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Forget Boots for A Minute—Here Are 5 Chic Alternatives I'm Wearing Instead This Winter

By Swedan Margen

Forget Boots for A Minute—Here Are 5 Chic Alternatives I'm Wearing Instead This Winter

If there’s one thing I love about an autumn/winter wardrobe, it’s the footwear options. As much as I’m a summer girl at heart, sandals are really the only option during the peak heat, so as we descend into autumn, the endless shoe options are a welcome change. I love how my autumn/winter pieces can be styled in so many different ways and sometimes it is just down to a change of footwear to make an entire look feel completely new.

As I’ve transitioned over and stowed away my summer essentials to bring out my new-season pieces, I’ve rekindled my love for shoes. I absolutely love boots and they play an integral part in my wardrobe, and come the depths of winter I guarantee I won’t be taking them off. But, that's not to say I don't get a little restless...Sometimes I want to ditch the boots and opt for something a little more streamlined. Do you know what I mean?

With that in mind, I’ve rounded up five of my favourite footwear styles that are alternatives to boots. Enjoy!

The 5 Alternatives to Boots to Invest in This Autumn:

1. Ballet Flats

Alternatives to boots

Style Notes: The thing I love most about the ballet flat is their sheer versatility. They are a core style essential in any wardrobe and really are a piece to see you through the seasons. Over the years they’ve come on leaps and bounds and we’ve seen them grow and transition into so many different styles, it’s hard to pick a favourite.

Shop the Trend:

Balla Mesh, Chianti

Dear Frances

Balla Mesh, Chianti

The OG brand of the mesh ballet flat.

Maren Ballet Flat

Reformation

Maren Ballet Flat

A simple brown suede ballet flat can be styled in so many different ways.

Crystal-Embellished Leather Ballet Flats

ALAÏA

Crystal-Embellished Leather Ballet Flats

Alaïa's iconic crystal embellished ballet flat.

Leather Ballerinas

Miu Miu

Leather Ballerinas

Miu Miu's ballet flats are a signature for the brand.

Black Elba Ballet Pump

Whistles

Black Elba Ballet Pump

I have this pair and get so much wear out of them.

2. Brown Trainers

Alternatives to boots

Style Notes: This autumn is all about brown trainers – who knew a trainer could feel so sophisticated? Their neutral tone allows you to style them in such an array of ways, from tailored trousers to wide-leg jeans. Softer than black but just as striking, they are such an everyday staple piece.

Shop the Trend:

Adidas Originals Samba Lt Trainers With Crochet Detailing in Brown - Exclusive to Asos

adidas Originals

Samba Lt Trainers With Crochet Detailing

One of my most worn pairs of trainers.

Minimal Leather Trainers

COS

Minimal Leather Trainers

It's no wonder they went viral.

New Balance 574 Trainers in Brown

New Balance

574 Trainers in Brown

New Balance are still so chic.

Alohas 490 Rife Trainers

For those that prefer an all-brown.

Puma Palermo in Brown & White

PUMA

Puma Palermo in Brown & White

The cream and brown combo is so chic.

3. Loafers

Alternatives to boots

Style Notes: Loafers really are in their comeback era right now. From a classic black leather to the on-trend suede iteration, they are one of fashion’s most wanted footwear styles right now. I’ve got a black leather pair and instantly bought a brown suede loafer after writing a piece about them and can’t wait to see just how many outfits I can wear them with.

Shop the Trend:

Lana Suede Loafers

Aeyde is one of my favourite footwear brands.

Andrea Loafers - Black Crocodile Print - Bovine Leather - Sézane

A croc effect loafer brings texture to an outfit.

Leather Loafers

M&S Collection

Leather Loafers

I can't believe these are high-street.

Le Loafer Supple in Suede

YSL

Le Loafer Supple in Suede

These are at the very top of my wishlist.

Croc-Effect Leather Loafers

COS

Croc-Effect Leather Loafers

The deep chocolate hue gives a softer finish than black to an outfit.

4. Slingback Heels

Alternatives to boots

Style Notes: For me, there is nothing more elegant than a slingback heel. They have the ability to instantly elevate any outfit, whether it’s jeans and a basic tee or a slinky lace-trimmed satin dress, they really are so versatile and so sleek.

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Forget Boots for A Minute—Here Are 5 Chic Alternatives I'm Wearing Instead This Winter - Vanity Fair Fashion