The ankle boots remains a key item for pre season but designers are trying to move it forwards with new silhouettes, a dizzying variety of materials and new details to help us break free of the dominant shape we’ve been seeing for quite a few seasons, says trend expert Sandra Halliday.
Ankle boots: Something for everyone
Snakeskin and leopard or zebra patterned ponyskin are key materials and point to a strong trend for pattern. They come in ultra-faux versions with intense colour used to underline the fake-is-fun approach.
The season’s abstract patterns also show up in the boots category as do the popular florals - looking quirky and adding a feminine edge to pull-on flat boots with chunky soles.
Fastenings also take centre stage with lacing moving on from the Victoriana of recent seasons to simply being a decorative detail across a range of dressy and casual boots. Used on flat boots, lacing has a DM edge but when combine with a heel (especially for shoe-boots) it works for formalwear.
Also key are multiple straps either wrapped around or buckled across a slightly longer ankle boot and looking most effective in a contrasting material.
The Chelsea boot evolves out of all recognition. Apart from retaining the elastic gusset, it frequently ditches the Cuban heel in favour of flat crepe sole or kitten heel. And we even get a nod to the cowboy boot with an ankle boot that’s cut wider and slightly longer.
Image credit: L to R: Jil Sander, Jil Sander, Emporio Armani, Marc Jacobs, Coach, House of Holland, Christopher Kane, Marc Jacobs, Gucci
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