BOOTS ON THE GROUND

Step into the new season with a stylish pair of catwalk-inspired boots, says KATIE WRIGHT

IT’S not often we can say this about the creations that came stomping down the catwalks of New York, London, Milan and Paris, but this season’s boots really were made for walking. There was a distinct lack of spindly stilettos or blister-inducing pointy toes at the autumn/winter 2020 shows, which is great news given the state of the world right now.

This is no time for wobbling around on pencil-thin heels.

We need sturdy footwear, and we need it now.

Not that AW20’s boot offerings are aesthetically lacking, however.

They may be practical but these boots are still stylish – and they’re a sound investment too, the kind that will serve you well for seasons to come.

Ready to pick a pair? These are the four biggest boot trends for this autumn/winter...

PLATFORM BOOTS

MANY a designer riffed on a Seventies theme for their autumn/winter boot looks, which at ground level meant extra-high platform heels.

On the catwalks at Richard Quinn and Paco Rabanne, we saw beautiful floral fabric boots, but on the high street you’ll find hard-wearing leathers in muted tones.

PASTEL BOOTS

ADDING a subtle pop of colour on the footwear front, pastel-hued boots proved popular at all four fashion weeks. From blush-pink satin at Fendi and powder-pink at Ralph and Russo, to soft Parma Violets purple at Prada and mint-green at Halpern, there’s lots to choose from. These cool-toned boots work best with

minimalist block-heeled styles.

Above: ASOS Design Erico premium leather patent heeled boots in purple croc, £85. Right: Topshop Harris blue block boots, £89.99

THIGH HIGH BOOTS

FOR the ultimate in bodycon boot glamour, get ready to slip into a pair of skin-tight thigh-highs, as seen at Victoria Beckham, Moschino, Alexander McQueen, Balenciaga and more.

The surprise footwear hit of the season, these over-the-knee boots are ideal if you’re looking for an on-trend way to keep wearing your favourite flowy midi dresses throughout the colder months.

LEFT: Head Over Heels Selinaa black thigh high boots, £73, Dune RIGHT: ASOS Design Kate flat over the knee boots in black, £45

Black stitch detail lace up boots, £42, black longline aviator jacket, £65; green floral midi smock dress, £29.99; Miss Selfridge (boots available in October)

HIKING BOOTS IT DOESN’T get more practical than a low-heeled, lace-up hiking boot in classic black or brown leather, as seen on the Chloe and Monse catwalks. Some designers went even further with the ‘great outdoors’ trend, creating logo-emblazoned snow boots and chunky wellies in fashionforward shapes and colours.

Left: Office Kay knee high boots, £129 (available October 28) Above: Bertie Proven Grey Boots, £145, Dune

Jones Bootmaker Klara tan leather hiker boots, £165 (available end of October; clothing, stylist’s own)

* Prices correct at time of going to print. Offers while stocks last