Autumn nears here in the Northern Hemisphere, and so it is a perfect time to get our boot game ship-shape! In Part Une, I shared everyday shoes to love, but that post was more focused on introducing our 12-part series and how we compile our 12-15 item list. So I wanted to make sure to dedicate an entire post to Boots.

We’ll be doing just that today, exploring the many different styles as well as styling ideas for how to wear them and what to wear with them, also sharing tips on determining which boots are best for your preferred wardrobe choices and the silhouette you wish to create. I will also share the boot I recently added that was part of my wardrobe shopping list and take a peek into the other boots I have had for years, love, and wear regularly in autumn and winter. And finally, I’ll share lists of brands to explore for various price points so you can decide which style and price work best for you.

But first! What did we talk about in the last part of this series – Part Eight? Have a look below at your homework assignment.

Part Huit Wardrobe Task

First, collect your measurements:
-arms-length to wrist bone or where you want it to fall to
-shoulder to shoulder (i.e., horizontal back width)
-back length to where you want the blazer to hit at the bottom
-bust
-waist

Next, determine which type of blazers you prefer: oversized, traditional, cropped, double-breasted, etc.
Maybe you want different styles based on the outfits you enjoy wearing – solidify this for your needs and style.

Then, examine your wardrobe needs for cold and warm weather so you are shopping for various types of fabrics and will always have a blazer to wear year-round, even if it is a different one.

Finally, start shopping at the sites mentioned above or at your favorite shops, and add to your list based on what would complement what you already have or will be adding to give you versatility and make you feel your best.
if shopping oneline, save to KarmaNow so you will be alerted when the items go on sale.

Now, let’s dive into Part Neuf! And talk all about boots so that you feel confident as well as clear about which boots you would want in your closet and will wear with confidence.

Part Neuf: Boots – the Many Styles and Styling Options

Why having boots in your wardrobe and the right boots matters:

Often, when we wear boots, we wear them for a long time. Even while we want them to complement an outfit, we also are choosing them for a utilitarian purpose – to keep our toes/ankles/lower leg covered due to the cooler temperatures, otherwise we would have chosen a pump or sandal. What this means is that the boot must be comfortable to our foot and lifestyle (where we will be walking, the elements – indoor, outdoor, weather the boots may have to withstand without being damaged).

Our silhouette has the greatest potential to change most drastically with a boot than any other heel (minus a stiletto). If we choose the right boot, our posture is supported and improved (shoulders back, chin up). Wear the wrong boot (or heel for that matter) and we can hurt our back, our feet and ruin our day.

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The various types of boot styles available:

• Ankle boots/Booties: hitting right at or just above the ankle
  • Various heel options: flat, block heel, kitten, stiletto
• Sock Boots: a type of ankle boot that hits a couple of inches (or 3 or 4) above the ankle and is slim to the lower leg and ankle in stretchy fabric, creating the fit of a sock.
  • Often a stiletto or kitten heel. Most complimentary if a pointed toe.
• Knee-high boots: Just as the name describes, these boots stretch up just below the knee.
  • Heels can be flat, kitchen, block, wedge, stiletto, just about anything.
  • Boot shaft can be cavernous and loose, close fitting, or anything where in between.
• Slouch boots: Just as the name indicates, designed with intentionally slouched or bunched-up shafts.
  • Can be just above the ankle or a knee high boot.
• Over-the-Knee boot: Not a typical option for everyday, but as the name implies, it stretches up and over the knee.
  • Dramatic in style. May be flat or stiletto.
• Western/Cowboy boots: a tall, pull-on shaft, a distinct toe shape (often more pointed) with decorative stitching.
  • Most often, mid-calf height
• Combat boots: Often built with tough, durable leather and thick, heavy-duty soles to endure harsh conditions.
  • Ankle to mid-calf height.
• Chukka boot (sometimes called a desert boot – a more casual design): Hitting just at or above the ankle and a lace-up design with two to three eyelets for laces.
• Chelsea boot: A style talked about in Part Une, a slip on boot rising just above the ankle with elastic side panels and a rear (sometime front too) tab for ease of pulling the boot on.
  • Flat, sometimes with a chunky sole for a signature style, these boots have traction and can be stylish as well as utilitarian. Some are waterproof, others, water-resistant, but not all.

