While it can be satisfying to refresh your style by layering up for fall, the boots this season offer even more rich textures and colors to mix up your look. For a bright statement shoe that will offset the miserable weather to come, Urban Outfitters has a ‘70s-inspired red suede option, while Anthropologie stocks a printed chinoiserie boot with a chunky block heel. Saint Laurent fans can indulge in this season’s best glittery shoes, from combat boots to Jeffrey Campbell’s mod-inspired go-go style.
Or, for those simply looking for a sturdy, practical shoe to wear until duck-boots season arrives, we’ve rounded up black options that are anything-but-basic plus a crop of colored Chelsea boots and lace-ups. Click through to see 25 reasons to get excited for fall, all under $300, or check out our roundup of the season’s chicest boots.
Not Your Basic Black
If you’re only adding a few pieces to your fall shoe rotation to match with everything, you don’t have to buy a boring biker boot or Chelsea style. Opt for versatile pieces with unexpected details, like the stitching on Senso’s ankle boots or the textured finish on the Kanna, Jeffrey Campbell, and Grey City options.
The Modern Chelsea Style
Every year, the Chelsea boot remains evergreen, reimagined in new textures and styles. This season, shades of forest green and patent leather oxblood are refreshing compared to the rest of fall’s dull palette, while ALDO’s color-blocked suede option offers a slimmer fit and a little more height.
Practical Lace-Ups
If your seasonal goals include engaging in outdoorsy activities — or just looking like you do — a sturdy lace-up boot is a sensible option for fall. & Other Stories stocks one with pale-blue accents, while Dr. Martens offers a shorter version in a rich cognac color. Consider the Frye Company’s lace-up if you’re looking to spend a little more money on a high-quality shoe that you can keep for years.
Pretty in Print
Always a purveyor of sheer whimsy, Anthropologie offers a dream boot for Valentino lovers this fall. The painted chinoiserie with the addition of a block heel makes this a statement shoe that’s pretty and practical.
Prim Lace-Ups
Those with a buttoned-up aesthetic will want to celebrate (sensibly, of course): Victorian-style lace-up boots are back en vogue. kate spade new york’s leopard-print boot is the perfect accent to an all-black ensemble, while Tahari’s and Matisse’s options are polished enough to wear at the office. If you prefer a sportier Tommy Hilfiger–esque look, opt for J.Crew’s blue stacked-heel version.
A Wearable Over-the-Knee Boot
It can be difficult to find over-the-knee boots that are chic and comfortable, but not overly sexy. Thankfully, Zara has found the middle ground with a low-heeled option for fall that’s roomy enough to wear over skinny jeans yet still looks sophisticated with a miniskirt.
Glitter Boots
Since Saint Laurent popularized glittery ankle boots and go-go boots, sparkly footwear has become a favorite for street-style stars. Even beyond Fashion Week, boots like ASOS’s affordable ankle style and Jeffrey Campbell’s mod, knee-high version add a jolt of personality to any pedestrian outfit. To avoid looking overly kitschy, pair these shoes with neutrals like this trench-coat-and-boot combo on blogger Chiara Ferragni.
Trending: The Sock Boot
Another pervasive shoe trend is the super-slim sock boot, as seen this fall at Givenchy and Alexander McQueen. Though sock boots may not be everyone’s cup of tea, the tapered silhouette means you don’t have to worry about a loose fit if you have thin ankles. Wear this streamlined style with cropped wide-leg trousers.
Glam Rock Boots
Like something out of the Ziggy Stardust era, these suede boots are so fun that you’d want to splurge on them — if they weren’t merely $80. Wear these with a dark-wash jean (try a roomier silhouette similar to this Dries Van Noten style we loved from Paris Fashion Week) or with a button-up miniskirt for a complete ‘70s look.
