Knee-high boots tucked into skinnies or slipped on underneath a skirt is a fab look for Autumn. It’s a versatile dressing formula that can be adapted to any fashion persona or lifestyle. While classic long boot styles are always in vogue, you might get the urge to splurge on an alternative funky pair if your budget allows it.

• Cuffed boots are striking, but they can look bulky if they aren’t shaped correctly for your legs. A streamlined cuff and a style that tapers at the ankle is a safe option.
• Biker boots add an edge to any ensemble by providing glorious contrast when matched with ultra feminine pieces.
• Casual flat boots are all the rage on the streets of London. Riding boots and slouchy styles make for a superbly unfussy urban look.
• Sliver wedge boots are a modern and retro combination. Their low wedge heels oozes comfort, but beware of their overall silhouette. They could make you feel dumpy since the style doesn’t always taper at the ankle.

One of the reasons I love Autumn is because boot season really gets my fashion juices going. Long boots in particular are a powerful statement piece that always adds drama to your ensemble. And thanks to heavenly cushioning insoles, their comfort factor is easily increased.

Boots are magical. As long as they’re comfortable, I adore them in any size or form. Add the right pair of boots to an outfit and your style quotient doubles. Your wardrobe should therefore include at least a few pairs of versatile boots (unless you live in a year round tropical climate).

This season boasts a whole slew of interesting ankle boot styles that can be adapted to both classic and daring looks:

• Slouchy flat ankle boots are the latest look and in keeping with the retro 80’s revival fad. They work best tucked into skinny or straight leg jeans and were all the rage on the streets of London.
• Cuffed styles are another 80’s inspired trend and great tucked into jeans (without the legwarmers this time around).
• Tapered ankle boots are versatile, smart and sleek with pants or jeans – either skinny, boot cut or wide-legged.
• Wedged versions are streamlined and modern.
• Booties were fringe statements last season but completely mainstream now. It’s the boot with the least coverage and therefore ideal for warmer weather. They are particularly comfortable with elastic inserts at the ankle.

Ankle boots with skirts and dresses is an ultra fashion forward look, but not one that everyone can pull off. It’s not easy getting the shape of an ankle boot to work with the shape of your legs and the silhouette of the skirt. You’ll also need to think about the right type of hose to wear with this look. It is still much easier to pop a pair of fabulous knee-high boots underneath a skirt. Stay tuned for long boots tomorrow.

Do you remember those light grey jeans you wore back in the 80’s? I do and it’s not a fashion trend that I wish to repeat. You may have noticed grey denim making it’s comeback this season both in gents and ladies casual wear. While I like the look for men, I don’t find it particularly appealing for women. I can’t boil it down to anything other than a personal preference. I love the adaptability and flattering aspect of dark blue denim. While light grey jeans can look nice, dark blue jeans look better. I’ll be bypassing the grey jeans trend this season – will you?

Fashion forward light grey jeans from Levi’s and Nordstrom.

London’s Indian cuisine, old and new architecture, urban edge and high style quotient make it a city that I love to visit. Much like Hong Kong and New York, you see cutting edge fashion being worn effortlessly on the street by everyday people going about their day. It’s fabulous. The London look is not about pristine fashion items that are perfectly coordinated. People mix old and ultra trendy pieces eclectically and tastefully. The end result is an urban and practical sense of style that really works.

After a few days on London streets last week, I concluded that the most popular look was skinny jeans tucked into fashion forward, flat or mid-heel, slouchy ankle and knee-high boots. Skirts with slouchy knee-length boots came a close second. Riding boots, tunics and trapeze jackets were also common, all of which made for a casual yet tailored sense of street fashion. And practical too. Tucking jeans into boots makes great sense when the weather is wet and chilly. Soggy feet and sopping pant hems are sure to put a damper on anyone’s day. Something I know all too well traipsing around the streets of Seattle.

Slouchy boots, like these styles from from UK footwear store Faith, are all the rage on the streets of London.