Shoes: What to Wear this Winter

Winter is here, and that means it is time to buy our new winter ankle boots. There are plenty of styles of ankle boot on sale, so here we will turn our attentions to the hottest styles in order to help you decide which ones to wear.

To Heel or Not to Heel, That is the Question

Hmm, unsure about the Shakespeare reference, but there are a few old fashioned styles of ankle boot making a comeback. In terms of the type of heels that are popular today, you can choose between a stiletto heel, a wedge heel, or flats. Other heels, such as the kitten heel, appear to be less popular amongst the fashionista this season, so if you want to stay in style, we suggest opting for the three mentioned in the previous sentence.

What does Shakespeare have to do with heels? Well, it was around the 17th century when heels first came into use. The reason why heels appeared was not a question of style, but health. People began wearing heels as the inner cities developed into urban sprawls, where, without a sewage system, human waste was simply dumped in the streets. To avoid walking in the mess, and therefore prevent, to some degree some of the inherent diseases of squalor, people took to wearing heels to get raise themselves above the mess. The taller the heel, the richer you were, because only rich people could afford the added expense of the heel. Perhaps it is for this reason, that the tallest heels (e.g. stilettos) tend also to be seen as the most sophisticated and refined.


This Season's Hottest Styles

Talking of the past, we seem to be seeing a return to 19th century fashions. Namely, the Chelsea boot. This season, ankle boots in a Chelsea-esque style are very popular. Opt for an autumnal colour, such as mustard yellows and browns if you want to stay on-trend.
Snow boots are very popular this year and will appeal to those of you who like a more casual, laid-back, wardrobe. Because this style is still relatively new, it is best to underplay it slightly by opting for plain colours, such as blues and blacks, rather than the brighter reds and yellows you may see.
Fur is huge this season, as it is most winter, and the furrier the boots, the better. We particularly like the ankle boots with a fold down cuff. They add an interesting twist to the standard fur-trim that we are seeing at present.
If you prefer a grungier look, then the Dr Martens Binky boots are perfect. They have a slouch upper and lace embellishment at the back. These are great for creating a nice casual outfit, for example, by wearing a pair of skinny jeans with a slouchy, thick-knit, jumper.
If you want a dressier shoe, for a night out for example, then you should opt for a stiletto shoe with a slight platform. These will add a hint of sophistication and will elongate the legs, creating a svelte silhouette.