My 3-Piece Capsule Collection: Boot Edition

boots-capsule-collection-311050-1702954079739-main

(Image credit: Edward Berthelot/Getty Images)

The only thing better than transitioning to sweater weather is when it's finally time to change shoes, swapping out sandals and sneakers for boots. One or two pairs could suffice, especially if you don't live in a place where snow is a concern. But in my experience, it takes at least three styles of boots to get through winter and fall in style. 

Chelsea boots top the list as an essential wardrobe staple because they go with everything, are easy to walk in, and look totally timeless. Invest in a well-made pair, and keep them looking pristine with shoe polish, waterproofing, and regular sole maintenance, and they'll last for seasons to come. 

Next are flat, lace-up ankle boots. These run the gamut from sturdy snow shoes to cool combat boots and can be found in an array of materials from leather to nylon. Opt for a chunky sole, or look for a combat-boot style with buckles and embellishments. It's a subtle statement shoe no matter how you wear it. 

Finally, the prettiest boots in our closets are often knee-high heeled boots. They're not always practical but are guaranteed to take any outfit to the next level. Choose a stacked heel for maximum comfort, or try out a short heel in stunning suede to wear with a mini or midi skirt. And don't forget boot inserts or hangers to help the tall shaft keep its shape while in storage. 

Ready to complete your capsule wardrobe with a new pair just in time for the holidays? We've pulled several versions of each style that demonstrate the versatility within each category. The only hard part is choosing which new boots to break in first. 

1. Knee-High Heeled Boots

 2. Flat Lace-Up Ankle Boots

3. Chelsea Boots

Freelance Writer

Drew Elovitz is originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, but has spent the last decade living and working in New York City. She earned a master's degree in media and popular culture from New York University, then began her career on the internet as the Twitter voice of Barbie. She worked previously at Who What Wear as the director of content strategy and also spent several years leading the social media teams at Teen Vogue and Entertainment Weekly. You'll find her byline on the site around topics such as celebrity fashion, must-have basics, beauty favorites (particularly nail polish), and wellness tips and tricks. Her personal style tends to favor the classics: She loves crisp white button-downs, sneakers, and skinny jeans—and no look is complete without a great pair of oversize sunglasses and a trusty leather jacket. After she finishes reading the entire internet every day, she can be found dining out at her favorite restaurants, trying new beauty treatments, or indulging her historical-fiction habit.