Ankle Boots: The Autumn Edit
I packed my sandals away on September 1st, partly hoping to incite Murphy’s Law and bless us with an Indian Summer, but equally because I was eager to stop agonising whether I should go for a navy, charcoal or black pedicure and slip into my beloved collection of ankle boots instead of sandals.
During early Autumn, when we’re yet to be beset by ghastly weather, my go to outfit is bare legs (to show off the last of my tan) and a mini-skirt - always balanced with a chunky knit and fairly flat ankle boots. This season is no different.
The ankle boot really is the ultimate transeasonal solution and in the spirit of practicality, I’ve chosen my edit of brilliant boots with a flat - or tiny - heel. These are the boots that you will see you tackle the school run, sip coffees and cocktails, ace meetings and kill it on the commute.
Continuing Summer’s obsession with all things braided these wicker look boots have handy air holes in case we’re hit with unseasonably hot weather. Keep praying!
The double strap and darker snake print shade make these boots look far pricier than they are. They also echo Chloe’s cult Rylee style - Autumn’s most expensive It boot.
Another style with practical cut-out details, they would also look bold with a chunky Dad sock in contrasting charcoal shade underneath them when it’s really cold. I love the contrast stitching around the sole too.
If you fancy something a little more flash, the gold toe caps - and complimentary gild stitching - would look especially swish with a metallic pleated skirt that hits at mid-calf or a velvet double-breasted blazer with gold buttons.
Berry coloured cord, & Other Stories
Corduroy is indisputably the fabric of Fall 2018. You couldn’t move for wide wale blazers and suits at the shows but I’m enamoured of these berry tone boots, that will let me stick with my beloved jeans and still stay on-trend.
Triple buckled berry patent, M&S
I spotted these triple threats when I was doing my AW18 preview with M&S earlier in the year. Since Givenchy bought in three-strap boots there have been many tributes to them but these are least blatantly derivative style.
The street style set have long loved the white boot for their polarising power. I picked these boots as part of my LFW edit for Dune at the start of the month. I fell in love with them at the press day in May and I still love them now. Buy a white boot from the high street - they will get dirty at the same rate as a designer pair - and revel in how rock and roll you’ll look. I think this pair is worthy of Alison Mosshart’s approval.
Patent sock boots, Ellery at Net-a-porter.com
The edgiest style in this edit, these boldly mix black and brown, a silver statement heel and glossy patent finish with a sock-style pull-on fit. Show them off with cropped flared trousers and oversized silver jewellery.
Biker style with ribbon laces, Rue St at Matchesfashion.com
Quietly creating unusual shoe styles this London brand is an under the radar find. The mix of ultra-feminine ribbon laces and super-tough sole is a brilliant contrast that will see you through to spring, teamed with the right array of skirts.
Mock-croc with mini heel, Mango
As animal prints take over our wardrobes leopard can look a little overdone. A mock-croc texture is chicer and with the addition of the flash of gold on these low level heels, you could mistake these boots for a far pricier pair.
Photo: Xanthe Berkeley for Dune, as part of an AD for the brand earlier this month