To temper the dread of saying goodbye (for now) to your favorite pair of Summer sandals, we've gone ahead and mapped out your Fall footwear [1] transition — starting with this season's must-wear boots.
Inspired by the trendsetting street style scene [2] outside the Fall 2014 shows and tasked with shopping at every price point, we've compiled picks that represent the best of the burgeoning trends worth following. Translation: expect a healthy mix of shearling-lined, cutout-infused, lug-soled, over-the-knee, mod, and colorblock options. And while some Fall fare (we're looking at you, ankle boots) never fades from view, we love that designers took risks by fusing beloved styles with unexpected textures and hues, and in some cases overhauling them altogether. We'll let the boots — all 89 of them — speak for themselves. Shop accordingly.
Source: Getty / 2014 Kirstin Sinclair [3]
Over-the-Knee Boots
This is arguably the sexiest way to wear a tall boot, right? Not only have these over-the-knee iterations gotten the Fall-runway stamp of approval — thanks to Balenciaga, Alexander Wang, and Fendi — but they've also gained some serious street style cred. If you aren't ready to go the supersultry route, wear a flat pair with a miniskirt and slouchy sweater. Trust us: it's still a statement-making look.
Over-the-Knee Boots
Vince Camuto Karita Over the Knee Boot [4] ($169)
Over-the-Knee Boots
Kristin Cavallari Cassie Over the Knee Boot [5] ($299)
Over-the-Knee Boots
Tory Burch Simone Over-the-Knee Logo Boot [6] ($525)
Over-the-Knee Boots
Alice + Olivia Dae Stretch Over-the-Knee Boot [7] ($795)
Over-the-Knee Boots
Free People Boots — Grandeur Over the Knee [8] ($398)
Over-the-Knee Boots
Guess Naddy Over-the-Knee Pointed-Toe Boots [9] ($179)
Mod Boots
The mod boot, most commonly associated with the '60s Chelsea silhouette, isn't going anywhere this Fall, and why should it? Valentino, Saint Laurent, and Gucci reminded us why this low-heeled option is a seasonal must, sending various takes on a revamped Chelsea boot down the runway.
Whether you opt for something a little more high impact (think metallic shine or animal print) or stick with a classic patent black pair, it's one of the easiest — and most stylish — you'll wear.
Mod Boots
Gap Chelsea Booties [10] ($90)
Mod Boots
Saint Laurent Mod Glitter Ankle Boot [11] ($1,145)
Mod Boots
Acne Studios Jensen Booties [12] ($550)
Mod Boots
Steve Madden Palace Bootie [13] ($100)
Mod Boots
L'Autre Chose Suede Ankle Boots With Gilded Heel [14] ($425)
Mod Boots
Studio Pollini Contrast Booties [15] ($465)
Mod Boots
Saint Laurent Wyatt Suede Chelsea Boots [16] ($995)
Mod Boots
Opening Ceremony Jeolla Chelsea Boot [17] ($460)
Mod Boots
Chloé Studded Leather Chelsea Boot [18] ($995)
Cutout Boots
From the ankle to the heel, unexpected cutouts — and even some completely backless versions thrown into the mix — provide the perfect antidote to standard Fall boot fare. While slightly edgier and a little less insulating, the cutout boot adds instant intrigue to any outfit.
If you want the tough-girl effect, opt for a pair with chunky moto-inspired buckles and wear them with an equally cool leather jacket on top. If you want to temper the look with something sweeter, try a high-heel cutout bootie with a below-the-knee skirt and soft t-shirt.
Cutout Boots
Forever 21 Buckled Open-Toe Booties [19] ($37)
Cutout Boots
BCBGeneration Jezebelle Pointy Toe Cutout Bootie [20] ($98)
Cutout Boots
Rag & Bone Wyatt Suede Open-Toe Back-Strap Bootie in Bordeaux [21] ($550)
Cutout Boots
Carvela Gabby Black Lazer Cut Out Heeled Shoe Boots [22] ($229)
Cutout Boots
Loeffler Randall Pointed Toe Booties [23] ($395)
Cutout Boots
ASOS Apollo Leather Cut Out Ankle Boots [24] ($80)
Cutout Boots
Rebecca Minkoff Acadia Side-Cutout Bootie [25] ($350)
Cutout Boots
Marc by Marc Jacobs Cut-Out Leather Ankle Boots [26] ($398)
Cutout Boots
Rachel Comey Rules Cutout Booties [27] ($435)
Cutout Boots
Tibi Leather Two-Tone Cutout Ankle Boots [28] ($535)
Cutout Boots
Luxury Rebel Mandy Cut Out Booties [29] ($185)
Black and White
While the black-and-white boot is a shoe-in as the minimalist's dream color combo, it should also appeal to the girl who seeks a dramatic style statement. Between the stark contrast and modish reference, it certainly makes for a fun Fall boot option. Kenzo and Phillip Lim would agree.
