Have you been wanting to update your winter wardrobe with a brand new pair of boots, but can’t quite figure out what exactly it is you’re looking for?

 Photograph Drew Coffman (Unsplash)

Finding the perfect pair is no easy feat – and with prices being steeper than ever, making the right choice shouldn’t be taken lightly.

Below, we’ve listed four important things to consider to help you decide whether the pair you’re eyeing are really worth your money. Whether it’s ethical production concerns or figuring out if you actually like the style (or have merely been influenced by FashionTok), we’ve got you covered.

Practicality: Do Your Boots Fulfill Your Everyday Needs?

First off, we completely understand the urge to buy a pair of boots simply because they look cool. However, when it comes to winter footwear, you’ll have to take a few more things into consideration besides their looks – especially if you live in a colder climate. Especially consider whether they’ll need to be able to withstand rain or snow and which practical needs you’ll require them to fulfill. If you walk long distances in mud everyday, you’ll need a much more durable, comfortable, warm set of boots than someone who’s in a warm climate all year round and only wears boots for the aesthetic. The 00’s may be back – but unfortunately, uggs are just as badly suited for winter weather as they were the last time they were trendy.

Ethical Concerns: Animal Welfare, Worker Conditions, etc.

Besides the level of practicality you’re looking for, you’ll also need to have your ethical standards in order before you decide to invest in a pair of boots. When we say this, we’re of course referring to things like animal welfare, factory worker conditions, climate impact, etc. If these are factors that matter to you, it’s important to be aware that far from every brand ticks off these boxes – but that, luckily, there are plenty of ethical options out there, if only you know where to look. For the vegans, for instance, HelpMeVegan have shopping guides for many different types of animal-free boots – whether you’re looking for Doc Martens, Chelsea boots or something else. More and more brands are also using recycled materials and working on lowering their emission levels and bettering working conditions. Or, if you’re up for a more extensive search, there’s also a chance you’ll hit the jackpot and find your dream boots at a thrift store.

 Photograh Emily Lewandowski (Unsplash)

Style or Trend: Long-Term Investment vs. Impulse Purchase

Next up, you should also take the time to consider whether you’re looking to buy a long-term investment piece or just want something current and fun to spice up your wardrobe. If you’re counting on making the boots you’re purchasing last for many years to come, go for a timeless style that you won’t find yourself getting tired of in a year or two – in a high quality, so that you won’t have to worry about the boots falling apart before their time. If you just want to have a bit of fun and participate in a trend, try and see if you can thrift to get a better price instead of buying the fast fashion version. With the pace of the trend cycle right now, there’s a good chance someone’s already bought and gotten tired of a pair, allowing you to snatch them up for half of the original price.

Before You Buy: Be Honest With Yourself

Lastly, it’s also extremely important to remember that liking how a pair of boots look by themselves or styled on Instagram is one thing – but knowing how to incorporate them into your own wardrobe is something else entirely. So, before you buy anything, take a moment to be real with yourself. When you really think about it, do you just like the idea of them, or do you realistically see yourself wearing them outside of the house? Try and see if you can come up with at least a couple of specific outfits with the boots and items you already own. If you manage this, you’ll have a plan for how you’re going to work them into your wardrobe – and know that purchasing them won’t make you feel like you have to buy even more stuff to make them work for you.

Fashions Finest has been amazed by the sheer number of different styles of Men’s winter coats which are available this season.

The weather is getting colder, and we are all looking for ways to stay warm, and look great at the same time. Fashions Finest has put together some of the most on-trend winter coats and accessories to keep you looking hot this season. Keep scrolling to find our recommendations, and how you too can get the look.

Photo by Tim Gouw - Pexels

We have chosen a few popular and easily accessible brands to help you begin your search for your winter wardrobe, and we have included a range of styles to suit every look, from day wear to evening and work attire too.

On trend colours this winter are darker colours including the timeless shades of black and grey, but a very popular colour this season is navy blue. Expect to see fiery bursts of brighter colours as well, such as reds and pinks to brighten everything up.

Primark

Primark are a major retailer on many high streets, and Fashions Finest loves the affordable and bang-on-trend looks their clothing offers us.

