Chelsea and combat boots

Strong styles (including creepers) sharing the same elements: sturdy boots, tread rubber soles and black leather. Chelsea boots typically feature side elastic bands, while combat boots can go high (even knee-high), features laces and are often adorned with buckles. This winter we shall wear them also in the evening, in black only, under couture coats and knee-length skirts.

See the chelsea boots from Stella McCartney, featuring a statement chunky rubber sole and a contrasting glossy upper. Once again the shoes complete off a look centered around statement outerwear, in this case a chubby faux fur coat.

Two-tone pirate boots

Every look from the Chanel collection was rounded out by these pirate boots. The house has looked to the past for these soft leather, mid-heel boots with a large, contrasting fold-down cuff. The boots have lost their gothic vibes (see Alexander McQueen in 2003), and Virginie Viard has chosen to combine these iconic style with suits, pants with side slits and shorts.

Thigh-high boots

Also in their vinyl edition, see Saint Laurent, these boots visually replace the classic “boots plus thighs” combo, creating an elegant seamlessness to the leg. They look great with knee-high skirts, also in a wraparound style, or with a deep slit on the side.

Cowboy boots

Cowboy boots are coming to town and not just accompanied by denim; Louis Vuitton teams them with a shirtdress or voluminous skirts, also puff-style.

Sock boots

They were reintroduced a few years back by Balenciaga, now they’re a go-to piece in every woman’s winter closet. They come in all shapes and materials (neoprene, crochet, second skin leather). This is the design that has caught our eye: camel toned, square toed, stiletto heeled, worn underneath a pair of cuffed jeans. From Balmain.

Rubber boots

Colored rubber rain boots are worn with mid-length skirts and voluminous  jackets. Also to the office, see Prada.

Classic men’s lace-ups

Derby shoes, monk strap shoes and loafers are all men’s styles we will be wearing again. Chloé teams them with skirts or mid-length dresses in subtle hues, and not with formal coords or suits. And adds socks, too, like Gucci.

Mary Janes

Dior loves Mary Janes for Fall, and in particular this low-heel style with a dovetail motif on the toe and instep strap. According to Maria Grazia Chiuri they must be worn with knee-high fishnet socks, men’s sleek pantsuits or preppie miniskirts.

Ballet flats

The evolution of ballerina shoes according to J.W. Anderson: a ponyskin, kitten heel style with a charm-embellished strap. An elevated edition, suitable also for the evening, to top off a mid-length dress.

Ankle-strap shoes

Platform, two-tone or peep-toe; ankle-strap designs are definitely back in fashion, and they were everywhere at the FW fashion shows, with lots of different styles. We have chosen for you shoes from Celine, Miu Miu and Saint Laurent, to wear with checked coats, black glossy leggings and LBDs.