Boots are one of the biggest investments for autumn, and Rescu. is here to give you the definitive trend update.
Slouchy is, alas, out. Not many women look particularly elegant with leather heaped around their ankles – it’s a difficult trend to pull off without looking faintly run-down, and we’re glad to see it go.
The new big deal? Victorian and twenties style booties.
Perforated leather in delicate patterns, a round toe, lace-ups and a slight heel: you’ve seen these shoes in other guises, particularly among last season’s brogue-like flats, but they’ve now become the go-to boot for the year.
Look for knee-high versions for evening, but avoid versions with a zip up the side. To get the boot to grip your calf properly, you need to lace it yourself, rather than opting for quick fixes which might damage the fit. This is a tight look, so tone up in preparation.
The booties themselves are an offshoot of a Twenties moment in fashion – think Gucci fringing, Baz Lurhmann’s Great Gatsby and T-bar tap shoes – but they also hearken back to vintage buttoned boots from the 1800s, which are becoming increasingly scarce in vintage shops as fashionistas raid them.
They make the foot look delicate and oh-so-vintage without carrying the mustiness of old leather. The best part? New bright shades of leather and suede – look for blues, reds, greens and varying shades of brown, to give your winter outfits a lift.
An ankle version is chic under jeans or with tights and dresses, but beware of over-fussiness. Some versions are covered in decidedly non-period ruffles, bows and ribbon, which may just look like a carnival on your feet.
Get the right version – including a slightly flared or wide heel – and you’ll have a classic shoe for many seasons to come.
Image: Christian Dior