Welcome Back to Boot Season

Capitol Hill Style is back! After a month-long hiatus, we have returned to celebrate boot season. As if I would miss it.

For me, a committed summer girl, boot season is the primary thing that makes fall enjoyable.  So let’s get to it with the best boots for Fall 2023.

After years of ankle-boot infatuation, the fashion powers that be have revived the knee-high boot.  So when I saw that Loeffler Randall had re-released the Gia Boot, I had to buy it.  More accurately, I had to tell my husband that I needed Santa to deliver my Christmas gift in September.  Saddle up Rudolph, and let’s go.

These boots are the greatest.  Yes, the $700 price is not chump change, but these boots will last with proper maintenance.  I bought a pair of Loeffler boots in 2013, which I have worn to death, and they still look new.  I have the taps replaced, some light repair work and a fresh shine put on each fall, and I’m still wearing them.  I know some of you don’t like when I call fashion pieces an investment, but think of the money you will be saving on future boot purchases.

The Gia boots are already sold out at Shopbop in many sizes.  They are also available at Tuckernuck and fully-stocked at Loeffler in sizes 5-12.  Loeffler also has them in all five color ways, so if you need dark brown, lighter tan or another hue, give them a look.

As for heel height, these are a very-walkable two-inches.  If you want a bit more lift, the Goldy boot is the same style in a 3.25″ heel.  Be advised both styles will likely sell out completely by Thanksgiving, as they have in every other year they have been released.

Do you need rain boots?  The best place to shop for them is Nordstrom Rack.  Hands down.  These Kate Spade Solstice boots are sleek, comfortable and waterproof.

Prefer a taller boot?  These Tommy Hilfiger boots have chic details and look more like a standard tall boot.  I also adore these Hunter boots with a cool studded detail.  They’re selling out quickly, and it’s not hard to see why.  Also, for extra warmth, don’t forget the boot socks.

Lastly, if you live in D.C. winter commuting can be a bear.  It’s cold but not that cold.  It’s wet all the time.  And it’s hard to find a boot that can do both wet and medium-cold weather.  These Hunter insulated boots with traction-bottoms are a great option if you commute on foot in the winter.

These Vionic Philip boots have the equestrian styling that all my preppy, Ralph Lauren-loving girlies need.  The style is fantastic with sweater dresses, denim or dark tights.  If you want a style boot, but Western feels too costume, these boots are a great alternative.  The boots come in brown and black; they also come in a wide calf option.

Also, if you haven’t tried Vionic shoes, consider these your gateway drug.  This brand is built for comfort.  And I don’t know about you, but at 41, my feet need that extra help if I’m going to be walking or standing for extended periods.  Vionic also makes a black, high heel tall boot that would be perfect for work.

Looking for a sleek, simple tall boot?  Madewell is the place to stop.  These easy boots have no hardware, no extras, but plenty of style.

If you live in dark tights all winter long, the best way to get a clean, seamless leg line is with a sock bootie. A sock boot is the perfect backdrop when you want your dress or suit to stand out and your shoe to fade into black.  This one from Amazon’s Drop is an affordable option to see if this shoe style is right for you.  Bring on the dark black tights.

Because this heel is a little higher than I usually wear, I sized up to accommodate a cushioned insole.  This little addition lets me wear these boots all day without discomfort.  I like these Dr. Scholl’s inserts because you can trim them down to the length you need.

Prefer a leather ankle boot with the same feel?  J.Crew has these fabulous kitten heel boots.

We started with a splurge-y boot, let’s end with another.  These AGL Ide high heel, tall boots are everything I’m looking for in a winter work boot — a sleek high-heel replacement, a mid-height heel, simple styling.  They’re perfection.

If they’re not in your budget, there are other options.  I like these 27 Edit high heel boots from Naturalizer.  They’re comfortable and perfect for work.  Also, if you want a more modern heel style in a mid-price boot, these Sam Edelman boots are perfect.  If you’re concerned about suede as a material, buy a bottle of Crep Protect and go on with your life.  It will save your shoes.