If the winter fashion trends feel daunting, put all the focus on your feet instead.
Every major style paraded on the international catwalks came with boots included.
So if the top-to-toe dominatrix look is a step too far, then just try the over-knee boots on their own.
Worried by the thought of faux fur? Pull on a cuff bootie for a nod to the texture trend instead. Wedge, flat or heel, you can easily put your own stamp on a top trend via your footwear. Here’s our easy guide...
MOD SQUAD: Burberry and Prada championed a Sixties comeback and boots have followed in their footsteps. Choose ankle styles with a mid-height block heel for a retro take that’s both versatile and walkable. Go the whole hog and team with a Sixties shift.
BOOT BUY: Next black 1960s ankle boots, £48 (next.co.uk)
COLOUR BLOCK: Jewel colours dazzled on the catwalks but it’s juicy berry tones that have really got mouths watering. Look for ruby, garnet or crimson. If you’re trying out top-to-toe colour, then match your legwear – tights or trousers – to your boots for legs that go on and on.
BOOT BUY: Russell & Bromley Victoria red platform boots, £375 (russelland bromley.co.uk)
GLITTER BUG: Roberto Cavalli and Dolce & Gabbana set the tone for catwalk shimmer and shine with razzle-dazzle aplenty. If sequin dresses aren’t your thing, bling up your boots instead with Miu Miu-inspired glitter numbers. Beware of magpies!
BOOT BUY: ASOS Astrid glitter ankle boots, £50 (asos.com)
KINKY BOOTS: Fetish is the risque trend of the season and bad girl heels are the easiest way to surrender. Always black with a mean heel and plenty of lace-up or strappy detailing, these boots will have fashionistas cowering in style submission.
Go above the knee if you dare but avoid the Pretty Woman patent references and stick to slick leather.
BOOT BUY: Dune Paramount black lace-up boots, £199 (dune.co.uk)
ANIMAL INSTINCT: Big cat spots, Dalmatian dots and snake/animal skins are the print of the season. Go wild with leopard print boots in the classic black and beige colourway or try something less conventional such as monochrome spots or coloured snakeskin a la Prada.
BOOT BUY: Topshop Anika leopard print boots, £65 (topshop.com)
HERITAGE HOUND: Who knows if the Royal Wedding sparked the heritage obsession but countryside chic reigned on the catwalks at Yves Saint Laurent and Chanel. If Highland weaves, plaid and check aren’t your thing, stick to traditional riding boots to mount the trend.
BOOT BUY: Laura Ashley contrast trim riding boots, £135 (lauraashley.com)
FUR FEVER: A distinct lack of Arctic temperatures render faux fur coats pretty redundant most of the year, so decorate your legs instead. The catwalk’s fixation with furs at the likes of Gucci and Versace has turned footwear cuddly. Go full-on with an all-over faux fur boot or subtle with a cosy cuff around the ankle or calf.
BOOT BUY: Ellos faux fur wedge boots, £45 (laredoute.co.uk)
METALLIC MAVEN: Metallic tones at Stella McCartney and Balmain proved heavy metal is in. Even the chunkiest of boots look instantly glam with a metallic makeover. Make it your time to shine, day or night, with a dirty metallic such as bronze, gunmetal or pewter.
BOOT BUY: Kurt Geiger Salem biker boots in gunmetal, £190 (kurtgeiger.com)
SEVENTIES CHIC:Embrace the boho spirit with a sepia lens take on boot colour in rustic tones like tan, mustard and burgundy. Stick to stack heel platforms and suede textures for true Seventies splendour. Add a wide-brimmed floppy hat for added hippy impact.
BOOT BUY: Office June boots in rust suede, £70 (office.co.uk)
MANNISH MODE: Work Dolce & Gabbana’s boyish look with mannish lace-ups. This is your official get-out clause for high heel ache because these boots are flat and practical for all-day wear. Do it like a dude by stepping out with smart brogue detailing.
BOOT BUY: Schuh Kimono brogue ankle boots, £75 (schuh.co.uk)
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