There are many sartorial reasons why I love the cold months of autumn and winter, but at the top of the list is the return of boots. As someone who relies on trainers on an almost daily basis, boots are just about the only other footwear style that I gravitate towards—they're just as versatile, but somehow always manage to make any outfit feel more considered. So, as the time arrives for me to reassess my collection, I of course wanted to figure out which boot styles I may need to press pause on, and which trends I definitely need to embrace.
From my runway stalking and Instagram scrolling, it's clear that there a few standouts. Overall, it seems like boot trends are leaning towards nostalgia, looking largely to the Nineties for inspiration. The grunge-inspired biker boot is back in a big way, largely thanks to Scandi influencers who are wearing them with everything from oversized jeans to mini slip dresses. Then there's the cowboy boot, which those-in-the-know had already started pairing with denim shorts and breezy dresses during the summer months.
While knee-high boots are undoubtedly the top silhouette of the season, there's a style to suit every wardrobe need—after all, sometimes a sleek ankle boot is just what you need to go with the crop of your jeans or tailored trousers. Personally, I'm most excited for the animal print trend. I've had a pair of snakeskin boots for years and they've become the unlikely hero piece of my footwear collection. With the look now trending once again, there are plenty of new options to choose from, so I'm convinced now is the time to finally replace the much-loved pair...
No matter your style or boot silhouette preference, there's a trend for you this season. Scroll on to discover my pick of the very best.
See The Boots Trends We Think Are Dated for 2024, and the Ones We're Replacing Them With
1. Pausing: Lace-Up Boots
Loving: Cowboy Boots
Style Notes: Western-influenced style is back in a big way this season, from the rise of the suede jacket to the return of the classic cowboy boot. Suede or leather, embroidered or plain, this sharp silhouette is taking over from riding boots in the equestrian-inspired footwear charts. Pair with jeans and t-shirt for a cool, relaxed look, or use to add a tough edge to floaty dresses.
Shop the Look:
I'm obsessed with the glossy colour.
These look so much more expensive than they actually are.
I'm a sucker for a capped toe Western boot—they look especially cool with blue jeans.
Isabel Marant is undoubtedly the top designer label when it comes to cowboy boots.
I've spotted so many Scandi influencers in these exact boots.
2. Pausing: Metallics
Loving: Animal Print
Style Notes: Last year, metallics were the playful footwear trend, but this year animal prints and textured leather are the new must-have. Snake and leopard print are the most on trend, and this season designers and high street favourites alike have plenty of different iterations to choose from. I'll be using mine to break up my go-to all-black autumn outfits.
Shop the Look:
These have such an irresistable Nineties vibe.
As an owner of snakeskin ankle boots, I can't recommend this pair enough. You'll be surprised how much wear you get out of this statement style.
So sleek.
I'm a huge fan of a kitten heel knee-high boot—they're so wearable.
I predict this won't stay in stock long.
3. Pausing: Sock Boots
Loving: Moto Boots
Style Notes: Maybe its due to the resurgence of interest in Nineties style and the grunge era that it was famous for, but biker boots are back. The moto style is oversized, chunky and adorned with silver hardware. Wear yours with everything from jeans to mini skirts.
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A classic moto pair.
This silhouette is just so good—and so versatile.
The height of these makes them perfect for pairing with high hemlines.
I love the textured leather on this pair.
Brown tones are perfect for autumn wear.
4. Pausing: Square-Toe
Loving: Pointed-Toe
Style Notes: The sharper the better is the shoe-shape rule this autumn. While I'll always love the look of a square-toe, this season the sleek look of the pointed-toe boot is the one to go for. This elegant silhouette elevates any outfit, from knitted dresses to evening looks.
Shop the Look:
This ticks off the Western trend, too.
This brown-burgundy hue is also very on trend.
Zara is really nailing it with the boots this season.
Such a versatile boot that you'll turn to time and time again.
Fashion lovers are all lusting after these Khaite boots—a minimalist's dream pair.
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Jennifer Lopez Just Wore the Boot Trend That Londoners Are Styling With Jeans This WinterNow I want a pair.
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French Women Just Showed Me 5 Flawless Ways to Wear Jeans and Boots This WinterNow you know.
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Sorry, Black Boots—Fashion People in London and Paris Are Wearing Pairs in This Trending Print This WinterTime to spice things up.
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Coats, Boots and Knits Are All I’m Interested in Right Now—H&M, COS and Mango Have the Best I’ve SeenTrust me.
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I'm Convinced That These £65 H&M Boots Will Sell Out by This WeekendTalk about expensive-looking.
