Say Hello To Cocktail Boots, Here To Save All Your Summer Plans

Boots for summer might sound like the kind of nonsense only proposed as a ‘thing’ by fashion people. I am more than willing to accept a charge of idiocy when warranted, but in this instance, I plead not guilty. Because boots - specifically cocktail boots - could singlehandedly save your summer socialising plans.

Maybe that makes me a contrary fashion person – summer belongs to sandals, no? – but I prefer to think it makes me a realist. You know that even in July the British weather is predictably unpredictable (look outside your window right now and you’ll see what I mean). You shouldn’t let your preconceptions of what you think summer dressing looks like ruin your plans.

But don’t take my word for it. Look to Victoria Beckham who wore a pair of glitter silver knee highs (with a goldfish print dress for good luck) to cheer on England for the Euro 2020 final from Paris. Or see Gwen Stefani who wore a pair of embellished white cocktail boots with fishnet tights and her Vera Wang mini wedding dress to her wedding to Blake Shelton. With a hint of rodeo attitude to them, they were a subtle and touching tribute to her country music-star husband.

Or see Diane Kruger, who wore a pair of graphic Louis Vuitton boots with a metallic leather mini to a dinner hosted by the maison during this week’s Couture shows. Like Stefani’s, Kruger’s were calf length and white – but you could also go for an ankle boot style, as Florence Pugh did for the same event. The appeal is that they are glamorous but not obvious. They toughen up pretty frocks in particular with a bit of tough-luxe, boss attitude.

And besides, the cocktail boot is relatively easy. Perhaps you’ve shuddered at the return of the mini this summer (even Kruger quipped on Instagram that her mother had teased her as ‘probably too old to wear one) and wearing boots – knee-high in particular – with bare legs does make them a more compelling and appealing proposition.

So what, then, should you look for in a cocktail boot? Spiky styles rule right now, ones with pointed toes and spindly heels (if that’s not for you, there are a plenty of biker bootsaround and the cowboy boot is enjoying an unexpected revival). Statement colours, punchy prints, sumptuous fabrics and lavish embellishment are all welcome too. I advise checking out Manolo Blahnik, Christian Louboutin, Amina Muaddi and Wandler for cocktail boots; and I also love Paris Texas (side note, particularly good if you normally struggle to find boots that fit your calves – theirs are cut for a flatteringly roomy fit).

There’s not so much a way to wear (although see the SS21 collections from Preen, Zimmermann, Isabel Marant and Vivienne Westwood for inspiration), but do consider if they pass the occassionwear test. For something to be a convincing cocktail boot, it must be suitable wedding/party/posh dinner.

Easy, glamorous, unpredictable and not so silly after all, huh?