HOW TO STYLE BOOTS FOR AUTUMN

Writer Flo is a lover of all things Western, so cowboy boots are absolutely her cup of tea. ‘I love how timeless a cowboy boot is. They’ll take you from casual to chic with minimal faff, especially if they're decorated with this season's favourite flourish – fringe. Even if you’re not into the whole aesthetic, a good pair of western boots will transform your humdrum commute into an adventure.’ Take notes from Gabriela Hearst's AW26 show and stick to a minimal colour palette, but vary the textures by layering in leather, suede, satin or lace.

GET THE LOOK:

SEQWL Western Knee Boots with fringing in tan micro, £38
ASOS DESIGN double layered real leather bomber jacket in washed brown, £220

Good American faux suede oversized shirt co-ord in cafe clay, £196

ASOS DESIGN satin lace applique midi dress in khaki, £48
ASOS DESIGN large soft clutch in snake print with hardware detail, £28

‘I, for one, can’t stop thinking about those slouchy boots we saw walking down the AW26 Chloé runway. They made a statement but had just the right amount of slouch,’ says Junior Editor Lizzie. Slouchy boots re-entered the trend cycle under the boho umbrella last year, but this time around they're feeling more minimal and refined. So how do you elevate your slouchy boots? Lizzie has the answer: ‘These ASOS DESIGN boots have a wedge kitten heel, so they feel somewhat elevated. To play with styling, I’ll be tucking wide-leg jeans into the boots and topping the look with a funnel-neck jacket. Then, oversized sunglasses in a brown shade will tie the whole look together.’

GET THE LOOK:

ASOS DESIGN Riven premium suede wedge slouch boots in rust, £130
COLLUSION X006 XL balloon low rise jean in stonewash, £39.99
Mango funnel neck jacket in white, £59.99
Jimmy Fairly The Maya large square sunglasses in brown, £135
ASOS DESIGN small chubby hoop earrings in gold tone with gift bag, £14

'Berry feels like the young, fun sibling to burgundy – the shade that’s ruled our A/W wardrobes for at least two years now,’ says Junior Editor Emma. 'Adding a boot in this hue to your look is an easy way to add colour, especially if your style safe place involves mainly black and neutrals. These deep red shades are basically neutrals at this point anyway, right?' While sticking to neutrals is always a good idea when it comes to berry-hued boots, Emma ensures hers make a statement. ‘I’m loving proportion-play right now, so I’ll be styling mine up with a structured barrel trouser, a peplum top and a bold clutch – I hear zebra is the print to know this season.'

GET THE LOOK:

ASOS DESIGN Rivelle cone heel ankle boots in burgundy, £40

Topshop knitted grown on short sleeve peplum top in ivory, £30
ASOS DESIGN hair on leather elongated pouch grab bag in zebra print, £34

ARRANGE Willa elasticated waist drawstring trousers in washed black, £75

L'Oreal Paris Plump Ambition- 490 Berry Jolie, £11.99

Emma’s right – wearing zebra print is the quickest way to build fashion credibility right now, but it’s accompanied by a veritable Noah’s Ark of animal alternatives – whether that’s classic snake and leopard, or deer and the aforementioned zebra. It was all over the AW26 catwalks, from Khaite to Gucci and Jil Sander. Freelance Writer Sarah (that’s me) is an animal-print aficionado. The right animal-print boot is about intention and impact. Want to make a real splash? That’s for knee boots. But if you’d prefer to make animal print an accent rather than the main feature this autumn, go for ankle boots. Flared trousers will draw the eye to this snake print pair, and I would top off this look with a classic double-breasted coat.

GET THE LOOK:

ASOS DESIGN Wide Fit Rafe block heel ankle boots in snake, £38

Weekday wool blend coat with funnel neck and shoulder pads in black, £165

ARRANGE jersey off shoulder wide sleeve top with ruched hem in burgundy, £55

Bershka Flared jeans in black, £27.99
ASOS DESIGN pack of 3 rings with mixed minimal design in brushed silver, £6

Look up the words 'investment piece', and there's an excellent chance you'll be rewarded with an image of black leather knee boots. They're the most versatile of the versatile, so logically it follows that there are plenty of styles to choose from. Choice paralysis-sufferers, may we suggest this ASOS DESIGN pair? It's a little bit slouchy, a little bit moto. Junior Writer Ayis says, ‘Moto boots are the ultimate tool for subverting traditionally hyper-femme pieces with grungier, more gothic feels.’ Exactly why she swears by moto boots alongside graphic tees and checked skirts this season. Outside of their style credentials, they’re also super heavy-duty and work hard for anyone unwilling to replace their footwear every 3-5 business days.

GET THE LOOK:
ASOS DESIGN Clover boho buckle slouchy knee boots in black leather, £98

Levi's favorite graphic print t-shirt in charcoal, £40

Stradivarius Printed shirt-sleeve detail midi skirt in khaki, £35.99
Topshop knitted shawl collared cardigan in pecan, £45

Sui Ava floral lace socks in black, £6