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How to Style: Which Boot with Which Outfit in your Wardrobe:

• Ankle Boots/Booties:
  • Tailored pants/trousers, jeans (slim/straight/skinny, but really any style of pant is an option), midi-dresses/skirts (works best with fuller or flowing dresses/skirts), I also have seen them worn with culottes which are coming back into style (Lesley Manville wore a stylish look pairing ankle boots with these style of pants in the first episode of Marble Hall Murders on PBS this past weekend)
• Knee-High:
  • Knee-length dresses/skirts
  • Midi dresses/skirts, especially with slim fit as it keeps the line long from foot to waist, no skin exposed (so also keeps you warm)
  • Full or flowing maxi dresses.
  • Skinny jeans (boots worn over the top of the denim)
  • With mid-thigh or shorter shorts.
• Here are some articles to view Street Style focusing on boots:
  • Instyle‘s Ankle Boot inspiration (posted September 2026)
  • Who What Wear, UK – 5 Boot Styles for Autumn, (posted September 2026)
  • Elle‘s Guide to Styling Ankle Boots (scroll down to the A-line dress with cropped jacket outfit – LOVE this look), (posted December 2025)
  • Elle‘s 6 Ideas to Style Boots with Jeans, seen on the streets of Paris (posted March 2026)

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What to keep in mind when shopping for the best boots for your everyday wardrobe:

• Resist the trends of the moment and find a boot that works well with your signature style that will support it rather than be the star.
• What conditions and how much walking will you need to do in these boots?
  • Frequently walking: choose a boot with traction soles – a Chelsea boot or combat boot; and aim for comfort with a flat boot in either an ankle or knee style.
  • Very little walking, mainly at your desk or sitting, sitting for transportation: Choose a heel with the most height you feel comfortable.
  • Driving a lot: Choose a flat or low heel, choose a loose shaft (versus a tight, close-fitting shaft), and a sole with some grip.
  • Inclement weather: Choose a tall shaft for warmth as well as protection to keep your legs and ankles as well as socks and nylons clean. Again, a sole with some or a lot of grip, closed toe designs and waterproof or water-resistant depending on the amount of rain.
  • Mild weather: Ankle boots are the most versatile of the boots because of their lighter materials and lower shaft making them easier to wear nearly year-round.
  • Uncertain of the weather? Choose a boot with a rubber sole, a water-resistant design and a construction that is sturdy.
• Dress comfortably while remaining stylish:
  • Determine your body type according to where you carry most of your weight (upper – shoulders, bust, waist; or lower body – hips, thighs, calves). If you carry it mostly in the bottom half, you will want a less structured boot (avoid narrow or slim shafts, stiff leather, etc.). Instead, choose more supple materials (slouch boots or sock boots), lace-ups, or boots with elastic side panels.
  • How long will you be on your feet? This will determine the type of heel. The small and thinner the heel, the more pressure on your feet and joints. The wider and thicker the heel, the more your weight is distributed onto your feet. Also, if you will be on your feet a lot, the thicker sole (as opposed to a thin sole) will provide more support and less ‘pounding’ on the spine.

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Key Components to Look for in the Composition of the Boot:

• Quality materials: This won’t surprise anyone, but often why the price is more is because the components of the boot itself are of better quality (not always, but most of the time). Real leather or alternatives that are of high-quality will mold to your foot over time and become more comfortable with each use, not the reverse. Because they age better, they will last a good long while. Poor materials will look good initially, but show their poor quality by cracking, becoming uncomfortable to wear and losing the shape you prefer, not molding at all to your foot.
• Similar to clothing items, look at the stitchwork. Look at the seams, are they straight? Are there any loose threads? Is glue used in any part of the construction of the boot? If the seams are crooked, there are loose threads or glue is used, this is a lesser quality boot that is not likely to last long.
• Can you repair the boot – resole, etc.? If so, this is a good sign. Because the shoe is built well overall, and only needs to be reheeled or resoled, you are going to be able to have the boot for a good long while.
• Speaking of soles, look at it and see how thick (or thin) it is. Even if you can repair the sole, if it is thin, it will wear out quickly. Just because a boot is a dress boot with little grip doesn’t mean the sole has to be paper thin. Always remember to flip the boot over and have a look.
• Don’t let the price scare you. Always remember cost-per-wear. When you pay for a high-quality boot that you know you will wear for many years to come because you love it and it will stand up to wear and tear, then that price is worth the upfront strain on your budget.

