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Boots

Boots are perfect for chilly autumn days and those cold winter months when your feet need a little extra covering to keep warm.

Fortunately, there are lots of style options to choose from so you can look chic whatever the temperature outside.

Types of Boots

Desert Boots

Desert Boots Shoes - the concept wardrobe

Desert boots are ankle high, have a low heel and a rounded toe. They lace up in two eyelets and are usually made of leather or suede with a crepe sole. They are a style of chukka boot.

This boot takes its name from where it was first worn - in the deserts of Africa. In 1950, Nathan Clarke of the shoe company C. & J. Clark took the design to Britain were it became popular.

Original a man's shoe, desert boots are now widely available for women. They come in an array of colours and work well with semi-casual outfits.

Chelsea Boots

Chelsea Boots Shoes - the concept wardrobe

Chelsea boots are a a type of riding boot. They are ankle high and tight-fitted to the foot with an elastic band on the side. There are no laces or zippers. The loop at the back of the shoe helps to pull the shoes on.The boot dates back to the Victorian era, when it was worn by both men and women. It was in fact designed by Queen Victoria's shoemaker J. Sparks-Hall and is named after an area in London.

Chelsea boots are extremely versatile. They can be worn with very casual outfits as well as to formal meetings.

Cowboy Boots

Cowboy Boots Shoes - the concept wardrobe

Also known as country boots, cowboy boots have a Cuban heel (slightly angled towards the front) and no lacing.

A popular Western shoe, this boot is known for its decorative stitches and pointed toes.

While it was staple footwear for American cowboys in the early 1900s, it slowly found its way into Hollywood and the fashion world when actors started to wear them on and off screen.

Cowboy boots are available in a variety of colours and designs. Though they can be tame, they are more fitting for a bold casual outfit.

Combat Boots

Combat Boots Shoes - the concept wardrobe

Also known as army boots or military boots, combat boots are made out of thick and sturdy fabric with chunky rubber soles. Originally worn by soldiers, they can withstand the harshest of weathers and grounds.

Combat boots are typically black, although other colours are also available. Because of their chunky appearance, they have an element of toughness to them.

You can emphasise that toughness with a more masculine outfit or play with it by pairing a contrasting feminine outfit with combat boots. This contrast also works well with elegant outfits. Combat boots are often associated with the shoe brand Dr. Martens.

Chukka Boots

Work Boots Shoes - the concept wardrobe

These are usually leather boots adorned with buckles, specifically having low heels to control the motorcycle better.

Frye Boots

Also known as harness boots, frye boots are characterised by 2 inch heels, a harness belt around the ankles and a mid calf shaft with handles on the sides. A mix between cowboy and biker styles, the harness includes straps and a metal ring.

Available in ankle height or knee height, frye boots are typically a black or brown colour, though other colours are available.This is a great casual to semi-casual boot and can be paired with almost anything - jeans, shorts, dresses etc.

Biker Boots

Biker Boots Shoes - the concept wardrobe

Biker boots are leather boots adorned with buckles and straps. Since they were originally designed for riding motorcycles, they specifically have low heels to control the motorcycle better.

They usually come in black, have a somewhat masculine feel to them, and are quite eye-catching due to the many buckles. Because of this, they are best paired with simple outfits to make them stand out even more.

Clog Boots

Clogs are shoes that are either entirely or partially made from wood. They are also available in boot form, with the shoe made out of leather with wooden soles.

Ankle Boots

Ankle Boots Shoes - the concept wardrobe

Ankle boots are exactly what they imply – boots that reach up to the ankles. They come in a variety of styles - with chunky heels or stiletto heels, but their main characteristic is that they are all ankle-high.

Ankle boots are a classic choice of footwear that can smoothly transition from formal office wear to casual everyday wear. They are stylish, versatile, and sturdy.

Victorian Boots

Victorian Boots Shoes - the concept wardrobe

With a curved spool heel and covered buttons, Victorian women were notable for their high black lace up Victorian boots. These boots are available with or without buttons and often come in bi-colours.

Also known as granny boots, Victorian boots have recently made a comeback in the fashion world. But this does not mean that they are a trend piece only.

Victorian boots are very versatile and go with casual outfits as well as formal ones.

Sock Boots

Sock Boots Shoes - the concept wardrobe

Sock boots are a somewhat recent phenomenon. They are typically heeled, with the top of the boot fitting to the leg like a sock. This makes them extremely flattering on thin legs.Sock boots are typically made of suede, leather, neoprene, and even sock material. These trendy boots come in a variety of styles from chunky heeled to stiletto.

Depending on the style of the sock boot, this is an extremely versatile shoe and can take on anything from casual to dressy.

Platform Boots

Platform Boots Shoes - the concept wardrobe

Platforms have thick soles that raise the feet from the ground more than usual. The heel may be raised higher than the front of the foot and the platform ranges between 1 to 4 inches.In use since Ancient Greece, platforms not only add a few inches to your height, they are also a statement shoe. Because they come in an array of colours and even patterns, they are always an eye-catcher.

Canvas Boots

Canvas Boots Shoes - the concept wardrobe

Canvas boots are named after the material they are made of: Canvas is a sturdy fabric, which is treated to make the boots even more resistant. The sole is made of rubber or gum.

