When it comes to autumn dressing, one thing is a given: once the fallen leaves are high enough to kick through, we’ll be wearing boots to do it in. Judging by the change in the weather this week, that time is approaching fast.
I’m also a believer that every woman should, over time, build herself a mini boot wardrobe – a personal go to selection of high-quality pairs to call on every year.
That edit should include a chic leather knee-high boot - riding inspired or straight - the forever perfect accessory to wear with a midi, maxi or pencil skirt, a long dress or over slim cut trousers and leggings.
A buckled biker boot with a block heel to wear with jeans or cords. A smart short boot, like a sock, Chelsea or cowboy style that hugs close to the ankles and slips well under tailoring, and a mid-calf boot that works well with shorter skirts and dresses.
Until this week, I wouldn't have put M&S at the top of the list as the place to build that wardrobe. But times have changed.
Following M&S' centenary fashion show at London Fashion Week last month, it's clear the retailer has entered a new era, and now offers luxury-looking (and in some cases actual luxury) versions of all the best boot styles around.
Leather Leopard Print Knee High Boot
The two leather knee high boots shown on their runway, and shared above and below, are a case in point. The best, a flat knee-high leather leopard print boot, was styled with long dresses and skirts and made every outfit they were placed with look incredibly chic, while a pair of high heeled mahogany brown leather over-the-knee boots are the fashion statement to wear with party dresses, kilts, and shorter skirts.
Leather Block Heel Over The Knee Boots
Dig a little deeper into M&S boot selection and you’ll also find Vivienne Westwood inspired buckle boots, three styles of sock boot, one at just £40, and an affordable non-leather luxury-coded buckled riding boot for £60.
Buckle Boot
Buckle Riding Boot
Buckle Riding Round Toe Knee High Boot, Brown
Buckle Riding Round Toe Knee High Boot, Brown
Buckle Riding Round Toe Knee High Boot, Black
Buckle Riding Round Toe Knee High Boot, Black
The only problem? M&S' website is so vast it's very hard to find what you're looking for.
Exactly why I’ve gathered them together for you today, while they are all still fully stocked. All that remains, is to see if whether there is a gap in your autumn boots line-up waiting to be filled.
If there is, for the first time - whether you seek an over-the-knee boot in quality leather, or a chic and affordable everyday ankle boot - M&S probably has what you’re looking for.
Sock Boots
Cowboy Boots
Leather Cowboy Block Heel Pointed Toe Boots
