The summer sandals are officially back in the cupboard for hibernation.
Because boots are, hands down, my favourite. There’s something about the security of them. The comfort. The fact that one good pair can carry you from the school run to dinner with ease. I’m locking in for at least the next five months.
Wet leaves. Chilly mornings. Between boots and a trusty pair of trainers, you’re covered. Here are four edits for four moods.
👢 The Knee-High Moment
The one that does the heavy lifting. Throw them on with a midi dress you wore all summer and suddenly it’s an autumn outfit. Same dress, different season. Pair with jeans tucked in, or over the top. Both work.
I’ve gone for a mix this year. One tan, one black, one a bit more of a statement. If you only buy one pair of boots this season, this is where I’d invest.
🥾 The Everyday Ankle Boot
The workhorse. School run, coffee, quick dash to the shops, back in time to pretend you’ve been productive. These are the ones that live by the door and get worn until they fall apart.
I’m leaning into a slightly chunkier sole this year. Something with a bit of grip for wet weather too. A low block heel if you want the polish, flat if you’re running around after small people.
🧵 Loafer & Flats
The grown-up option. For when jeans and trainers feel a bit too weekend and you want to look like you’ve made a small effort. Loafers do that well. Wear them with denim, with tailored trousers, with a long skirt and thick tights. All of it works.
And for the days even a loafer feels like too much shoe, a good flat does the same job with zero effort whether it’s ballet flats, pointed flats or a simple slip-on.
👟 The Autumn Trainer
Not too white. Not gym trainers. Something in between. The pair you can wear with a floaty dress and a jumper and it looks intentional. Suede is having a moment this year. Cream, taupe, chocolate brown.
These are the ones I’ll be living in when I’m on must go-fast mode.
💛 Small Business Shout Out – MALOW London
My lovely work wife Hannah put me onto this brand a few weeks ago, and we totally need this.
You know the feeling. You put the heels on, you look great, and within an hour you’re wondering how long until you can reasonably take them off. Co-founder Emily Bennett has spent over 20 years designing footwear, and like most of us, kept reaching for beautiful heels and regretting it by the main course. So she built a brand around the idea that comfort and style shouldn’t be a trade-off.
Cushioned foam footbeds. Gentle arch support. Secure straps and stable heels. Timeless shapes in colours that actually go with what you already own, definitely give them a try!
However you’re stepping into autumn, whether that’s new boots or the same trainers you’ve had for three years, no pressure, no perfection.
Just don’t forget to crunch those leaves whilst you can.
Louise x
*Affiliated links used for some products and brand partnerships.