5 Trends for Fall: Trend #2 Lace-Up Boots

Boots for fall 2010 by Jill Stuart & William Rast

Lace-up boots were this season’s scene-stealers at the 2010 Mercedes Benz Fall Fashion Week. From the American classics of Tommy Hilfiger to the elaborate prints of Anna Sui, to the rocker chic statements of William Rast and Jill Stuart, this trend successfully transcended every mark on the style spectrum. Hilfiger’s footwear for fall was remarkably similar to that of an L.L.Bean design. The look was sporty, with a no-fuss attitude. Putting the Tommy Hilfiger personal touch on a rich classic, the designer added a solid wood heel and laces that tied over the knee. With all that support, it was no wonder models looked confidant going down the runway. It’s apparent these shoes make walking a breeze. In brown leather and navy rubber, Tommy Hilfiger’s newest shoe was perfectly in sync with the designer’s fall line of New England preppy looks. In contrast to Hilfiger’s classic cuts, designers such as Anna Sui and Alexandre Herchovitch seemed to be channeling a native or old world vibe.

These by Anna Sui & Tommy Hilfiger

Quirky Anna Sui meshed brown suede and python print accents to suit her eclectic style. The lace-up boot was a whimsical addition to Sui’s fall 2010 line of printed dresses, knits, and leggings. Although the designer is known for her patterns, python was an unexpected pop to the mix. The designer also showed variations of the boots in combinations of orange and black and gray and black. Personal favorites (and a bit more practical) were suede pairs in solid blue and brown. Alexandre Herchovitch’s lace-up styles in tan, grey and black were heavily embellished with ornate embroidery and dangly trinkets along the front toe and ankle regions. The designer’s Russian infused line which consisted of rich detailing and heavy fabrics, called for footwear equally as strong in structure and design. Herchovitch can rest assured he succeeded beautifully with an authentic take on the season’s hottest trend. In decoration alone, the boots screamed adventure. In design, sure-footed confidence by models on the runway gave evidence of boots seemingly capable of withstanding such. On runways at William Rast and Jill Stuart the lace-boot trend took a turn for the dark side. It was a kick of cool for the newest collection at William Rast. Platform lace-up boots in black and brown accompanied surprisingly cohesive ensembles of leather, denim and cargo. As the anchor piece throughout most of the show, the versatility of leather and laces was apparent by the slew of mixed styles in the last walk. Last, but not least, the most flattering and “right now” styles were designs by Jill Stuart. Thigh-high boots in black leather and suede laced all the way to the top accented by miniscule silver studs along loopholes of laces. The effect was a sharp look that flirted with the idea of sexy. Like William Rast, Jill Stuart’s apparel mixed a rocker chic vibe with a military influence. Toughening up a girly party frock or sexing up a military coat, Stuart’s lace-up styles were the perfect marriage to every look coming down the runway.

by Alenxandre Herchovitch

No longer is it necessary to go through fall teetering in stilettos or clomping around in bulky Uggs. Go shopping this fall for the season’s must-have accessory and see your wardrobe go from drab to chic in seconds. Flat soles, supportive wedge heels, and serious lacing—as the song goes, “these boots were made for walking” Written by Skimbaco Lifestyle Fashion writer Hallie McKay. Hallie also writes for the Seventeen Magazine.