The first boots—covered in fur, no less—date back to 15,000 BC. In the Middle Ages, three-piece boots (feet, upper and sole) were worn to protect against the weather – now they are in style around the world. In the fifteenth century men of all classes wore tall leather boots. However, this was considered inappropriate for women (it was one of the criminal charges against Joan of Arc in 1431). In the early years of the 20th century, the boots were discarded. The 1960s saw a resurgence for women, with flat-heeled leather boots popularized by Paris courier Andre Courage. In the late 60s, retro styles appeared and became unisex. In the year In the 1970s, everyone was wearing suede chukka boots, cowboy boots, and zip-up platform boots.
The iconic Vivienne Westwood pirate boot was first produced in 1981. Kate Moss found a pair in a vintage shop in Notting Hill in 1999 and was photographed wearing them. Later, in In 2010, Kate also popularized strappy suede boots. Today, boots are essential in everyone’s wardrobe. Here’s how to combine them.
Patent leather boots
Embrace street style fashion
These shiny patent leather (leather covered with a shiny finish) platform boots are perfect for weekend wear. You can create casual or semi-formal, fun, androgynous, adventurous looks with these.
Style tip
The easiest and most fashionable option is to match the color of your shoes with your outfit. The most reliable color is a completely black monochromatic look, but you can use all earthy, neutral or decorative tones.
Wear patent leather shoes
White Shifley (Artificial Lace) Dress.
Plaid blazer.
Floral or camera print dress.
Turtleneck with skinny jeans.
Solid jersey dress and leather jacket.
A bright wool scarf or scarf.
Designer’s take
“Style these with any casual mini dress you have in your closet. You can wear white ankle boots with white jeans. Nautanki founder Nilesh Parasharm can also be decked out in a jumpsuit.
Chelsea boots
Be smart as always
Everyone should own Chelsea boots, which are popular, wedge ankle boots with side panels made of stretchy elastic. Dating all the way back to the Victorian era, these boots are extremely versatile; Men can wear shoes as clothes too!
Style tip
Wear these as an alternative with sneakers or a suit or dress and jacket.
Wear Chelsea boots
Legs and long top.
The classic white shirt and blue jeans.
Mini, midi or maxi dresses.
Ankle pants, culottes or capris.
Short and long jackets or coats.
Solid or printed jumpsuits or rompers.
Designer’s take
“Pair these with a beige houndstooth coat and midi skirt. If you’re feeling bold, go for a black leather biker jacket and charcoal skinny jeans combo,” advises Nilesh Parashar.
Steel boots
An easy way to add fun to casual clothes
Gold, silver or copper metallic leather ankle boots with embroidered, textured or embellished uppers and architectural heels are statement pieces.
Style tip
Steel toe boots are incredibly versatile; They go well with everything and also give your outfit a bit of pizzazz.
Wear metal boots
Mini skirts and statement leggings.
Beige coat with light blue ripped jeans.
Little black dress.
White shirt and neutral or earthy blazer and mini skirt.
Leather pants, blazers and metallic muffs.
Designer’s take
“A cropped dance and ankle boot is a match made in heaven. To make it more stylish, trim the ends instead of tucking them into the boots. To add a statement to the look, add an oversized sweater or jacket for a formal fall ensemble,” advises Ruchi Sali, Managing Director, Melissa.
Suede ankle boots
Very versatile and simple style
Suede boots can be worn all year round, but if you wear white, cream or neutral colored ankle boots, you will look a little more fashionable.
Style tip
Whether you want to go dressy or casual, suede boots are the best.
Wear suede ankle boots
Monochromatic white-on-white clothing.
Beige pea coat and skinny or cropped, distressed navy or white jeans.
Shift dress and sweater.
Maxi dress, shirt and denim jacket.
Pencil skirt and jacket.
Leggings and an oversized tunic sweater.
Designer’s take
“White boots are great to wear with a bright, colorful dress. Also, an oversized tan sweater paired with a nice black pencil skirt, paired with beige ankle-length boots is a great choice for every body shape,” says House of Fate co-founder and creative director. Director Esha Bhambri suggests.
Pirate boots
Easy styling for any event
12th century medieval calf strap boots inspired Vivienne Westwood to design her pirate boots. Fortunately, medieval rough designs are now as fashionable and beautiful.
Style tip
An easy hack to find boots that fit ankles and calves without being cramped is to put your toe between the back of the boot and the calf. If it fits easily without any gaps on either side, the boots will be suitable for you.
Wear pirate boots
Leather pants and a cardigan or jacket.
Fitted jeans or elastic.
Undershirt, camisole and jeans.
Suede mini dress and long cape.
Designer’s take
“With boots like these, wear a dress that goes over your boots — but not over the top — and add a trench coat and a sling bag,” says Ruchi Sali.
Stiletto boots
A perfect choice for a night out
Named after the Italian sword, the stiletto heel first appeared in the 1930s. Its origin is still disputed, but many attribute it to Roger Vivier (for Christian Dior) in the 1950s.
Style tip
Stiletto boots instantly add glamor to any outfit and can take your overall look from casual to glamorous.
Wear stiletto boots
Flowing maxi dress.
Wide-leg cut pants or culottes.
Black skinny jeans or boyfriend jeans.
Jeans and a turtleneck or long-sleeved shirt, with a black leather jacket
Long pencil skirt and trench coat.
Designer’s take
“Boots like these are perfect to wear with a leopard print skirt and a white sweater. Or wear it with a jacket and top for cooler weather. Add some vintage earrings to complete the look,” says Isha Bhamri.
Knitted boots
Simple, elegant and sophisticated
When worn together, black boots and black jeans form a single, long, lean line. You will look taller, slimmer and more stylish wearing this outfit.
Style tip
Boots like these work especially well for women with average-sized curves.
Wear black boots
Blazer dress or thigh or knee-length trench.
Black jeans, checked shirt and knitted sweater.
Black jeans, with a white t-shirt under a chambray shirt.
Stylish utility jacket and t-shirt.
Designer’s take
“Pair these with a black and white houndstooth coat with a hip-length lapel collar, paired with white, flared high-rise pants and a black corset crop top. Be a little creative by adding earrings to the outfit,” says Isha Bhamri.
From HTT Brunch, December 17, 2022
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