With a heel or without? Lined or narrow cut? Boots are not just boots. A trend expert reveals which ones are hot this autumn and winter.
In an interview, Claudia Schulz, spokeswoman for the German Shoe Institute, explains why western boots look particularly good on your feet in the transitional period – and when you should put your trousers in boots.
Boots are as much a part of fall and winter as swimwear is to summer. Which models can we look forward to for the 2023 and 2024 season?
Immediately on several. A big favorite are western boots in all forms. Models that have a high shaft and go almost to the knee are particularly popular for autumn. The great thing about these boots: They extend the clothing season in the direction of autumn, since you can go outside for a while without tights. That just looks cooler.
Otherwise there are many great ankle boots. In addition to pointed shapes, the trend is towards angular or square shapes.
And what materials are used?
That depends entirely on the shoe. But smooth leather, i.e. a beautiful nappa leather, usually fits. Suede leather is also popular, I’m thinking of the warm cognac tones, for example. Another trend that’s coming back is ankle boots made from stretch materials. In any case, they have the great advantage that they adapt to really every foot and every leg.
What about perennial favourites, such as biker boots or over-the-knee boots?
There is a lot of talk about mini skirts at the moment and the overknee is always popular in winter. In contrast to the western boots, I would recommend opaque tights here. That can de-dramatize the look a bit.
Otherwise, knee-high, straight-cut boots with rough soles are on the rise. They are almost reminiscent of rubber boots and are perfect for breaking up the style. Knee socks in contrasting colors, as well as feminine dresses or skirts – and you already have a great look.
As is often the case with trends, many of them have been there before. Is there a trend that is really new?
It’s always difficult and it depends on your age. I’ll soon be 60 years old and of course I’ve already seen many trends and been part of every boot trend. But for the young girls, cowboy boots are a new topic. That’s why I find it difficult to say, we’ve had it all before. There is always the question of how to combine boots.
You just mentioned the biker boots, which are classics for me. But if I wear them with a contrasting sole this winter and style them with a mini skirt and oversized blazer, it will be a new look.
What trends can we expect from men?
The classic Chelsea boot is back. Young, fashionable men already wore loafers in shiny brushed leather in the summer and this material trend continues with boots.
But men are also welcome to choose sturdy boots, i.e. lace-up boots that go a little higher than just the ankle. It looks particularly casual when the man then tucks his trousers in.
Aside from boots, what other shoe trends are shaping fall and winter?
I think black is very important. Of course, this shade is always there, but this season it’s really being celebrated as a fashion color. I can display black over a wide variety of textures. In the case of shoes, these are matt-gloss models, and in the case of outerwear, perhaps a velvet fabric.
But we don’t have to do without color this autumn. On the contrary. Ankle boots in precious stone colors such as emerald or amethyst are popular, as are stretch booties with lurex or shiny threads.
And suitable for the transition: ballerinas are making a comeback, with straps or – thinking in the direction of Chanel – with a colored tip. Doesn’t have to be made of leather either, but made of brocade, velvet or metallic paint, for example. Combined with baggy jeans and a blazer, an exciting outfit of contrasts is created – and that’s my favorite styling tip for the coming season anyway.