The 5 Fall Boot Trends That Will Totally Rule 2024

I’ll admit, I’m pleasantly surprised to see this trend carrying over from last fall. I didn’t anticipate this tough, buckle-adorned aesthetic to have such staying power, yet here we are. I love these boots as a fresh alternative to classic Dr. Martens, and would even suggest styling them in very similar ways. My personal favorite is to play up the contrasts between moto boots and tailored pieces, like the striped cotton dress above. When in doubt, opt for a monochrome outfit. Matching the color of your boots to the rest of your look allows you room to play with a variety of aesthetics—glam rock, prairie, quiet luxury, preppy—without looking like you’re wearing a costume or got dressed in the dark.

Trust me when I say burgundy will be everywhere this fall. I’m talking sweaters, dresses, handbags and especially boots. The deep, rich hue is such a gorgeous twist from classic neutrals like brown or black, and is just as versatile, too. Burgundy plays beautifully with other jewel tones, neutrals of all shades, pastels and even superbright pops. My favorite way to rock the trend for 2024? By leaning into luxury vibes and pairing it with cashmere sweaters, wool trousers or silk slip dresses.

Brown has usurped black as the top neutral tone of the season, whether you prefer a boxy Chelsea boot, a sleek knee-high or a western-inspired cowboy style. As for which particular shade you should invest in (and there are a lot to choose from), a medium golden brown, like the ankle boots pictured above, is definitely one of the most versatile options. It goes equally well with denim as it does with black trousers or even a dainty floral print. Assess your existing wardrobe and the outfits you wear most often to decide which shade of brown will fit in best with your style.

I’d call this trend an extension of the quiet luxury moment. Suede just looks so rich, no matter the color, but for fall 2024 it appears that caramel and chocolate are by far the most popular suede options. Of course, most suede (genuine or faux) doesn’t respond well to moisture, so be careful about wearing you boots in rainy or snowy conditions. Of course, you can also treat your boots with a waterproofing spray or you can seek out suede boots that have been pre-treated to withstand the elements, so you don’t have to be quite so obsessive about checking the weather report.

Associate Fashion Commerce Editor Stephanie Meraz predicted this trend weeks ago, and I’m in absolute agreement with her. As for how to make these classic British rain boots feel cool and modern, Meraz has some suggestions: “One of the many style tips I learned while researching Kate Moss’s best Hunter Wellies looks is that you should never underestimate how stylish a pair of the tall rain boots can look with a pair of short shorts. While I wouldn’t go for the uber-casual Daisy Dukes route, I do think a loose, trouser or sweatshort style, like the one pictured above, can make for an unexpected leggy look. Incorporate a chunky long-sleeve sweater to balance out the micro shorts.”