to see more? Scroll down to see and shop my full Kurt Geiger autumn/winter shopping edit. 

Style Notes: The square toe has made a comeback this season, offering a '90s-inspired alternative to the classic pointed-toe varieties. If you want to fully embrace their throwback appeal, combine with brown mock croc and a block heel.

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Style Notes: I wasn't sure about the hiking boot to begin with, but I've slowly come round to their practical, utilitarian appeal. This comfy yet cool pair will look so good with everything from jeans and dresses, to slip skirts and shorts. 

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Style Notes: I'll be honest, my high heel tolerance is fairly low, so I was a very happy bunny when I slipped on these mid-heeled sandals and could easily skip about the store without breaking my neck. Just what I need to set my jeans to 'cocktails' mode. 

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Style Notes: The moment I walked in the store, I made a beeline for this chic snake skin baguette bag. I currently own a different style in mock croc brown, but the trouble is I can barely fit my phone in, whereas this iteration will have no problem is this department. 

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Style Notes: Another square toe, but this time in '60s-inspired black patent. This is probably one of my favourite pairs, as I know it'll go with everything I own, yet still provide some interest to a simple ensemble—just look at that red heel. 

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Style Notes: I bought a pair of snake skin boots last year and I've worn them constantly. When you're not a print person (guilty as charged) a pop of print in the shoe department can be a real wardrobe game-changer. Also, for fellow heel-phobes, note that these are super comfy IRL. 

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Style Notes: Yup, it's love at first sight. I feel like a million dollars in these knee-high boots, and I can just tell that they'd make any outfit feel instantly elevated. I'll be using these babies to transition my summer dresses into the colder months. 

Style Notes: I wore these for 12 hours straight at fashion week, and I don't think you can get a much better seal of approval than that—also I received so many complements that day. They looked just as good with my jeans and blazer (pictured above) as they did with my LBD on the FROW.

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Style Notes: You really can't go wrong with a classic cross-body (it's the bag style I wear the most), and Kurt Geiger has them in abundance. This small black bag will be super versatile, but I also like its subtle nod to this season's punk trend, via the chain link detailing. 

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Style Notes: As anyone in the office will tell you, I'm not really a trainer person, however the one pair I do own is a super simple, white design, very similar to these. I use them to dress down more smart silhouettes, such as suits or midi dresses. 

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Style Notes: Thanks to a certain Eva Chen, I have fallen head-over-heels in love with the tweed trend. I've got a tweed jacket on my wishlist, but think textured bag might just pip it to the post. It'll be so good for work with it's generous interior and muted colourways. 

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Style Notes: Apparently this is one of Carvela's best-selling pairs of heels, and I can see why. Unlike other strappy sandals, these don't feel like they're cutting my feet in half. Also I love the idea of pairing the snake print with a simple, block-coloured dress. 

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Style Notes: You might not have noticed it, but the Chelsea boot has had a subtle update this season. Previously it had a more gentlemanly twist, whereas now they're coming in more utilitarian silhouettes: Think chunkier soles and rounded toes. It's a yes from me.

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Style Notes: I never would've thought I'd like such an OTT bag, but there's something so fab about this framed against my classic blazer and jeans. It ain't no wallflower, but it's a party piece that'll jazz up any outfit. 

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Style Notes: This timeless pair of brogue-detailed boots has plenty of 'borrowed-from-the-boys' appeal about them, and they're the sort of boots that I can imagine wearing every day throughout winter. They're also a chic shade of dark brown that will look so good with jeans at the weekend. 

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Style Notes: If you fancy a more stripped-back cross-body then you can't go wrong with this unadorned black and gold style. I like how you can adjust the strap so it transforms from one long strap into two shorter ones, letting you wear it as a shoulder bag.

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Style Notes: Two trends are combined in this very cool pair of flat boots. The mock croc helps to soften-up the combat boot vibe (seen in the chunky sole and lace-up fastening), while the high-shine finish will mean it's better in wet weather.

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Style Notes: Whether you're aged 16 or 60, a pair of brown suede boots are one of those wardrobe staples that are guaranteed to look good on everyone and stand the test of time. Personally, I'd wear these with my fave pair of flared jeans for work.

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Style Notes: If all the micro bags are giving you rage, worry not because there are plenty of practical pieces around to satisfy your needs. This boxy black tote will fit your life in, whether you're heading to work or hopping on a plane. For full 'fashun' points, make like VB and hold the bag by its base. 

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Style Notes: The mid-heel boot is for those days when you can't quite stomach a stiletto, but your outfit still craves that little 'oomph'. If you want to wear yours with tights, opt for a pair in black and stick to a pointed toe to elongate the leg. 

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