The metallic boot trend felt tough to pull off until I saw it in the wild in NYC. First, when a former colleague of mine paired a knee-high version with a fitted (and Kelly green) dress. Next, while riding the F train from Brooklyn to Manhattan, I noticed not one, but two ways to style a silver boot: One woman paired her silver booties with straight-leg denim, another wore knee-highs in silver metallic with a leather skirt.
Each look felt equal parts edgy and classic. Sure, Beyoncé gave silver metallics a futuristic bent for her Renaissance tour this summer, but seeing the trend so effortlessly integrated into an everyday wardrobe made me want to give it a try.
I was also reminded of the sartorial influence—and inspo—of people-watching in NYC. Prior to these observations, the metallic boot trend felt a bit out of reach for me. It’s a statement for sure, but was it also a trend that would, poof, be out of style by next season? Or would it have staying power, i.e. the potential to become a closet staple?
If we look to the fall/winter 2023 runways, metal tones are absolutely having a moment—and one that’s not limited to footwear. We’re seeing it in pants, purses, mini-skirts and jewels. It’s of course not brand-new to see metallics, but some claim, the velocity of this resurgence stems from the way that breathe life into a neutral palette. (Hello, quiet luxury.) It’s also worth crediting our innate fixation with shiny objects, but the return of metallics could be chalked up to good old fashioned dopamine dressing. After all, adding something sparkly and armor-like to your wardrobe provides an easy (and empowering) boost.
PureWow’s own fashion editor Abby Hepworth is here for it, too: “I’m excited to see metallics for day coming back as a trend, specifically the rise of silver boots,” she says. “They add such a fun flair to any outfit, but don’t feel quite as out of place with a denim midi or cut-out jeans as, say, sparkly party heels.”
As for how to wear them, Hepworth agrees with the New Yorkers I spotted. “Metallic boots are easily mixed with casual basics, workwear staples and party dresses,” she explains. “If you’re not sure which style will have the most staying power, my recommendation would be to opt for a pair of ankle boots or a western style with a block heel for a look that’s utilitarian, but also quite versatile.”
Back to my own shopping endeavors: I snagged a pair from M.Gemi (the Christina silhouette, $428) that I’ve been able to seamlessly mix and match within my own wardrobe. My favorite way to wear them? With skinny or straight-leg denim, plus an oversize sweater. A look that I can easily throw on and go.
Do I feel like a style star amongst my fellow New Yorkers? Absolutely.
