If there’s one wardrobe item that screams fall, it’s a great pair of boots, and today I’ve got the forecast on boot trends we will be seeing this fall.
A few favorites from last season will be making an appearance, but there are also some great new styles and silhouettes on the fashion horizon. This list has a wide range of styles, so there’s sure to be something for everyone.
5 Boot Trends for Fall 2021
Some trends to watch for this season include lug soles, higher shafts, and platforms. As far as boot color trends, we’re seeing a lot of light neutrals like sand, white, and taupe. We are also seeing more cognac this year, as well as some bold colors like red, rust, and olive.
#1. Chelsea Boots
Tory Burch Chelsea 70mm Lug Bootie
Chelsea boots are a pull-on style with elastic goring on the sides, and they’re hotter than ever this year. These ankle boots are extremely versatile, as they can easily be dressed up or down, making them a valuable piece to any wardrobe.
This year we’re seeing a mix of the traditional sole of years past, the rugged lug sole, and a 70’s-inspired platform sole.
Paul Green Jagger Chelsea Boot
#2. Combat/Military Inspired
Lace-up combat boots are also trending again this fall, and these sometimes cross over into hiker boot territory. This mens-inspired style looks great with jeans, or you can pair them with a dress or skirt for a fun juxtaposition.
Vince Cabria Lug Water Resistant Lace-Up Boot
If the regular combat style boot is a little too masculine for you, try to incorporate the trend with a lace-less pair like the zip-up wedge boots below.
Or go for a softer color, like brown or even white.
#3. Western Inspired
Western-inspired details are very on trend this season, and you’ll see them incorporated into many of the fashion boots on the retail shelves. Think embroidered leather, pointed toes, and stacked heels. This white leather pair gives a subtle nod to the trend without being too over-the-top.
Marc Fisher Gadri Pointed Toe Bootie
And I love the snipped toe on this pair by Vince Camuto.
Vince Camuto Welland Bootie (size up)
#4. Knee-High Boots
We’re finally starting to see the popularity of the over-the-knee styles waning, and knee-high boots are making a comeback this season. I, for one, couldn’t be more excited. I love a knee-high boot because they pair easily with fall dresses.
Sam Edelman Hai knee-high boots
Or you can pull them on over your skinny jeans for a sleek, sophisticated silhouette.
#5. Sock Booties
Sock booties (also called stretch booties) are designed with a soft upper that fits tightly to your ankle. They’re super very flattering because they show off the smallest part of your leg.
These booties fit easily under skinny jeans or straight-leg styles, and you can also pair them with skirts and dresses.
Aquatalia Dayana Water Resistant Stretch Bootie
For The Pinners:
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Last winter I literally never wore any of my “pretty” boots since we were basically under lockdown, stay at home, restrictions the entire winter. My practical, warm, snow boots got plenty of use for walking but my favourites NEVER got worn. No where to go, no church, no restaurants, no gatherings.. Hoping the trends really don’t change much for this coming winter so I can just get more use out of the boots I already have.
Same here! During the winter sales of 2020 I bought a couple of boots and sneakers and I never got the chance to wear them with the pandemic and the repeatedly lockdowns.Not to mention a new coat and a trench coat that I also bought! Here’s to hoping that our purchases won’t look outdated and, most importantly, that we will be able to wear them and enjoy them! 🙂
Me too…..hoping to wear more of my things.
Me 3
I’m sensing a trend here. Hope we are all out & about this winter…..cute boots and all
Interesting mix of boots that’s for sure. Since our Chicago weather is so wet and snowy I need no heel boots during our winter season. Of all the boots which do you think would be most practical and worn repeatedly during snowy wet season? I do like the Chelsea!
I’m enjoying the changes in boot and jean styles. I cannot get into the western styles, which is weird because I like a pointy toe. I LOVE Chelsea boots. I’ve probably been wearing them for 20 years– I bought my first pair in the UK when you didn’t see them in the US. I’m looking for a pair of suede, medium height Chelsea boots or slim lug sole in the tan/brownish family. The med height isn’t easy to find. I order a couple of beautiful pairs of boots during the Nordy sale that I returned because they were too high. I love heeled boots but more than a 2- 2.5 inch lift is too hard on my back. My nicer boots didn’t make it out of the closet often last winter– I’m hoping I get to wear them more often this year.
