There are some boots that will never go out of style. This reason in itself justifies the investment—if it’s something you can wear for years, it’s absolutely worth the splurge.
But how do you make something so timeless feel fresh? We asked style influencer Brittany Xavier to style four classic boot silhouettes in a way that feels fresh for fall.
1. The Combat Boot
The black combat boot may be standard issue, but don’t feel relegated to the expected hue. “I love the muted color of these combat boots,” says Xavier, who styled her MCKENZEE boots with a cozy, off-white sweater and cropped pants. “They’re a bit taupe, and I don’t have any other boots that are this color currently in my closet.”
The combat adds the perfect amount of edge to any outfit. Not only is it sturdy, but the utilitarian style is versatile too. “They can be styled up or down and throughout any season,” says the street-style star. “You’ll find me wearing them in the summer with shorts and in the winter time with jeans and a coat or a mini dress and sheer tights.”
2. The Buckle Boot
In a cream cardigan and white, wide-leg pants that crop just high enough, Xavier channels a “slight cowboy vibe” with her buckled boots. The doubled metal hardware and leather add unexpected dimension and character to her neutral, clean outfit. At the same time, the shoe would fare just as well paired with an animal print or statement piece, she insists.
“These boots are a classic to me because they can be worn with a casual outfit to run a few errands, or to elevate the look and make it a bit more business casual,” says Xavier. “And I don’t have to worry about my feet hurting because of the small heel, which is so important!”
3. The Classic Ankle Bootie
There’s one very important thing to always remember when justifying the purchase of the classic black leather boot: It will never feel outdated.
“This boot is essential for the fall/winter season! It can seriously be paired with anything,” says the style blogger. “With the basic tee, light wash jeans, and blazer, I felt that the booties gave this look a classy-yet-edgy vibe—best of both worlds.”
And the outfit options are endless, says Xavier. “These booties would look super chic with a belted pair of oversized jeans and a cropped sweater giving major off-duty vibes, or worn with a suit,” she suggests.
4. The Cold-Weather Boot
Clever cold-weather fashion calls for lots of layering and mixing textures. Cold-weather boots are essential, too, and this season’s take offers a combination of warmth with its shearling lining and comfort with its supportive rubber sneaker sole. Pairing the suede lace-up snow boots with an oversize leather jacket, Xavier has this style skill down pat.
“Suede has always been a staple of mine when it comes to shoes,” she says. “Although it’s pretty rare, whenever it gets really cold in LA, it helps to have shoes that have a soft, fuzzy fabric inside to help me stay warm. We visit Mammoth, California, several times during the winter to ski, and these would be perfect for my weekends there as well!”