Black and White
Sam Edelman Justin Chelsea Booties [30] ($140)
Black and White
Toga Pulla Pulla Side Buckled Shoe [31] ($516)
Black and White
Tibi Bridig Boot in Tapestry [32] ($575)
Black and White
Zara Two-Color Perforated Bootie [33] ($100)
Black and White
Proenza Schouler Woven Open Toe Leather Heels in Black & White [34] ($1,195)
Black and White
Alexander Wang Cara Colorblock Booties With Haircalf Trim [35] ($850)
Black and White
Tabitha Simmons Tinsley Leather Ankle Boots [36] ($1,051)
Black and White
Nine West Women's Darbie Boot [37] ($119)
Black and White
Saint Laurent Bicolor Leather Fold-Over Ankle Boots [38] ($1,195)
Black and White
Rag & Bone Harrow Boot [39] ($495)
Black and White
Loeffler Randall Mercer Block Heel Boot [40] ($495)
Black and White
Webster Sophia Riko Leather Boot [41] ($795)
Black and White
French Connection Morgann Heeled Boots [42] ($155)
Lug Soles
What's there to love about the lug — the thick rubber sole with deep indentations often found on construction boots — other than its trail of designer enthusiasts, among them Stuart Vevers of Coach, Tommy Hilfiger, and the boys of Rag & Bone? It offers up a more rugged take on footwear, not to mention a functional one. As in, you won't have to worry about those slick postrain sidewalks in these rubber-ridge-soled pairs.
Lug Soles
Melissa Platform Rain Booties — Soldier High Heel [43] ($185)
Lug Soles
Stuart Weitzman The Jitterbug Bootie [44] ($535)
Lug Soles
Derek Lam 10 Crosby Karli Wedge Bootie [45] ($475)
Lug Soles
Barneys New York Garnet Ankle Boots [46] ($545)
Lug Soles
Kenneth Cole Otto Lug Sole Ankle-Strap Booties [47] ($225)
Lug Soles
Chloé Lookbook Lug Boot [48] ($1,370)
Lug Soles
DV8 by Dolce Vita Linnie Lug-Heeled Booties [49] ($70)
Lug Soles
Steve Madden Andie Bootie [50] ($80)
Lug Soles
Belstaff Buckle-Strap Stratfield Boots [51] ($995)
Lug Soles
Michael Michael Kors Viva Booties [52] ($295)
Lug Soles
Diane von Furstenberg Paige Hiking Boots [53] ($375)
Lug Soles
Lara Hampton Ankle Boots [54] ($269)
Lug Soles
Chinese Laundry Boomerang Bootie [55] ($60)
Lug Soles
Aldo Torella Boot [56] ($120)
Lug Soles
Sam Edelman Lug Sole Fowler Booties [57] ($190)
Lug Soles
Jeffrey Campbell Clash Lug Sole Combat Boots [58] ($225)
Textural Boots
When we say "textural," what we're referring to in boot speak are the pairs laden and lined with the fuzziest, furriest, and most-warmth-inducing details. From colorful fur to cozy shearling to luxe calf-hair finishes and Western fringe, these boots have a little something extra to offer their wearers.
Textural Boots
Bar III Festa Booties [59] ($119)
Textural Boots
Tabitha Simmons Shadow Pony-Hair Ankle Boots [60] ($952)
Textural Boots
Zara Fur and Leather Low Biker Boot [61] ($159)
Textural Boots
Ermanno Scervino Fur-Trimmed Boots [62] ($1,752)
Textural Boots
Michael Michael Kors Rhea Flat Suede Fringe Boot [63] ($285)
Textural Boots
Jeffrey Campbell Truly Boot [64] ($172)
Textural Boots
Loeffler Randall Ella Python-Print Calf Hair Ankle Bootie [65] ($450)
Textural Boots
Chiara Ferragni Liz Fringed Boots [66] ($376)
Textural Boots
See by Chloé Keyra Short Booties With Fur Lining [67] ($480)
Textural Boots
3.1 Phillip Lim Alexa Shearling Boot [68] ($695)
Textural Boots
Sam Edelman Justin Bootie With Calf Fur [69] ($170)
Strappy Boots
Unlike the biker bootstraps we've grown to love in seasons past, these versions come all wrapped up in a different kind of strap situation. Seen on the runways at Louis Vuitton, Isabel Marant, and Salvatore Ferragamo, these strappy boots — from ballet-inspired wraparound details to Velcro multistraps to equestrian leather two-strap details — are the answer to your lace-up fatigue.
Strappy Boots
Rebecca Minkoff Maggie Calf Hair Wedge Boots [70] ($375)
Strappy Boots
Oasis Isabelle Strapped Ankle Boot [71] ($88)
Strappy Boots
Gianvito Rossi Buckle Strap Mid-Calf Boot [72] ($1,195)
Strappy Boots
Swear Ankle Boots [73] ($295)
Strappy Boots
Franco Sarto Celeste Riding Boot [74] ($140)
Strappy Boots
Ralph Lauren Modina Boot [75] ($895)
Strappy Boots
Forever 21 Ridged Ankle Strap Booties [76] ($37)
Strappy Boots
Vince Camuto Kannon Wedge [77] ($159)
Strappy Boots
Bella Vita Women's Raine Boot [78] ($100)
Strappy Boots
L.K.Bennett Leona Boot [79] ($675)
Strappy Boots
Isabel Marant Tie-Fastening Ankle Boots [80] ($961)
Strappy Boots
American Eagle AEO Buckle Strap Bootie [81] ($60)
Strappy Boots
Kelsi Dagger Black Leather Buckle-Strap Karavan Riding Boots [82] ($187)
Strappy Boots
See by Chloé Double Strap Booties [83] ($445)
Strappy Boots
Studio Pollini Wrap Strap Boots [84] ($650)
Strappy Boots
BCBG Max Azria Runway Krimp High-Heel Pointed-Toe Day Boot [85] ($325)