Stride into Style: Fall's Definitive Footwear Statement – The Bohemian Slouch!

The Return of a Y2K Icon: Slouchy Boots Make a Comeback

Forget the reign of the skinny jean; for the fall/winter 2025 season, the fashion spotlight is firmly on slouchy bohemian boots. These relaxed, ankle-hugging and calf-folding styles, once synonymous with early 2000s trendsetters such as Kate Moss and Sienna Miller, are making a significant return. The aesthetic also subtly channels a swashbuckling pirate vibe, reminiscent of another popular figure from that era.

Contemporary Interpretations on the Catwalk

On the fall/winter 2025 runways, notable fashion houses presented their fresh takes on this classic. Ralph Lauren and Zimmermann showcased more understated versions, featuring elegant knee-high leather boots with subtle buckle details and a gentle scrunch. In contrast, other designers embraced a bolder, more adventurous approach, with boots so voluminous they evoked images of pirate treasure chests. Balmain, for instance, presented remarkably spacious, crumpled boots, some even concealing small coin compartments within their folds, perfect for stashing secrets.

Nostalgic Tones and Modern Twists

Louis Vuitton infused its collection with a distinct Y2K bohemian sensibility, incorporating sheepskin-lined, studded boots that elegantly creased around the ankle, strongly recalling Sienna Miller's iconic 2003 looks. Other designs featured sleeker leg lines with a prominent fold at the top, echoing the heroic style of the Three Musketeers. This season's palette for these boots is rich and sophisticated, moving beyond traditional black to include deep chestnut, versatile grey, and luxurious burgundy shades.

Tracing the Roots of the Revival: From Punk to Bohemian Chic

A key factor in this current boot revival is the renewed interest in Vivienne Westwood's celebrated Pirate boots. Originally designed in the 1980s, these boots became a defining element of Noughties fashion. A recent instance of their enduring appeal was seen this summer when musical group Haim recreated a famous image of Kate Moss casually leaning against a car, sporting these very buckled, scrunched-up boots. These boots first appeared in Westwood’s inaugural runway presentation, the “Pirate” collection, in autumn/winter 1981, paired with smock shirts and admiral boots. Westwood once famously remarked about the collection, “Malcolm and I didn't want to be seen as token rebels. We wanted to get off this island and plunder the world, like pirates.”

Isabel Marant: A Pioneer of Bohemian Footwear's Enduring Influence

Another brand inextricably linked with this boot style is Isabel Marant, a true innovator in bohemian fashion. Vogue recently highlighted Marant's contemporary relevance, noting a remarkable surge in searches for her wedge sneakers. Similarly, Marant's long-standing signature suede boho boots, characterized by their artfully scrunched fabric that pools around the ankle, continue to captivate. These timeless pieces underscore the enduring appeal of relaxed, expressive footwear. Whether subtle or dramatically voluminous, these boots effortlessly accommodate narrower trousers, making them a practical and stylish choice for the season. Set sail into autumn with this captivating trend!