Like sandals are to summer, ankle boots come autumn are a sure thing. This particular piece of footwear is a cornerstone of colder-weather wardrobes and for good reason. Choose carefully, and you’ll live in them for the whole of this season and the next one, too. Scratch that—you’ll wear them all year, even on those chilly spring and summer days. This, however, makes choosing that all-important pair of ankle boots all the more difficult. Sure, you want them to be versatile, but you also want them to feel trendy. So if you haven’t quite made a decision on which ankle boots you’ll be investing in this year, then allow us to help.
As with plenty of other trends right now, Y2K is also having an influence on footwear. Although rounded or square toes were the leading shapes over the past few seasons thanks to the likes of Bottega Veneta, the spiky toe is back. Whether at Balenciaga or Petar Petrov, this look was super slick and polished and will look incredible with jeans as well as an LBD.
Kicking off with one of the funnest ankle-boot trends this season, there’s a return to disco with platform boots. While past seasons have been all about the flatform, it’s back to this more dialled-up style. Y/Project’s came in soft grey, whereas over at Givenchy was a red patent affair. Clearly, however you do platform ankle boots, this is all about finding showstoppers that are great for a party.
Cowboy boots are one of those ankle-boot styles that don’t ever really disappear. They’re often reinterpreted, and some seasons, it’s been about the white boots, whereas other times, it’s been a more simplified version (Bottega’s being the most sought-after). This season? It’s the classic cowboy boot. As seen at Celine with metal toe caps or from Khaite in black, or even the ones Isabel Marant reissues every season, there’s a pair of cowboy boots for everyone.
If us Brits know anything, it’s that having a really great pair of boots that last in the rain and mud is a must. Good news then, as rain boots or rubber boots are making a real comeback. Ganni’s come in sleek minimalist hues, and Bottega Veneta’s come in plenty of vivid colours. But if you’re looking for a budget-friendlier style, then trusty M&S has a classic black pair.
The S/S 23 runways were awash with biker boots in all shapes and sizes. From steel-toe caps to metal hardware, this stomping style is still a fashion favourite. What’s more, they go with pretty much everything. Add edge to a floaty dress, or take on the 90’s with a mini skirt.
This post was originally published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
Next up, Spring/Summer 2023 Fashion Trends: 21 Expert-Approved Looks You Need to See