The Boot Report: What’s In, What’s Out

The right pair of shoes can add polish and style to an outfit, or it can bring the whole outfit down. The same can be said for boots, and it seems that many of you have questions. What’s in? What’s out? What’s flattering and what’s frumpy?

Like everything in fashion, boots have changed pretty dramatically over the last couple of years, and so if you’re still wearing a style that was trendy 5+ years ago, it might be time for an update. Fortunately, you can find a style that suits your life, your personal style, and your budget. From Target and H&M to Saks and Sarah Flint, there is a shoe for every price range in this catalog.

And now, your crash course in what’s hot, what’s not when it comes to boots.

4 Types of Boots You Need In Your Wardrobe

If you want to build a “boot wardrobe” (and I mean, why wouldn’t you), these are the 4 styles that will check most of the boxes for you:

• High Boot: This can be a cowboy boot, a riding boot, or a simple and sleek neutral boot, but you want a boot that hits to the mid-calf or higher. An over-the-knee boot is a fun statement piece, but is not as versatile so it shouldn’t be your only high boot.
• Rain Boot: A waterproof rain boot for wet and slushy days is both useful and stylish.
• Dress Boot: A boot that you can wear with dresses or dress pants, maybe with a heel or with a sleek and simple shape (no lug sole or casual topstitching) is another essential. Some styles can even be dressed up or down.
• Bootie: A Chelsea boot or ankle bootie style is the final option, and probably the most worn and most versatile for many wardrobes.

Trending Boots for 2022

Boots are hot this year, and we’re seeing very different styles than in the past. Here, a few of this season’s hottest styles to consider:

• Lug Sole Boot: Chic and utilitarian
• Platform Boot: Height without the stiletto
• Waterproof Boot: Function and color
• Riding Boot: Back and sleeker than ever
• Over-the-Knee Boot: Fun and flirty
• Cowboy Boots: Instant cool-girl factor
• Sock Booties: Sleek and comfortable
• Stiletto Booties: Feminine and dressy

Wear This, Not That

Many of us have outdated, worn, or simply unflattering boots lingering in the back of the closet. Here, outdated boot styles and modern, chic replacements.

Hiking Boots

The bulky strictly utiliarian hiking boot has gotten an upgrade thanks to brands like Sorel, so consider a sleeker and more versatile style that works for hikes and hiking around town.

Shapeless Boot

The soleless, shapeless, round-toe bootie that many of us owned a few years ago has been replaced by a style with more structure and substance.

Outdated Booties

Every single one of us owned a stacked heel, taupe or brown or maybe black, round toe bootie back in the day. Today, these are replaced by modern booties with pointed or square toes, or a cool Chelsea boot style.

Slouchy Boots

Ditch the sloppy slouchy and shapeless boots with bad detailing for a more modern slouchy style, , with a definite sole and heel and a more intentional slouch.

Vintage Boots

If you have artistic, creative, or vintage style, chances are you’ve eyed a pair like one of these. The first pair is round toe, dated, and aging looking, while the next two (from Thursday Boot Co and Free People) are much more flattering but still offer detail and a vintage flair.

Riding Boots

Break out your skinny jeans again (if you put them away) and try them with a sleek new riding boot, an easy and versatile update on the two-tone style from a few years ago. (Don’t throw the two-tone style away, though. They will be back!)

Which of these boot styles is your favorite? And which are you considering for this season? Let me know in the comments!