This warm and cosy oversized and super long coat £35.00 offers great protection from the elements. It looks fantastic when paired with a cosy knit jumper and boyfriend jeans, or a pair of timeless skinny’s. Add a pair of classic trainers, or even heavy boots to achieve a street smart look, or wear it over a dress and add knee high boots for a smarter look. This coat has a good amount of versatility, and lends itself easily to both day and evening wear.

Oversized scarves are fashionable this season, especially when worn wrapped over the head. Primark have a great selection of oversized scarves which are made of recycled materials for only £6. Wrap this over the top of any coat to stay warm and add to your on-trend look this winter.

Military Coats styles are up there with the seasons most on-trend looks this year and they look great layered over a dress and boots, or a top and skirt combination. This Primark military style coat for £35 works well for daytime work wear, and evening wear too. Add a hat and scarf in a brighter hue to add a pop of colour to your look.

Head on down to your nearest highstreet store to grab your gear today.

Debenhams

Teddy bear coats are still in style for winter 2020/2021 which is great news if you still have one in your wardrobe from last winter. Team your coat with a warm and fluffy bucket hat to complete the look.

Debenhams are both an online and high-street store, and Fashions Finest loves the fantastic range of quality brands and variety of styles Debenhams gives us access to.

This fantastically soft and warm teddy coat from Principals is available at Debenhams for £65, and totally on trend. Hats are also on trend this winter, with the traditional beanie hat coming top of the list. Bucket hats and fedora style hats are following closely behind, and Debenhams have a wide variety of hats in different colours and styles for us to choose from. Fashions Finest loves this simple pale grey cable knit Beanie hat from Faith. At only £10, it will finish off a winter outfit with a timeless feel. Alternatively you could opt for this Black Fedora Hat, from Quiz. At £15.99 it will add an air of style to your winter wardrobe, while keeping you warm, and won’t destroy your hairstyle as much as a traditional Beanie could do. A fabulous choice when paired with this Wallis - blue faux wool funnel neck coat £65, over a suit or short skirt, an worn with boots with a higher heel.

Topshop

Topshop offer great accessories for every season, and you can guarantee they are on-trend and great quality. Fashions Finest love this biker coat, which Topshop offer in several different styles for £65.00. Choose a faux fur lined jacket, and go for a few sizes larger than your usual fit, and your biker jacket will fit perfectly over a warm woolly jumper. Perfect for the cold climate, and easy to dress up or down, this jacket will look just as good worn over your comfy jeans, t-shirt and heavy boots, as it will worn over an evening dress and heels!

Alternatively choose this beautiful deep red velvet faux fur coat for £75.99 which will add that special something to your outfit, when worn over a blouse and mini skirt, or a dress suit.

Brighten your ensemble up a little with this warm and colourful burgundy brushed grid check scarf, £20.00 which can be worn in a variety of ways. Add a bucket hat to keep your hair dry on wetter days, from £16.00 at Topshop.

Zatchels

Every woman needs to carry a bag of some kind, to house everything we may need throughout the day, or carry our work gear. It is time to finish off your outfit by adding a timeless bag and Fashions Finest recommends the one and only stylish Zatchels bag to complete your look this winter.

Zatchels offer an exciting array of bags in various styles and colours, including over the shoulder bags, hand bags and back packs at their online shop. We have chosen this plus size handmade leather sugarcube handbag, in black and gingham £110 which we love because of it’s nice size, and on-trend look which will complement all of the winter accessories we have looked at in this article.

Zachels have only been around since 2011, but since their first re-boot of the classic satchel they have grown to become the essential ‘go-to’ place for on-trend leather bags and accessories that are available in a myriad of colours and finishes. Fashions Finest loves Zatchels for its high quality bags which offer a sense of fun, a pop of colour and the latest fashion styling in equal measure. A must have this season and beyond. Choose the colour and style that expresses your inner-you the most today. You can even have bags personalised, adding your name or nickname to the outside, or inside the bag, giving these bags a fun and useful bonus!

A Note To Finish

Everything we have discussed above is currently on sale because of Black Friday deals and early New Year sales. The likelihood is that you will find them at much cheaper prices than we have listed, so click the links to find out if you can grab a bargain now, and Happy Shopping!

Even though there are a few weeks to go before summer comes to an end and the idea of shopping for winter wear may seem far off, the cooler temperatures will be here before you know it.