If footwear operates to punctuate an outfit, then white shoes – and particularly white boots – are the sartorial equivalent of the oxford comma. Falling in and out of fashion, they’re beloved by converts yet detested and thought of as absurd by non-believers. Which means that if you have both feet firmly in the No-Camp, then it’s unlikely that we’ll be able to convince you of their usefulness. But allow us to try anyway.
This season, white boots are a seriously easy update that will help to have your wardrobe looking spring ready.
That statement floral dress that you wore with black boots during the winter? Team it with a pair of white ankle boots instead for an immediate refresh. Ditto those raw hemmed jeans that you were worried were looking a little bit tired. While in terms of their matching powers, they’re no less useful than their black and brown counterparts.
Incredibly hard-working footwear, they’re the ideal transitional shoe, and particularly helpful for when the weather can’t quite make up its mind which season we’re in.
A simple way to flaunt your sartorial prowess, white boots come every which way this season, from unapologetically Dolly Parton-esque cowboy boots, as per the wider western trend (the blame for which we lay at the feet of Joanne-era Gaga), to a sort-of 60s gogo boot style. At the more directional end of the fashion spectrum, Virgil Abloh’s Milan based brand Off-White (one of most hyped in the industry at the moment) presents them as a quilted knee-high number, while at Maison Margiela, as boots inspired by the traditional Japanese Tibi sock, which would be worn with Geta.
And there’s also no reason why they shouldn’t be comfortable – we’re not talking about white stilettos here. Particularly given the ubiquity of both the kitten heel and the aforementioned cowboy boot, this is a footwear trend that does not necessarily require any tottering at all.
Still don't believe us? Take a look below and allow the boots themselves to convince you.
White Boots SS18 - Grazia
1 of 13Brown And White Lou 90 Leather Boots by Kalda, £385
With the snakeskin trim to elevate them, these boots from Icelandic footwear designer Kalda are a super smart twist on the cowboy boot.
2 of 13Nizip Embellished Leather Ankle Boots by Dorateymur, £410
Since graduating from the London College of Fashion's Cordwainer School, Dora Teymur's footwear has attained cult status among the fash-pack.
3 of 13Texas Embroidered Western Boots by Urban Outfitters, £110
This classic pair of western boots could have been pulled off the feet of Dolly herself.
4 of 13White Fringed 55 Leather Boots by Prada, £800
If going full Western scares you, this fringed pair from Prada are an easier way in.
5 of 13Alibi Kitten Heel Boots White Leather by Office, £90
White kitten-heeled boots might not sound practical, but this pair will work with practically anything. A guaranteed good investment.
6 of 13C/O Jimmy Choo Sara 100 Quilted Leather Boots by Off-White, £1095
Part of Virgil Abloh's SS18 collection for Off-White which was inspired by Princess Diana, these boots are made in collaboration with footwear-giant Jimmy Choo.
7 of 13Flame-Appliqué Leather Ankle Boots by Marques’Almeida, £505
Emerging as part of the London based designer-duo's SS18 Americana inspired collection, these elegant boots are a neat nod to the Western trend.
8 of 13Tabi Split-Toe Leather Ankle Boots by Maison Margiela
Inspired by Japanese Tabi – the socks traditionally worn with wooden soled Geta – these boots will add a directional edge when paired with simple separates.
9 of 13Adrianne White Leather Boots by Miista, £220
Simple, smart and crafted from the softest Spanish leather, this is a great first step into the white boot trend.
10 of 13Moon Leather Ankle Boots by Neous, £545
Inspired by the clean lines of mid-century architecture, these boots from Neous are more akin to sculpture than they are footwear.
11 of 13Alessia Cortina White Nappa Mid-Calf Boots by Julia Mays
Designed in London, each pair of Julia Mays shoes is handcrafted in a family-run factory in Northern Italy
12 of 13Ava Boot B by Gestuz, £229
Gestuz is just another brilliant brand to have come out of Denmark. If you like Ganni, we reckon you'll be a fan.
13 of 13Metallic Heel Leather Ankle Boots by Mango, £79.99
With their metallic mid-heel, it really would be rude to not take these boots out dancing.