As much as I hate to bid summer farewell, I can’t deny the thrill of banishing my sandals to the back of the closet and stepping into a pair of boots. Few things finish an outfit as stylishly, and this season’s lineup is anything but boring. Fresh silhouettes, unexpected textures and playful prints are giving me plenty of reasons to venture beyond the basic black ankle bootie.
But before you fall head over heels for the first pair you see, I asked stylists to break down the boot trends they’re most excited about this season. From scene-stealing animal prints and cool slouchy shapes to timeless riding boots with an old-money feel, your fall footwear is about to get a serious upgrade.
Riding boots
Don’t call these stunners a one-trick pony. Sturdy yet chic, riding boots are saddling up to become fall’s ultimate style workhorse — tough enough for leaf-strewn walks but sleek enough to rein in even the most relaxed outfit.
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“I think the riding boot is going to be one of the biggest boot shapes this season,” says stylist Hellana Mardasian. “It feels polished and timeless, but still very current when you choose a clean, streamlined shape. I’d personally look for a low heel in chocolate brown or black and wear them with everything from midi skirts to relaxed denim.”
Western boots
Here’s another style that’s riding high this season, galloping straight from the ranch to the runway with a fresh twist. “We’ve seen the Western trend a hundred times, but I love that we’re now getting so many options that aren’t obviously cowboy boots and instead offer a subtle nod to the look,” says personal stylist Jamie Lewis. “I find them more wearable, and you’ll get more longevity out of them.”
The styling is getting a shake-up too: “I love the idea of wearing these with something much more polished or feminine to keep the look from feeling too literal,” adds Mardasian.
Knee-high boots
These temptingly tall boots have earned their MVP status because they look good with everything. “It’s an easy boot that can be paired with skirts, dresses, Bermuda shorts or even pants,” says personal stylist Samantha Dawn. She predicts heeled styles will be everywhere this season, with plenty of colors to choose from — but if sky-high isn’t your speed, we also found chic flat options that are made for walking.
Slouchy boots
This fall’s coolest boots are loosening up. “Boho is back — and with it come the slouchy shaft boots,” says stylist Andie Sobrato. “I am excited about these because they give any outfit a more relaxed, effortless feel and a sort of sexiness that we have been lacking with the chunky moto boot.”
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“They work particularly well with dresses and skirts because there’s a nice contrast between something feminine and the more undone shape of the boot. Suede makes this trend feel especially good for autumn,” adds Mardasian.
Lace-up boots
Victorian-inspired lace-up boots — otherwise known as “witchy boots” — have cast a spell on the runways, and Lewis predicts they’ll soon enchant store shelves too. “I love this boot because it’s incredibly wearable, while the lacing adds interest,” she says. Pair them with a slinky slip dress or mini skirt, or let them peek out from beneath wide-leg trousers. “There really are a hundred ways to style them, so anytime there’s a trend backed by easy styling, I’m behind it!” she adds.
Animal print boots
Get ready to walk on the wild side: Animal-print boots are ready to pounce this fall. “They add more dimension to an outfit,” explains Dawn. And while leopard, zebra and cheetah are perennial favorites, Sobrato predicts some less-expected patterns will slither into the spotlight. “I think snakeskin, croc and scale motifs will also be all the rage with boots this season. In a moment when minimalism and quiet luxury are on their way out and maximalism is back in, we are going to see a lot more playfulness.” Just remember, the key here is balance — let the boots do the roaring and keep the rest of your look sleek, simple and neutral.
