Ankle-boot season (or fall—tomayto, tomahto) is upon us, and before you go blindly scrolling forth through the thousands of new ankle-boot arrivals, you might as well get a little expert advice. For that, we consulted Katie Smith, the retail analysis and insights director at Edited, a fashion and retail technology company that's our go-to source for the latest market trends. This time around, we asked Smith to fill us in on the ankle-boot trend that people have stopped buying in 2021, and her answer was clear: faux-fur boots.
Despite appearing on the runways of Tom Ford, Dolce Gabbana, and Michael Kors, sellouts of faux-fur styles are down by 40%, while new arrivals are up by 90% with leopard-print boots leading the charge. Smith also filled us in on a few styles that are trending for fall. Read on to shop the trends and find out why they'll be everywhere this season.
What's Selling: Statement-Heel Ankle Boots
"Inspired by luxury styles from Miu Miu, Nicholas Kirkwood, and Prozena Schouler, there has been a 24% increase in new arrivals this fall. Sellouts are up 180% too, with pearl heels being the most popular." — Katie Smith
What's Selling: Embellished/Embroidered Ankle Boots
"This trend was a big hit last fall, and retailers have eased off considerably this year, assuming it was over. New arrivals have shrunk 31% so far this season. However, consumers aren't over the trend! They want more of that Gucci-ornate-look footwear. Sellouts have climbed 167%." — Katie Smith
What's Selling: White Ankle Boots
"This trend first hit last November, and this month, retailers have come back stronger than ever before, with a 383% increase in new styles so far this fall compared to last, and sellouts are up 343%. Pedro Garcia white booties have been the best seller so far." — Katie Smith
What's Selling: Lace-Up Ankle Boots
"Victorian-inspired lace-up heeled ankle boots were on the fall runways at Chloé, Temperley London, Versace, and Haider Ackermann. Only 14 styles have arrived online nationwide since July 1, so it's a potential trend that's currently flying under the radar!" — Katie Smith
Next up: seven fall trends our editors will be wearing next month.
-
Winter's Just Around the Corner—13 Standout Zara Finds I Predict Will Sell Out Before the End of the MonthAffordable funnel-neck jackets, argyle knits, and rich-looking flats inside.
-
My Stylish 56-Year-Old Mom Is a Picky Shopper—31 Chic Under-$100 Nordstrom Finds She Approves OfFunnel-neck coats, Fair Isle knits, and Levi's jeans inside.
-
If Chic Jeans-and-Boots Outfits Are the Goal, Don't Miss These Standout Picks From Zara, Madewell, and NordstromBring on a stylish fall-and-winter closet.
-
My Honest Take on the Winter It Boots Every Fashion Person Is Talking AboutFrom Khaite to Free People.
-
Of All Her Outfits, *This* Hailey Bieber Look Is Stuck in My BrainAnd I will be re-creating it.
-
Just so You Know, Zara Already Has All the Best Shoes for Winter 2025Shop before they sell out.
-
Cool Sneakers, Flats, and Boots Are the Vibe—These 36 Styles Are Heavily Discounted for Cyber MondayEverything from Khaite to Ref to Adidas is at least 25% off.
-
If You're Going to Wear a Dress With Ankle Boots, This Is the Trend That Looks the Least DatedPSA via Suki Waterhouse.
