Here at Her Campus we have been on tenterhooks for weeks about one of our favourite times of the year: buying a new pair of winter boots. There’s nothing quite like the feeling when you venture into town, find a beautiful pair of boots and willingly hand over a proportion of your student loan- something you know you should be spending on essentials like food, but Carrie Bradshaw said ‘I like my money where I can see it – hanging in my closet’ so we feel it’s definitely acceptable!
However, we know it’s not as straightforward as just walking into town and buying the first pair that catches your eye, so HCX have done the leg work for you. We set ourselves a challenge, because as much as we would all love to look like Millie Mackintosh with a delicious pair of Russell & Bromley suede over the knees adorning our legs, they are simply just out of our price range- not to mention stiletto heels are just a complete no-no for Exeter’s cobbled streets.
So here we present our Winter Boots Guide 2013 with a bit of a twist, showcasing the best designer-esque boots on the high street, all for under £100, from shops you can find in Exeter.
1. The Over the Knee
These gorgeous boots featured very heavily at the Balmain and Phillip Lim A/W ‘13 shows, but can easily be adapted for student life by teaming them with leather leggings or even a cute tartan skirt. There are a few high street versions around but steer clear of the stiletto-heels, no one wants to see you tumbling down forum hill. Instead why not try this pair from Zara, only £59.99 with a great stretch leg so they will hug you perfectly (and they won’t end up looking like wellies!).
2. Knee High
Calvin Klein loved this style in his New York show and here at HCX we especially love this pair from a shop that you probably wouldn’t have thought of venturing into. Next have done a great version of Calvin Klein’s patent boots, and are an absolute steal at £46. Not only are these boots purse-friendly but they also combine practicality with the chic-ness that comes from a pair of black leather patent boots- what’s not to love?!
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3. The Ankle Boot
Behold the treasured favourite of Exeter students. You will often spot a girl on campus wearing this style, but also donning a pair of these on the ledge in TP (a clever leg-lengthening way around the ‘no heels’ rule that resides here in Exeter).
Seen predominantely on the Chloé and Rag & Bone catwalks this year, it’s no wonder that so many high street shops have created similar versions which make your legs look super-long whilst still being comfy. Take a trip to River Island where you’ll find this gorgeous purple chelsea boot style- almost identical to Chloe’s navy pair. Slightly pricier at £65 but a great investment as these beauties will never go out of style, and are also great quality.
4. The Wedge
No other designer pulled off the wedge quite like Isabel Marant this season. Her cream leather, suede and calf hair boots are incredible but unfortunately not affordable or practical for us students! So instead why not head back to Zara and try on these beauties. Coming in at only £29.99 this grey pair is a fantastic take on the designer version for a smidgen of the price, and the colour is perfect for this time of year. The wedge offers comfort as well as height, and aren’t too dressy either- perfect for date night ladies!
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5. The Biker Boot
Finally we come to this luxe-meets-rough boot, seen frequently on Cara Delevingne’s feet both on and off the Saint Laurent runway. If, like us at HCX, you’re not sure you can pull off this grunge style, have no fear- there are plenty of different types of this boot, which are certain to look fab on all of you. However, we have narrowed down our favourite to this buckled pair from students’ favourite haunt, Topshop. These are the most similar to the Saint Laurent originals, and although they’re £95 they’re worth every penny as they have oodles of style, practicality and they’re just down right cool.
So there you have it girls, HCX’s pick of the designer boots on the high street.
Photo Credits: www.pinterest.com www.next.co.uk www.riverisland.co.uk, weheartit.com