What are all the cool girls wearing in 2026? A pair of boots, duh

If there’s one item quietly (and sometimes quite loudly) taking over wardrobes in 2026, it’s boots. Not the seasonal kind you pull out reluctantly in December and retire by March, but the kind that sticks around all year. Think Bella Hadid’s slouchy knee-highs paired with off-duty denim, Dua Lipa’s biker boots grounding a sheer sundress, Taylor Swift stepping out on the Eras Tour stage in gleaming Louboutins, or even Olivia Rodrigo pairing chunky boots with micro shorts… the evidence is overwhelming. Boots aren’t just staging a comeback; they’ve become fashion’s biggest bet for 2026.

In an era defined by micro-trends (that are built up and struck down every week), a chic pair of boots communicates the opposite: permanence, confidence, and a little bit of rebellion. And this year, everyone (from girls-next-door to runway insiders) agrees that boots are no longer tied to weather or wardrobes. They’re tied to identity.

Why boots, why now?

Because they can be styled with, essentially, anything. The 2026 bootscape is wildly varied: leopard and zebra prints, patent finishes, cowboy silhouettes, embroidered options that feel intentional, and yes, Ugg boots are back too (sad but true). At Paris Fashion Week, boots weren’t just present–they dominated. Thom Browne sent out trompe l’oeil sock-boots. Hermes leaned into equestrian classics. Sacai added tassels. And platform silhouettes ruled runways from New York to Milan. 

The reign of the pointed toe

Among all silhouettes, the sharp, pointed-toe boot continues to be fashion’s most flattering secret weapon. Beyond visually elongating the leg, they sharpen proportions. And there’s nothing more chic than seeing just their tapered tip peeking out from the hem. Whether you’re a minimalist building your winter capsule or someone who loves a standout shoe, a pointed-toe boot is the anchor worth investing in. If you lean classic, a clean black or deep brown leather ankle boot will carry you through workdays, weekends, and everything in between. Prefer softness? Suede knee-highs instantly add richness to knits, denim, and silky skirts. And for those who have the basics covered, now’s the moment to explore statement territory: sculptural heels, metallic finishes, and animal prints that add personality even to the most basic outfit.

Over-the-knee energy

We’ll always have a soft spot for knee-highs, but there’s a particular type of confidence only over-the-knee boots can deliver. Think Anne Hathaway’s Andy Sachs moment in The Devil Wears Prada–the Chanel boots we all fell in love with. It would appear that Andy’s wardrobe wasn’t recession-proof, as we see her character sporting a new pair from Paris Texas, in the sequel. My personal favourite? Julia Roberts’ iconic patent thigh-highs in Pretty Woman. Today, OTKs come in every mood: suede for plush softness, croc-embossed leather for depth, second-skin sock styles for sleek silhouettes, and moto-inspired pairs for edge. Neutral colours are still the most wearable, but the trend cycle is embracing deep burgundy, petrol blue, and metallic tones, too.

The slouch

Slouchy boots are having a renaissance so loud, you can hear it ring across the Instagram algorithm. From Kate Moss’s ’90s Vivienne Westwood pirate boots (still referenced everywhere) to the ’80s glam-rock silhouettes making their way back through nostalgia-driven dressing, slouchy boots add movement, softness, and volume like no other shoe can. Today, the style has been reclaimed by celebrities and fashion insiders who love the relaxed sophistication it brings. Sarah Jessica Parker has been championing soft leather mid-calf versions. Charli XCX, in quintessential brat fashion, pairs them with micro-minis. And in real-life wardrobes, they’re surprisingly wearable: throw them over leggings, balance them with oversized sweaters, or contrast them with tailored blazers.

So, how do you style boots in 2026?

Honestly? However you want. That’s the charm–it’s democratic, interpretive, and adaptable to different climates (India included). Fashion’s coolest are proving exactly that: Dua Lipa’s summer biker chic mixes sheer fabrics with tough boots for contrast dressing; Bella Hadid leans into classic street glam with denim shorts, tiny tanks, and slouchy calf-highs; and Gigi Hadid champions off-duty comfort with Moonboots worn year-round, proving apres-ski gear can absolutely be streetwear. 

And if trends from SS26 are any indication, boots are about to get even more playful. Expect more platforms, unexpected materials, and sport-tailoring hybrids that blur the line between practical and fantastical. They’re a confidence booster, a styling cheat code, and the coolest “constant” in a year of ever-changing micro-moments. In 2026, fashion’s favourite it-girls are not waiting for sweater weather–and they’re definitely not waiting for permission. They’re wearing boots whenever, however, and with whatever they want.

Below are some of our favourite pieces.

Givenchy Shark Boots in Leather, ₹250,000

Saint G Tiziana Hand Embroidered Cowboy Boots, ₹28,000

Steve Madden Sentinel R Silver Boots, ₹24,999

Onitsuka Tiger Winter Heaven, ₹33,000

Gucci Lace-Up Ankle Boot, ₹140,000

Isabel Marant Dalby Boots, ₹83,000

Balenciaga Avenue Bootie, ₹125,500

JW Anderson 40 Ankle Leather Boots, ₹70,000

Golden Goose Wishstar Boots, ₹168,000

Burberry Check & Leather Boots, ₹93,000

Lead image: Getty

Also Read: The 6 types of boots every woman should own 

Also Read: Can’t commit to one vibe? These contrast fabric garments don’t ask you to