When it comes to staple wardrobe items, a good ankle boot is arguably the ultimate footwear basic. Whether worn with jeans, midi skirts or even party frocks, you can dress up or down any look – and do it comfortably, too. While whites and neutrals were popular in 2017, this year’s winter boot aesthetic is decidedly more statement, with everything from bold prints to bright colours and striking heels. On the Autumn/Winter catwalks, Louis Vuitton showed striking Dr Marten-esque elasticated designs, while models at Alexander McQueen walked in everything from studs to bold lace-ups and mosaic-patterned Chelsea boots. Fire-engine red was a top trend, too, seen at Fendi in the form of thigh-high leather – but the bold hue is equally as striking in the high street’s ankle-grazing proportions. Happily, you can strike your own power woman pose in a variety of eye-catching pairs from our gallery – click through the edit to see our top picks…
Office Aruba Pointed Block Heel Boot in Leopard Suede, £89
Leopard print can seem scary, but looks remarkably stylish worn with a simple outfit. These Office boots have block mid-heel and a flattering pointed toe, and look great teamed with faded black jeans and an oversized leather jacket, or even a chic camel coat and a white shirt.
ASOS Emsey Suede Ankle Boots, £65
Take on the red trend in a slightly subtler way with this simple suede pair from ASOS – the contrasting dark heel and zip breaks up the colour and ties in with neutral ensembles perfectly. With a three-inch heel, this flattering leg-lengthening style is a great way to add colour to dreary winter wardrobes.
Zara Fabric High Heel Ankle Boots, £69.99
Zara have a beautiful range of boot styles this season, and this jacquard-detailed pair offer statement design without being too garish. In subtle black and navy, these short, pointed boots would make a great evening option teamed with a tailored suit, or styled with a midi-skirt to give a feminine finish.
Whistles Rowan Croc Zip Front Boot, £195
Footwear fans have gone wild for Whistles’ new-season retro Rowan boots, so much so that they’ve sold out online! Head in-store to bag your own pair – we love the shiny croc-effect leather and comfy block heel. Wear with a wide-leg trouser or jeans to accentuate the form-fitting silhouette around the ankle.
Mango Floral Embroidered Ankle Boots, £69.99
Who says florals are just for spring? 2017’s big embroidery trend is showing no sign of disappearing, and this pretty kitten-heel style from Mango is ideal for adding a spot of sunshine to a wintery look. The slanted heel adds a designer twist to the high street price-point, too – while the black toe-cap keeps the boot from looking too garish.
Kurt Geiger London Strut Boot, £169
Subtly-striking, the detail is in the heel for this new-season style from Kurt Geiger. Ideal for those with minimalist style, the stand-out acetate heel adds just enough detail without straying too far from classic – while the smooth black leather and squared-off toe keeps the finish elegant.
Free People Reach For The Stars Ankle Boot, £398
Though at the pricier end of the spectrum, these star-spangled cowboy boots really are something special. Available in a range of cool-girl colours, these can be worn with anything and left to do the talking – and the leather only gets better with age. Can we have them in every shade?
E8 by Miista Ula Embroidered Chelsea Boots, £50
Woven with mixed metallic thread and pretty red florals, the warming colours of these elegant embroidered boots will see you through winter and autumn, time and time again. In classic Chelsea boot style and shape, with a comfy block heel, they’re great for long days on your feet too, and will add interest to any outfit. Available at Urban Outfitters.