We all dream about owning a showstopping pair of Louboutins or Jimmy Choos, but it's often the more nondescript pieces of footwear that serve us best, and I certainly have to admit that this is true of the one boot I've ever bought twice: M&S's perennial 'stretchy boot'.
These boots are long, stylish and comfortable and look great with almost literally anything. They don't last forever, but my first pair did me proud for a couple of winters, while my second are already doing good service. M&S change the styles slightly every season but they all essentially boil down to the same thing: easy, wearable boots that can be dressed up or down and give you the essential long-booted look for less.
£35 at Marks & Spencer
Related: M&S Limited Collection Victoriana boot | Limited Collection high shine shoe boots from M&S
Animal print is ubiquitous at the moment, but I've not seen anything quite as striking as these 'Cowboy' cowhide boots by Moloh before now.
The tall, pull-on style boots are both practical and stylish with that 'English with a quirky edge' feel to them that's massive at the moment, and I particularly like the pink silky lining, which contrasts beautifully and would be visible as you walk. They're available exclusively through Moloh, which is launching its first London boutique in Pimlico on 1st October. If you like this style but can't quite stretch to the cost, there are quite a few similar ones in the sale section of Moloh's site: I particularly like this style with its oversized tassel and brogue.
£365 at Moloh
Still looking for those elusive transitional booties? If what's separating you from your perfect pair is a lack of interesting, affordable ankle boots with a bit of a twist then you may want to check out this limited edition style at New Look, which takes its influences from oriental-style tailoring.
Whether you're looking for some perfectly matching and affordable footwear to go with a kimono or oriental-style dress or want to add interest to a plainer outfit, these booties could be a good buy.
£40 at New Look
Related: Kirsty Gallacher's 'new look' delights skint shoe lovers | New Look channels Chanel with quilted booties
Ah, ruffles! Another ubiquitous shoe decoration that's still not going anywhere in a hurry. I've not seen the style used in quite this way before though, which is funny considering how well it seems to work so well.
Dolce & Gabbana have taken a very elegant suede boot with a sharply-sculpted heel and festooned it with a lush metallic ruffle that instantly ups the style factor by 100. I love the deep bronze of the frill and (although I'm sure many will try) don't see this being an easy one to copy convincingly, as the style's in the quality of the basic boot.
£880 at Luisaviaroma
There's nothing more useful to have in your winter wardrobe than a pair of knee-length boots. Worn under trousers they provide extra warmth, but you can also vamp them up by paring them with short skirts for sexier look. I can already tell that these wine-coloured boots by Bronx would serve both purposes admirably.
The utilitarian looking black tread on the sole provides pleasing contrast that works whether the entire boots is on display or just the bottom section, while the smooth, shapely leather adds interest further up. And they're slender enough to do rugged or elegant, depending on your mood. Definitely a good all-rounder, and they're available in black, too.
£109 at Schuh
Related: Miu Miu contrast heel leather boots | Amuse patent waterproof boots
I always feel a little furtive putting posts about H&M shoes I've 'spied' in this blog, but until they get a website sorted out it does seem to be the only way to write about them! So apologies for my poor photography for now. The point I'm trying to make is that Lady Gaga style has now hit the high street big-time, and this sort of leg-gear is now showing up on the accessories racks of affordable shops like H&M.
I'm not sure quite whether I'm impressed or scard by this turn of events: armies of thigh-high boot clad girlies thronging the streets sounds a bit like something form a Superhero movie, which is kind of cool in principle but it's no easy look to pull off. On the other hand, these zip on zip off boots (which are really just sandals with a long boot bit attached) certainly will be, and could make an outfit go from 0 to 60 in seconds.
If you like 'em, they're £49.99 at your local H&M
Related: Guess the owner: Louis Vuitton thigh-length boots | Thigh-high boots from Topshop
I seem to recall a time when separating the heel and main body of a shoe with something as radical as two different colours was a complete style no-no, but at the moment it seems to be very much the done thing.
The contrast is very much what makes these smart booties by Miu Miu and the matte cream of the heels really enhances the shine on the leather so you can really sense its quality. I'd love a pair of these to see me through winter; they look tough. Sadly, so does the price: £387 at My Theresa
Related: Amuse patent waterproof multicoloured boots | See by Chloe shearling trim knee-high boots
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