It only took one day of temperatures dropping below 80 degrees for me to start thinking about the fall 2024 boot trneds. Even if it’s only a small tease of what’s to come, my mind is ready to switch over to the next season. And though transitional weather can be tricky to figure out, the best way to take it in stride is with a good pair of boots.
As much as I love a chic, dainty pair of summer sandals or comfortable clogs, I could wax poetic about this cold-weather wardrobe staple. But, rather than do that (because you’d be here for a while), I’m pulling the best fall boot trends for you to peruse and add to your closet instead. As a fashion editor, I’ve kept a keen eye on the runways to find the must-have boots you’ll be seeing all season long—and these are the ones I can’t get out of my head. Scroll on to see (and shop) them all below; I have a feeling these will be living rent-free in your minds and on your Pinterest boards in no time.
The Equestrienne
If Bella Hadid is living her best horsegirl life, then so am I—sartorially speaking, at least. And if you were into spring’s prep school trend along with the undying love for all things tenniscore, consider this the next aesthetic to add to your playbook by way of Gucci and Celine. These polished boots will undoubtedly be a good investment for your fall wardrobe.
The Thigh’s the Limit
I was already predisposed to be obsessed with thigh-high boots (I love anything that lends itself to a leggy look)—but, to be honest, I’ve yet to incorporate the style into my closet. That said, it only took one read through our favorite overall fall shoe trends from the runways to ask myself, “Do I need thigh-high boots?” That question has been bouncing around my head since, and I think it might be time to finally get a pair, with Chloé, Chanel, Bally, Fendi, Stella McCartney’s fall 2024 runways (and so many more) serving as styling inspiration.
Fur Sure
Fair warning: This is one fall shoe trend that is not for the faint of heart. But goddamn, when it’s done well, it’s done well. Just take a page from Luar, Duran Lantick, and Loro Piana to see what I mean. Not only does this look embrace the influx of fluff for the fall and winter, but it’ll sure be a conversation starter, too.
A Moto Edge
Motorcycle Boots Runway
Brat girl summer may just be for the season, but fashion’s love affair with grunge—along with the brat girl mentality, of course—is forever. And if you need further proof, I point you in the direction of Miu Miu, Coach, and Versace. I can’t stop wearing my well-loved Frye boots, which have easily taken the place of my go-to cowboy alternatives, but anything distressed, buckled, and tough will be a great way to add an edge of cool to your looks.
Squared Away
If you ask me, there’s something so unexpectedly chic about a square toe. Maybe it’s the nod to ’90s fashion or the unique (and perhaps occasionally subversive trend) flair—especially if the design is coming from a label that veers towards the avant-garde, like Eckhaus Latta, but you could also go the more Western-inspired route à la Louis Vuitton. Either way, I’m into them—and they have the seal of approval from none other than Mrs. Prada. So let that be your sign to grab a pair.
Dale Arden Chong is the senior fashion commerce editor at ELLE.com, where she edits and reports on the latest trends, labels, and designers in the fashion space to bring you the best items that will elevate your wardrobe. With a passion for great sartorial stories and getting dressed (as well as a knack for nerding out over the details), she has a robust knowledge of high-quality design, construction, and materials based on testing hundreds of products over her eight-plus years in the industry. So, if you ask her for a shopping recommendation, she’ll give you five picks plus her honest, unfiltered opinions. Outside of the style world, her hobbies include cooking, playing tennis, ceramics, and watching BTS dance videos on YouTube, among other things. Follow her on Instagram at @dalearden.