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The 2010s silhouette is back, and these outfits prove it.
A new year hath arriveth and, with it, plenty of unanswered questions in the fashion sphere. What will Matthieu Blazy’s first Chanel collection look like? Is “boho” really back? And will the enduring pantless look stick around yet another twelve months? That said, it seems like one thing is certain about 2025: slouchy boots are going to be everywhere.
Known by a subset of millennials (and younger Xennials) as a key component of the “indie sleaze” look, relaxed stompers have been quietly staging a comeback for several seasons now: a catwalk appearance here, a cute street style look there. But after a strong showing on the fall/winter 2024 runways—weathered workwear styles at Miu Miu, scrunched down suede beauties at Chanel, artfully dented knee-highs at Fendi—the look has shifted from micro trend to mainstream moment. Now it’s taking over both the fashion week and celebrity scenes (Cynthia Erivo, for one, has recently shown herself as a fan).
Meanwhile, slouchy boots are only poised to gain traction in the months ahead. They were one of the most prevalent shoe choices on the spring/summer 2025 catwalks, with key placements at shows like Rabanne (where they were covered in shimmering silver and gold crystals), JW Anderson (booties shaped to look like boots that fell, and folded over time) and Isabel Marant (who, admittedly, has always championed an unstructured shoe, but really nailed it this season). Paired with lightweight pieces, like flouncy dresses and flowing pants, these options showcased the footwear’s versatility—it’s definitely something you can easily transition from cold to warm weather.
That said, it never hurts to have a few outfits in mind before test-driving a statement accessory. Ahead, you’ll find 10, cribbed from some of the style set’s best dressed denizens, worth filing away for inspiration.
Hey, Lady
Want to make a tweedy skirt set just a little less prim and proper? Silver knee-high stompers with just a hint of slouch are sure to do the trick (but tinted sunglasses and a playful bag charm definitely help, too).
Firing Blancs
While optic white, slightly rumpled boots are a commitment for sure (get that saddle soap ready), they’re well worth the effort when paired to perfection with a coordinating high-contrast look. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, play with high-contrast motifs as well, like a mod checkerboard print and delicate doll-like eyelet.
Rules, Schmules
Don’t mix black and tan? No evening dresses with casual shoes? Pffttt. If there was ever proof that you can flaunt any fashion restriction with the right styling, it’s this brilliant combination of a saucy asymmetrical LBD and burnt sienna boots. (Note: It’s the heel and smooth, supple leather that allows them to work here.)
Textural Instincts
A disclaimer: This is not, exactly, a simple formula to follow. However, if you take the time to artfully layer your scrunchy stiletto boots with other visually exaggerated pieces—like a tulle skirt and oversized bomber—you’re going to have the most interesting outfit in any room.
Utility Thrill
For a slightly different approach to the trend, consider a purposefully battered moto boot à la Miu Miu, which looks like something your dad used for mucking around rock concerts in the ‘70s. The vibe is especially fun and cheeky when countered with girlish separates, like a full circle skirt and crisp blouse.
Gloss On
Would this cinched houndstooth number still feel fabulous without the addition of shiny, subtly creased black boots? Sure…but perhaps just a little bit less so. The footwear choice here—which manages to be both bold and simple enough not to compete with the look—underscores the dress’ drama in the best way.
In The Fold
Consider this your sign to go extra slouchy with your boots. As proven here, heavily scrunched shapes can still feel quite polished so long as you go for thicker leather (heels help, too) and pair them with streamlined and well-tailored pieces.
Me-Ow Mix
These red showstoppers are giving…Puss in Boots (but in the chicest way). They are also, as evidenced here, an ideal anchor for a barely-there mini and oversized jacket, but would also work quite well with a knee-length skater skirt if showing thigh isn’t your thing—it’s all about balancing out the proportions. Either way, it’s worth finishing the look with futuristic sunglasses to counteract any ye olde vibes.
True Blues
Instead of traditional slim-cut jeans and riding boot combinations, try anchoring an indigo skirt set with knee-high footwear made from supple, beautifully creased leather. This combination is still quite classic at its core but reads delightfully unexpected.