We know, we know—this fashion game is a fickle thing. While you're just figuring out what to wear with espadrilles and working up to splash out on those must-have summer sandals, we're already thinking about what our feet are going to be decked in come autumn (hint: not espadrilles or sandals, so get as much wear out of them now as you possibly can).
But it pays to be informed about the key trends early and let them simmer for a while, that way when the shops start stocking winter boots, you'll know which styles you don't want to miss out and those you're happy to miss. And with the A/W 17 shows having taken place last February and March, we've had ample time to dissect what we saw on the catwalks and categorise them into the key trends we think you'll care about the most.
So what's hot? Boots, ranging across the taste spectrum from '80s-style slouchy to western-inspired feature heavily, but designers had a lot of fun with embellishment and sculpted heel details too. And velvet, lashings of velvet. As of yet, there's no evidence of a polarising shoe movement to debate, but there's still time for an obscure brand to leap in and claim the new season's "ugly"-shoe crown.
So here's some fun homework: Scroll through the gallery below to get ahead on the key footwear trends for A/W 17.
Style Notes: This is where the heel works as hard as the detail on the rest of the shoe. We loved Prada's gold-tipped courts.
Dries Van Noten
Marni
We can always rely on Mango for a directional heel. Red not your thing? They also come in black.
Buy now, wear forever. These Prada ankle boots are worth every single penny.
Style Notes: Maybe you've still got a pair from the first time around. If you haven't, Marc Jacobs's hardworking style is a savvy investment that will go with trousers and skirts alike.
Saint Laurent
Michael Kors
This boot is undoubtedly Zara's It style of the season. Wear yours under midi skirts and slouchy knits.
For something a little less statement but every bit as fun, look to Tibi for a mid-calf velvet option.
Style Notes: New-season party shoes are unashamedly disco. If it ain't sparkly like this Isabel Marant pair, then think twice before buying.
The slip-on flat has had a new-season makeover. We're wearing ours with an oversized white boyfriend shirt and ankle-grazing jeans.
Attico is the brand on all our minds right now, and this glitzy pair of pumps just shot straight to the top of our wish list.
Style Notes: Utility-style boots are back once more but with more emphasis on lace-ups than chunky buckles this time around. And the colour choice is more diverse too, as witnessed at Altuzarra.
Hermès
Valentino has your heeled combat boot covered with this standout style.
Combat boots can be worn now with floaty floral frocks and taken into autumn styled with chunky knits and tailored coats.
Style Notes: What to wear with last season's velvet dress? New, co-ordinating footwear. At the top of our shopping list is these unapologetically sexy lace-ups by Giambattista Valli (and a bulk buy of protector spray).
Carolina Herrera
Tibi
This mid-height heel is so wearable, and we're loving the dainty ankle strap detailing, too.
Another season, another winning pair of shoes from Marco de Vincenzo.
Style Notes: Be prepared for winter boots to come with a little side of cowboy charm next season. These Balmain beauties are the perfect marriage of rock 'n' roll, Chelsea and cowboy.
Calvin Klein
Not quite ready to slip into a cowboy boot? Try Dorateymur for a subtle nod to the trend.
Ganni has your off-duty boot sorted, in the form of this croc-effect ankle boot of your dreams.Next up, check out the holiday packing list every fashion girl should check before travelling.