The Boots I Recently Added to My Wardrobe

I have had my eye on these boots since January, so I was thrilled to discover a pair in my size (10 US) on sale $237 – 40% off, from Net-a-Porter (same boot, full price, different colors) during their summer sale. I quickly scooped them up. I already had this suede cigar color from Staud in their knee-high high heel, but I wanted a lower heel while keeping the color and fabric without the tall shaft. You can still purchase this Cigar color in suede from Staud.

Having narrow feet, but a high arch, I do have to be careful with snug fitting heels, but since I knew how this boot fit having their knee high, I felt comfortable purchasing it. This boot is narrow, but not tight on me. The suede if more supple than a stiff leather, so while it holds my foot, it is still comfortable.

This would be a boot for going out, paired with pants or jeans, where I would be walking some, but not a ton, and not in inclement weather.

Have a look at the sole and front profile of Staud’s Wally Ankle Boot in cigar suede below:

What boots I have, love, and one more I am looking to add:

Seen above:

• Upper right: Staud’s knee-high stiletto suede boot purchased in late 2022 or 2023 (no longer available, but they do have this height and fabric in the Wally (kitten) heel style))
• Lower right: Bandolino’s grey suede boots (purchased in 2017), no longer available, but I am tickled to share I still wear and love these boots.
• Lower left: Loeffler Randall’s leather ankle boot (purchased about three or four years ago and I still regularly wear it and love it), similar style still available, two colors – the Roxie Leather ankle bootie.
• Upper left corner: DVF knee high boot with block heel, purchased over 10 years ago, and I still wear it. I do need to resole them, but they have stood up very well over such a long time. DVF no longer sells footwear.
• Center: the new Staud ankle boots shown above.
• Black Knee High Boots (two pics): I LOVE these boots for a classic black, solid leather shaft, timeless, versatile (with the slight round, but not too much too). Purchased about four years ago, from Loeffler Randall, they are still available in many different colors – shop here.

I am looking to add one more boot, and it is in a dress-style, an ankle boot, and in the same design as the Staud ankle boot I purchased above, but in their leather Espresso style.

Let’s go shopping for boots!

Below is a list of brands to get you started based on your budget and style preference. While this list certaintly isn’t exhaustive, it is a great place to start for brands that dependably have quality boots, many in classic, timeless styles along with trends from season to season.

Luxury

• Aquazzara
• Armani
• Christian Louboutin
• Ferragamo
• Khaite
• Miu Miu
• Prada
• TOD’s
• Toteme

Mid-Luxury

• Aquatalia
• Barbour
  • LOVE my Evie Chelsea boot, shop two colors here.
• Blundstone’s (for Chelsea boots)
• Dear Frances
• Inez
• Lauren Ralph Lauren & Polo Ralph Lauren
• M.Gemi
• Loeffler Randall
• Paul Green
• Sézane
• Staud
• Stuart Weitzman

Budget-friendly, yet worthwhile for dependability:

• Everlane
• J.Crew
• L.L. Bean
• Quince
• Vagabond

The Series Continues! And A Task for You!

The series, How to Build a Wardrobe to Love and Live In Every Day, continues with Part Dix/Ten next month on Tuesday, October 13th, when we will talk all about wearing scarves and how to tie them. (I shared last month that we would talk about layering items – tees, tops, camis, etc., but I have moved that to be combined with a later topic.)

But between now and then,

Your task/homework assignment for your Lifetime Wardrobe project:

1. Assess the boots you do have, and which ones you love wearing. Keep them in good shape by having them resoled at a cobbler if necessary.
2. What boots would you like to have in your closet but lack for the outfits you have or are building through this project?
3. Find those boots – the style, color, etc. – from the brand you prefer, and either purchase or save to KarmaNow and wait to see if it will go on sale.
4. Remember to check the composition – how it is made, how it fits on your foot, and if you are ordering online, check the return policy to ensure you can return it if it doesn’t fit well.
5. Over time, add the necessary styles of boots you need to give you the versatility and style to wear what you want no matter what the weather.

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