Splurge-Worthy: 12 Boots Made for Fall

By Susan Linney

(Graphic by Helen Jane Hearn/TueNight)

I’ve reached a point in my career that I always fantasized about but never dreamed would actually come true: I work from home, full-time, all the time.

Which means that pants are not a requirement for editorial meetings, as all of my editorial meetings occur on Skype.

Which means that I don’t have to wear makeup (though I almost always do), and I rarely bother to blow-dry my hair. (Try this if you can; my curls have never been healthier.)

Which means that my once fairly put together “look” — a look that I carefully curated during my years as a fashion and ladymag editor — has totally gone out the window in exchange for mock jersey crop pants and a wide array of tank tops, t-shirts and tunics. (If you haven’t already, check out Alternative Apparel. I now live in this brand.)

If you told me five years ago that this kind of no-look look would eventually become my style status, I probably would have cried, assuming it a consequence of sobriety, a really dark depression or turning 40. But thankfully, this is not the case, and I can honestly say that I love not giving much of a shit about what I wear on a daily basis. I no longer have to pre-plan my wardrobe each weeknight before bed, making sure it’s properly in line with the weather report. I’m done maxing out my credit card on must-have “it” outfits. (Don’t misunderstand, I still splurge on cute clothes. But since it’s a rare practice these days, I can almost always afford them. And I only go for pieces that I think will stand the test of time.)

I have a little bit of extra headspace now, and one less (tiny) worry in my day.

However.

Now that it’s autumn, two little words are throwing a bit of a wrench into this newfound sartorial freedom:

FALL BOOTS.

I’m quickly realizing that I don’t think I’ll ever be able to mellow out when it comes to fall boots.

I will never not lust after the perfect pair of dusty brown riding boots. I will never not want four pairs each of chunky, studded and boho-chic ankle booties. I still long for the day when I can afford a pair of Prada Knee Boots, and I actually hope for rain now that I am the proud owner of these quilted Posh Wellies.

I fucking love fall boots.

So in celebration, I spent way too much time putting together this fall boot wish list. And I have to say that a small part of me is honestly quite relieved that I still get excited about something style-related.

Cozy Suede Boots With Knit Trim

Belle by Sigerson Morrison, $350

Simple and Polished Riding Boots

Bussola, $169.95

Star-Studded Ankle Boots

Fiorentini & Baker, $425

Burnished Leather Biker Boots

Frye, $398

Light Burgundy Block-Heel Boots

& Other Stories, $225

Chocolate Brown Ankle Booties

Jeffrey Campbell, $154.95

Cognac Cut-Out Boots

Steve Madden, $99.95

Tall Stacked Heel Boots With Buckle Strap

Treasure&Bond, $113. 98

Fringy Ankle Boots

Vince Camuto, $178.95

Slightly Studded Moto Boots

ASH, $487.37
Chunky Wrap-Around Ankle Booties

Rag & Bone, $525 (or this cheaper option)

 

Knit Trim Combat Boots

Bos. & Co. “Padang” Waterproof Boot, $209.95

Originally Published October 20, 2015. Updated April 5, 2021.