I love wearing boots so it’s great to see the trends. Thank you!
What are your thoughts are on the Paul Green Jagger? have been looking at them and am seriously considering but wonder if the shaft is a bit too high. Thanks
Love the dress you are wearing with the knee high boots, but didn’t see a post of where you got it. Can you share?
I have tried saving my name and email in the browser, but it hasn’t worked for me. Do you have any suggestions on how I can get it to work?
I’d love to see a post on what boots from last year you will still be wearing this year, or are at least not-dated looking yet. For example, the Sorels lace up bootie??
Love the colors for the boots my only issues seems to be the height of the shafts … so many styles I love but they aggravate my leg if they’re too high above my ankle 🤷♀️
I have the same problem Karen, but have the sock booties to be very comfortable.
I bet it really feels strange to wake up on a Monday and Caroline not there. Its an adjustment for sure, but I had to laugh at your comment about not missing her clutter. Each child contributes to that in a different way huh? I just had all 3 of my adult children, their spouses and my 3 grandkids…2yrs. 15 months and 4 months here for the weekend and boy was it a lot when you are use to just the 2 of you. But, this morning in the quiet now, I miss them all. Good memories made for sure. Keep us updated on Caroline, we all will love to hear. As for the boots trending this year, they are hard for my age the lug sole and the higher heels for my life style being more casual these days and not working out of the home. But, I did find a cute pair of booties from Nordstrom that I like. The color was called taupe, but looked cognac online and came a lighter cognac and I think they are going to be a good neutral for the Fall neutrals I’ll wear. They are very comfortable too with a lower heel. Anyway I look forward to seeing how you style all your new boots you bought with the different jeans. I have a new pair of jeans coming this week that are straight leg with copper buttons up the front. Looking forward to the Fall series too…….even if its just Mondays. 🙂 Enjoy your week.
PS Where I live I don’t see anyone wearing knee high boots. I have a couple I saved in my closet for when they were so popular but would feel outdated wearing them now. I live in NW Oregon.
Jo-Lynne is always saying to wear what you love but also notes that styles that are on-trend can differ by region. I know that in the Great Lakes region Sorels are always in style because of the cold winters and snow. Also high shaft “riding” style boots never seem to go out of style in New England. I would also venture to say that lower shaft ankle style are preferred in warmer regions. Each area may have its staples that they hold on to while other trends trickle in and out😉
Yes, I agree with all that!
Hang in there with this new season of being a Mom. It is different, but
they still need you!!!
Love seeing all the choices!! I see styles shown with pointed, rounded and square toes.. So anything goes???
Also, will any of last year’s purchases will be in your daily rotation??
Not inspired. I like more feminine looking footwear. Good to see what’s happening
And Elegant shoes for cocktail dress or fall/winter dress?
Glad to hear you got your daughter moved in and you’re back home safe and happy.
The boots I’m seeing everyone wearing now are white booties! Today there were 3 people at my school wearing them (one with a dress, one with cropped flare ankle jeans, and one with a short flowy skirt) I have to say, they look really cute and fresh. I don’t know if I could pull it off though because I’m so tall and the white draws the eye to it and my legs are long….IDK. Anyway, this working full time again is exhausting! I’m unwinding after a busy day by reading your blog. 😊
Heather…..I can’t imagine teaching in all that is going on now. You guys are heroes. Good thing to do to unwind. 🙂 I love Jo-Lynne’s blog. Haven’t seen any white booties in my area. 🙂
Oh Kathy, you’re so nice to say that! Yep, wearing a mask while teaching 6 hours every day is tough. I’m getting used to it, but at the end of the day when I take it off my skin feels dry and uncomfortable. And I miss seeing the kids’ sweet faces under their masks. Fortunately I have a microphone I wear around my neck so they can hear me and we are still having fun while learning, it’s just different. Today my kids wrote a poem about what they would do if they “were in charge of the world” (based on a famous poem we read) and SO many of them said they’d “cancel the pandemic!” Life is so different right now for these kiddos. Some think they’ll be masked forever. ☹️