Winter Boots To Love by Our Fashion Director, Jing Leng
Comfortable, easy-to-style winter boots that fit well and are built to last are always top of mind for our Fashion Director, Jing Leng. The former personal stylist, and self-confessed shoe obsessive, knows exactly which silhouettes work for different tastes and lifestyles. From high-impact knee-highs to elevated rain boots, read on for her breakdown of the must-have designs to populate your closet.
If you’re in the mood for die-hard elegance, then a sleek pair of knee-highs are right for you. Versatile and feminine, a straight leg is the current look of the season and complements everything from floaty dresses to tucked-in jeans. Favored by Kendall Jenner, their Parisian allure is hard to resist; just be sure yours is cut off just below the knee for an of-the-moment look, and opt for a style with a wider sole for added comfort.
Jing’s Tip: “If the boot has a zip at the back, order half a size up for a more comfortable fit”.
2. RIDING BOOTS
Synonymous with the carefree chic of country weekends, the timeless equestrian pull-on is a winter boot style that’s easy to love for its gently rounded toe (perfect for extended walks) and spacious calf (which fits most leg shapes). This season, designers have switched traditional wooden soles for lightweight rubber ones, for added comfort. And since this enduring design has never had an off-season, it’s sure to serve you for seasons to come.
Jing’s Tip: “Try them on when you’re seated to check their comfort level.”
3. SLOUCH BOOTS
It all started when designers like Alexander Wang, Dior, and Isabel Marant sent thigh-grazing boots down the Fall 22 runways. This confident and wildly impactful look pairs perfectly with mini dresses or body-sculpting leggings, and is easy to wear thanks to their butter-soft stretch-leather construction. When the occasion calls for subtlety, however, look to less ostentatious mid-calf styles, which look great with floaty dresses or slim-fit jeans.
Jing’s Tip: “If the goal is effortless chic, go for a pointed-toe with stiletto heels, or opt for a round-toe with a kitten or square heel.”
Whether ankle, knee or thigh-reaching styles, these 70s-inspired winter boots will ensure you’ll stand head-and-shoulders above the crowd. Beloved for their playfully exaggerated sole, they were the all-encompassing look of 2022 and are showing no signs of slowing down (prepare for SS23’s platform sandals!). Ensure yours are crafted from lightweight materials—the best designs were created with real life in mind and won’t slow you down.
Jing’s Tip: “Make sure you go for a well-built leather style with good ankle support.”
5. RAIN BOOTS
For all its outlandish creativity, fashion must still respond to the practicalities of life. And frequent downpours—whether a result of climate change or normal weather patterns—have inspired a host of luxury houses to reimagine the rain boot. Gone are the garish yellow or muddy green galoshes of our childhoods. Today’s iterations sparkle with elevated appeal and could look equally at home on the dancefloor as the rain-splattered streets.
Jing’s Tip: “Classic styles look cute with jeans and dresses, even when it’s not raining.”
6. MOON BOOTS
This winter, it isn’t just ski bunnies stocking up on Apres-ski style. One unlikely item that’s left the slopes for the streets, is the amorphous Moon Boot. Blame fashion’s fascination with ugly footwear (CROCS, pool slides, and Birkenstock’s also make the list) because this ultra-padded boot is now officially on-trend. Traditionalists can opt for the originals or newer, minimalist takes by Brunello Cucinelli. The trend-averse could stick with a simple UGG. But the style-conscious should look to designers like Isabel Marant, Alanui, or Miu Miu for more elevated, playful takes.
Jing’s Tip: “Play into the boot’s new look with unique details and embellishments.”
7. WESTERN
From FKA Twigs and Dua Lipa’s classic brown versions to Gwen Stefani and Elsa Hosk’s modern bright-blue iterations, it’s clear that Western boots are back. While those stylish celebrities wore theirs with abbreviated shorts, graphic pants, and skirts last summer, there are myriad ways to make them feel new this season. Khaite, Coperni, and Isabel Marant’s modern winter boot designs would look great with leather skirts, loose-fit jeans, or clean, flowing dresses for a modern-bohemian look. But if classic chic is more your speed, look to authentic bootmakers Lucchese, whose handcrafted creations use a centuries-old technique that will never go out of style.
Jing’s Tip: “Choose a V-cut front on your boot for an elongating effect.”
