Oxfords, Combat Boots, and Wedge Ankle Boots: A Mini Shoe Guide

By Suzanne Singer
November 25, 2009

We're so over so many fall seasons filled with ballet flats and riding boots. Fortunately, designers were full of fresh ideas this year, and celebs have embraced the new looks. Our favorite three fall footwear trends: oxfords, combat boots and wedge ankle boots.

Oxfords

Traditionally a men's shoe, the oxford was first spotted in the 1800s, though it became fashionable among the dapper set in the 1920s and the 1930s, when a two-tone version was all the rage. Ever since, oxfords have been considered a staple, at least among the professional, office-going male crowd. Aside from a brief period in the 1970s when oxfords broke through the gender barrier and were briefly worn by a few business women, it's only recently that these flat lace-up shoes, characterized by eyelet tabs along the sides, have become a serious style statement for women. Case in point: Rachel Comey’s Fall ’09 collection, where strong, boyish flats anchoered soft, drapey skirts and dresses. Fashion-savvy celebs have also been seen embracing the look.

Sienna Miller was recently spotted in a white pair while walking her dog in NYC. Keeping the look effortless and casual with black skinny jeans and a short peacoat, Miller’s shoe choice was subtly cool. (Photo by Arnaldo Magnani/Getty Images)

MTV’s newest British export, Alexa Chung, has brought back a childhood favorite. She rocked classic shoes while sitting front row at Margaret Howell’s Spring/Summer 2010 fashion show during London Fashion Week in September. Alexa mixed skinny leather pants, a simple button-down and a scarf with her two-tone shoes. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)

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Women's Oxfords (buy it now price, $144)

Saddle Shoes (buy it now price, $29.99)

Combat Boots

The combat boot was made for soldiers to wear in battle—all function, no fashion. By the late 70s, the punk scene had adopted this aggressive shoe style, and by the 90s, it was a mainstream staple. With the help of the “Grunge” movement, combat boots paired with baby doll dresses, flannel shirts and ripped jeans became a sort of universal uniform. For his fall 2009 show, Alexander Wang showed sleek, biker-inspired pieces like bicycle shorts and belted leather blazers, thereby losing the grunge yet keeping the edge. To get this look, whip out your favorite black outfit, and add leather on top and rugged boots below.

Practically music royalty, Madonna’s daughter Lourdes showcases the simplest way to incorporate combat boots into your wardrobe. She was seen wearing a black leather motorcycle jacket and skinny jeans while in NYC this month. Like mother, like daughter—Lourdes has her mom’s eye for style. (Photo by Arnaldo Magnani/Getty Images)

At this year’s Venice Film Festival in September, Diane Kruger paired a glitzy dress with combat boots. Who else but this budding style icon could wear combat boots to a red carpet event? (Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images)

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Steve Madden Corley Women's Lace-Up Combat Boots (buy it now price, $59.99)

Demonia Blue Leather Combat Boots (buy it now price, $78.99)

Wedge Ankle Boots

They can seem a bit clunky or too “out there” if worn the wrong way, but when wedge ankle boots are done right, they're truly cutting edge. Platform shoes became popular in the 60s and 70s and ankle boots boots showed up in the 80s. Put the two styles together, and you have a style that's very 2009. This style works best in dark colors paired with unfussy clothes—let the shoes steal the show. For the Fall ’09 Acne collection, Jonny Johansson, the brand’s designer, accessorized an avant-garde shift dress with a black leather wedge ankle boot.

Rihanna sported this black suede pair with a leopard print wedge heel by Giuseppi Zanotti during a trip to NYC in September. Showing lots of leg in her denim cut-offs and black t-shirt, Rihanna’s footwear made this warm weather outfit look fall-appropriate. If you don't do shorts or don't want to expose that much skin, you can always opt for a mini skirt and cover up with black opaque tights. (Photo by Ray Tamarra/Getty Images)

At the Jimmy Choo for H&M event in L.A. a few weeks ago, Whitney Port of MTV’s "The City" fame picked a pair of leopard print booties. With her all black-outfit and black oversized clutch, Whitney’s wedge adds just enough interest to take her look from boring to daring. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images)

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