There’s nothing that quite invokes that nostalgic back-to-school feeling more than the purchase of a pair of autumn shoes – opening the box and peeling back the tissue paper to reveal a shiny new pair, fit for crunching through fallen leaves.
It may once have been a pair of Kickers or some box fresh Clarks Magic Steps, but this season it's the versatile ankle boot that will be your forever friend into cooler climes.
Louis Vuitton led the way for AW16 with an array of lug-soled, high-heeled, lace-front boots. Strong, sturdy and high, this combat style is everything you could want from a boot, designed for an all-conquering woman who has no time to teeter on a stiletto. Elsewhere in Paris, Chanel showed sweet, simple flats with lace details perforating the ankles. The fact is, whatever you’re going to be wearing this season, you’re going to need a pair of ankle boots to go with it. Put your best foot forward in these guys…
Channel your inner go-go dancer by teaming these kinky boots with an A-Line mini or bring down to earth with frayed-hem denim. If you can’t be tempted with the red, there’s a baby blue pair too.
Dorateymur Double Delta patent-leather ankle boots, £380, available at Net-a-porter
A classic Chelsea boot will last you a lifetime. They can be worn with absolutely anything and remain the kind of shoes your dad would be proud of.
Church's Ketsby embellished leather Chelsea boots, £435, available at mytheresa.com
A take you anywhere boot with the ideal heel height, perfect for stomping your way through puddles on the commute and even better at the office.
Another beautiful shoe from Alessandro Michele at Gucci. For a moment distract yourself from the pearl encrusted heel and think how strangely practical these beauties are. Square-toed, a mid heel easy enough to run around in and the added bonus of wearing a treasure trove on your feet.
The Louis Vuitton dream boots. YES PLEASE.
A perfectly embroidered folktale.
If Maggie Gyllenhaal’s character in The Secretary was a shoe, she would be these. Strictly laced up and seriously sexy.
Leopard print’s a neutral, right?
Glossy, vinyl, Matrix-esque. Introducing the slickest black boot courtesy of Toppers.
A workman’s boot reimagined in pink nubuck… it’s a yes from us. Wear all weekend with oversized knits and the last of summer’s tan on your bare legs.
Acne Studios Teide nubuck ankle boots, £450, available at Net-a-porter
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