10 Types of Boots We're All Going to Be Wearing This Season

Boots are an essential part of any wardrobe. In fact, we'd say that we rely on the fail-safe footwear option year-round, even during the balmy summer months where it wouldn't be uncommon for the Who What Wear UK team to style a pair of kitten-heel ankle boots with a swishy floral sundress. While we're aware this might sound totally bonkers to some, for us, it's not an exaggeration to say our wardrobes couldn't function without one or two pairs on rotation at any given time.

Now that we're headed into autumn (and a long stretch of cool weather ahead), we couldn't think of a better time to run through the new-season styles currently dropping into stores. Some are classics and investment styles we turn to again and again, but others may seem more directional (though well worth a look if you've been stockpiling basics and need a trend-led boost). Scroll below to see and shop autumn's 10 key boot styles, from super-slouchy heeled options to chunky hiking boots that wouldn't be out of place during a snowstorm.

Thanks to the fashion crowd, the Western boot trend shows no sign of slowing any time soon. We're into every variation of this trend—ankle styles or something taller to wear with midi skirts. Any pair will make your everyday outfit feel infinitely cooler.

While hiking boots are still firmly on the agenda (more on those later), we couldn't help but notice that combat boots are having a bit of a moment too. Always modelled in black leather, wear them with everything from floral dresses to high-waist trousers. 

Want one super-versatile, wear-with-everything pair of ankle boots? Opt for something white with a mid heel. Pointed-toes always feel glamorous but, for day-to-day wear, try a round-toe. 

A pair of suede knee-high boots will forever be a hero style. If you're unsure of how to style your timeless pair, take a cue from Hanna Stefansson and slip yours on underneath a midi dress. 

Leopard print takes a backseat for boot season, instead let snake motifs pave the wild way. Try clashing yours with a pair of checked trousers, inspired by Brittany Xavier. 

Red might seem like a daunting colour to wear but, choose a slightly darker take on the hue, and you'll fid it'll go with just about everything you own. Though if Nnenna's look is anything to go by, you should certainly consider wearing it top-to-toe. 

Practical footwear fans rejoice: Hiking boots are back for autumn once again and are ideal for replacing trainers when it's totally freezing out.

Slouchy boots are a stylish option if you're looking for something to wear with day dresses or jeans, like Ellie. For comfort, we're slipping into block-heel styles in soft leather or suede.

We keep seeing pastel boots cropping up in various new-in sections. Clocking Jessie Bush in a pair confirms it—candy tones are going to be big on the boot circuit this season. 

When it comes to fashion, it's often the little details that make the most impact. Cue the contrast toe-caps that keep appearing on ankle boots. 

This post was originally published at an earlier time and has since been updated.

Next up, see our guide to the key autumn/winter 2019 trends.