Often associated with sports such as softball, they have quickly found their way into the fashion world with their unique styled laces, bright colours and patterns.

Canvas boots are a higher version of the typical canvas shoe and are a great choice for casual wear since they are comfy and practical. The most iconic canvas shoe and boot is produced by Converse.

Wedge Boots

Wedge Boots Shoes - the concept wardrobe

Wedge boots have a wedge instead of a separated heel, a wool lining and suede surface. They come in three different styles: full wedge, demi-wedge, and hidden wedge.

Full wedge boots have a wedge that covers the whole foot area. A demi-wedge finishes in the middle of the foot, and a hidden wedge is a full wedge that is hidden inside the shoe.

Wedge boots are very comfy to wear and depending on the style can be quite elegant.

Lita Boots

Lita Boots Shoes - the concept wardrobe

Lita boots are platform boots with a chunky heel. The platform is 2 inches high and the heel reaches 5.25 inches. Lita boots are the sturdiest and thickest ankle boots available.

The boots were introduced by the shoe company Jeffrey Campbell in 2010 and took a while to take off. They were named after Lita Ford — a member of the 70s band The Runaways.

Nowadays, Lita boots have grown a solid fanbase. Although the original boot was mustard yellow, you can find Lita boots in a variety of colours and patterns. This is definitely a statement shoe.

Lace-Up Boots

Lace Up Boots Shoes - the concept wardrobe

Lace-up boots generally cover any boot that has laces to tie. Boot versions of flat shoes often come with laces - such as oxfords, brogues, and derbys.

The typical lace-up boot, however, is a stiletto with a pointed toe that reaches above the ankle, and that has long laces up to the top at the front.

Like the stiletto shoe, this boot is very glamorous and perfect for parties.

Knee High Boots

Knee Boots Shoes - the concept wardrobe

Knee high boots rise to the knee, or slightly under. They are generally tighter around the leg shaft and ankle than at the top to keep them secure to the leg.

Originally made of leather, knee-high boots have been used in the fashion world since at least the 1950s.Knee high boots come in a wide variety of styles, colours and materials - such as leather, suede, and fabric, and are extremely versatile. They can be worn with just about any item of clothing - from leggings over jeans, trousers and skirts to dresses.

Slouch Boots

Slouchy Boots Shoes - the concept wardrobe

Slouch boots have an unstructured shaft that falls into folds. They can come in ankle height or higher; and with or without heel.

Originating in the 1980s, this boot style is dishevelled chic and bohemian. Depending on the style and colour, this boot can either be casual or extremely elegant.

Cuff Boots

Cuff Boots Shoes - the concept wardrobe

Cuff boots have a fold-over upper. Like slouch boots, they can come in an array of styles - from ankle height to knee height; with or without heel.

Riding Boots

Riding Boots Shoes - the concept wardrobe

These are leather boots made for horse riding, rising up to the knees to protect the rider's leg. They come with sturdy toes and heels to prevent the foot from sliding through the stirrup. The heel is typically quite low.

Riding boots gained popularity in the 1980s and are a timeless choice of footwear to this day. Comfy and versatile, they are perfect for any outfit.

To perfect the equestrian chic, pair your riding boots with a pair of skinny jeans and a fitted jacket.

Over-the-knee Boots

Over-the-knee Boots Shoes - the concept wardrobe

As the name suggests, these are boots that reach over the knees. They are usually tighter around the leg shaft to secure the boot to the leg.

Over-the-knee boots often have some sort of heel, but can also be flat. They are typically made out of suede and the classic colour is black.

These boots are an elegant choice and can be worn to both casual and dressy occasions.

Thigh High Boots

Thigh High Boots Shoes - the concept wardrobe

These are long boots that reach up to the thighs.Thigh high boots are extremely flattering because they optically stretch the legs.

They typically have a form of heel to make the legs even longer and are usually made of suede. They also come in other materials and a variety of colours.

This style of boot is glamorous and perfect for nights out or other casual occasions.

Rain / Wellington Boots

Wellington Rain Boots Shoes - the concept wardrobe

Wellington boots or 'wellies' are waterproof boots made out of rubber or plastic. They typically feature a thick, rubber boot and chunky sole for walking through muddy fields, and jumping in puddles.

Nowadays the choice of Wellingtons is greatly expanded, with lots of different colours available, as well as prints and patterns.Wellies are best bought in a size up from the your usual size to allow for thick socks underneath.

Shearling Boots

Snow Boots Shoes - the concept wardrobe

Shearling boots or sheepskin boots have a wool lining and suede surface. As the name suggests, they are typically made from sheepskin.

People have been wearing sheepskin on their feet to keep warm since ancient times. But the most famous shearling boot is the Ugg boot. Created in Australia and popularised by surfers in the 1960s, they were the perfect remedy for cold, numb, wet feet.

Shearling boots will keep your feet warm on cold winter days and come in various heights and colours.

Snow Boots

Snow Boots Shoes - the concept wardrobe

Snow boots are waterproof boots with wool lining, making these shoes perfect for a walk through the snow.

A famous version of snow boots are the somewhat futuristic-looking Moon boots, which became a popular fad following the Apollo 11 moon landing.

Moon boots were created as après-ski wear in the early 1970s in Italy.

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