This fall, it’s all about how to wear combat boots
I don’t know about you, but me personally…I’ve always loved combat boots. When I lace them up and stand with added height, my attitude changes. I feel more confident and more powerful. I feel ready to take on the urban jungle.
This year though, our entire living situation has changed. Instead of donning tippy-toppy heels and a party top, we’re really focused on practical fashion. What do we need to be comfy at home and which items are most useful for being out and about with purpose?
Combat boots were a staple on the fall-winter runways, and they’re the perfect solution for braving this new world, whatever may come. Here’s how to wear combat boots:
Combat Boots + Jeans + A Long Coat
The classic fall-winter ensemble of lug-sole boots, denim jeans, and a long coat is a fail-proof option. Evoking both the maximalism of the 1980s with an oversized tie-waist coat (‘S Max Mara, above; Prada, below) and nodding to the 90s with a bold combat boot, this look is both on-trend and timeless.
Pictured above and below, we’re loving boots from: Dr. Martens, especially in white; R13, arguably the leader of the modern revival of combat boots; and from Ganni, which blend the practicality of a pull-on galosh with the durability of a faux-leather upper.
Combat Boots + A Dress + A Bomber
Looking for a more evening-geared ensemble with more sex appeal? Combat boots, especially with a real heel, look great paired with a ladylike dress and a chic, lace bomber jacket. Perfect for fall’s transitional weather…
We love Stella McCartney’s statement boots of the season (above right), which come in a shiny, faux patent version as well as a more matte faux nappa. Gucci‘s hiking-inspired boots and Prada‘s stiletto-esque boots both have similar shapes, while Chloé rounds out the bunch with a waterproof rubber version.
Pair any of them with a tonal black-and-white ensemble from See By Chloé and Red Valentino, both more affordable but equally elegant alternatives to their parent labels.
Combat Boots + A Jumpsuit
How to wear combat boots for the day to night, comfort over fussiness girl? We suggest combat boots paired with a chic jumpsuit.
Moncler Genius makes a more unisex, utilitarian version with greater coverage, while Max Mara Studio‘s sleeveless red number with a scoop neck is a bit more glamorous.
With these, a classic combat boot with a lug sole, slight heel, and lace-up front is the best option. Valentino and Miu Miu both have versions with strap buckles for an extra snug fit, while Prada and Balenciaga put their unique spin on the classic—the former in polished black spazzolato leather and the latter with an exaggerated lug sole and bulky toe.
[Sidebar: see Prada’s alternate version with attached nylon pouch and other combat boot offerings from Miu Miu, Prada’s alter-ego label (below)]How to wear combat boots? These are three ways to style them, and some options for investing in the trend. However you decide to wear yours, you’ll be ready for action this fall.
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About the Author
Alex English is the Head of Content Marketing at italist.com, building on a lifelong passion for fashion and luxury. After publishing a lifestyle blog for nearly ten years and obtaining an MBA in Milan at SDA Bocconi, one of Europe’s top business schools, he joined the italist team in 2019. His work since then has focused on upper-funnel messaging, brand storytelling, establishing italist as a thought leader in the space, and enriching the customer experience on the platform. Find him on LinkedIn.