Now that we can feel the air getting crisper and the weather getting cooler, we've officially entered boot season. As biased as I might be (I am a November baby, after all), I stand by the fact that boot season is the best season. For one, the outfits are just better. Sure, you can point to the layering or the knits as to why the fashion just feels stronger this time of year, but I'll be firmly advocating that a solid pair of boots has a lot to do with it.
Great, now that we've got that settled, let's get into what you're really here for: boot trends. Curious about which outdated boot styles you should retire to upgrade your wardrobe? I asked Who What Wear editors to name the boot trends they're breaking up with this fall and, of course, which trends you can find them wearing on repeat instead. Let's face it: We'll be wearing our boots nonstop from now until April, so if you haven't found your ideal pair (or two or three pairs) yet, there's no better time than the present.
From the sock boots that multiple editors are putting away to the chunky-soled boots that are already trending hard for fall, keep reading to find out which boot trends we're naming as "in" and "out," and then shop each one we're here for.
Expiring: Basic round-toe boots. Incoming: Square-toe kitten-heel boots. "Everyone's idea of basic, everyday boots with a rounded toe and block heel has been replaced by versions with squared toes and kitten heels. They're as comfortable and walkable as their round-toe counterparts but more interesting and special."Expiring: Sock Boots. Incoming: Wide-shaft boots. While the look of a pair of boots clinging to your ankle was once something to strive for, sock boots have been on the decline for a few seasons now and I can confidently say they're "expiring" this fall. As for what's replacing them, boots with a wide shaft, aka the area around your ankle and calf. The roomier look that labels like Staud and Dear Frances are pioneering feels polished, sophisticated, and ultimately timeless.Expiring: Basic ankle boots. Incoming: Chunky boots. "Right now, my basic ankle boots are getting pushed to the back of my closet. In their place are chunky styles that were all over the F/W 20 runways and are set to take over this fall. I especially love the modern takes on Chelsea boots which are finished with a high leg."Expiring: Platform boots. Incoming: Rubber wellies. "While they aren't completely 'out' platform boots don't seem as thrilling and fresh as they did last season. Instead, I'm finding myself really intrigued by the wellington rubber boots that have been trending this season. Fashion girls have proven these shoes are way more versatile than you might think!"Expiring: Heeled boots. Incoming: Kitten heels and platform boots. "As much as I live for a heeled-boot moment, this fall I'm going to be giving my ankles a break and not opting for anything above 4.5 inches. Instead, I'll be opting for kitten heels at their highest this fall, and at their lowest, platform boots so I can still get the feeling of being taller without the blister to match."Expiring: Sock boots. Incoming: Chunky, lug-sole boots. "While there are still some fresh silhouettes out there, I think many sock-boot styles will be replaced by chunkier, lug-sole boots this season."Expiring: Over-the-knee boots. Incoming: Flat riding boots. "My extra-high knee-high and ankle boots are not getting a lot of action this season. Instead, I'm gravitating towards flat, equestrian-style riding boots—a trend we saw all over the runways."Expiring: Heeled boots. Incoming: Flat lace-up boots. "I can't imagine wearing heeled boots at all during the pandemic, so I'm replacing them with flat lace-up boots. (Plus, I'm already 5'10", so I don't need any extra height!) You pretty much can't go wrong with Dr. Martens because they're so practical yet cool, last a long time, and are reasonably priced."
When it comes to buying beauty products, I've always been a very tactile kind of shopper. From the age of 5, I've had a thing for sparkling, lacquer-finished stores like Nordstrom and MAC. They were my favorite pit stops to make at the mall, and as I grew older, sleuthing for new beauty products at other retailers like Sephora, Ulta, and even the drugstore became a kind of tranquility-inducing therapy for me. (Unfortunately, my wallet got the short end of the stick with that one!)
Not only did I simply enjoy strolling through the aisles filled with tempting vials, jars, and bottles, but I also loved swatching and testing my forearm away to see how shades would (or wouldn't) flatter my skin tone or how the consistency of a serum or oil would lie with my skin. Hygienic? No. Fun? Very much! That said, now that IRL beauty sampling is not what it used to be, we're turning to online beauty buying more than ever before. You might already feel well versed in shopping for beauty picks via the World Wide Web, but for people who aren't used to the process or who prefer to shop in a brick-and-mortar store as I do, it can feel like a daunting and overwhelming process. There's a greater risk of not liking a product, and it's disappointing to have to repack and ship back a formula you had high hopes for.
So we thought we'd do some Nancy Drew–caliber detective work to significantly slim your chances of returning said purchases. We reached out to our dear friends at Nordstrom—one of our all-time favorite online beauty retailers—to see which products have had the fewest returns recently (kind of brilliant, right?). Below, I'm listing the top 10 beauty buys Nordstrom shoppers have rarely sent back as well as beauty editor–approved favorites from each of the popular brands. Keep scrolling for 10 holy-grail beauty products with a near-perfect no-return rate.
To be honest, it's extremely hard to go wrong in the land of MAC, so we're totally not surprised this matte-finish powder foundation is a crowd-pleaser. Not only does it help curb midday greasiness (an especially handy perk if your skin runs oily!), but it also provides a satisfying amount of coverage that's buildable yet not noticeably detectable to the naked eye.Simply put, this is one of my favorite concealers of all time. Eye makeup remover is one of the most infuriatingly annoying beauty products to shop for. It should be easy to find a formula that erases stubborn shadow, mascara, or liner in a flash sans irritation, but apparently, it's like trying to find a needle in a haystack. Well, consider yourself officially unburdened of the task. According to Nordstrom HQ, extremely rare is the return of this gentle oil-in-water formula from Lancôme. An oil-free formula, 24-hour wear, SPF, buildable coverage… This is the foundation you've been searching for your entire life. Gifting alert! Anyone can use this multipurpose hair and body wash, but the men we know, in particular, are especially fanatical for anything bearing the Jack Black label. (Plus, the rosemary and eucalyptus scent is superb—clean but still yummy.) One of the low-key best lip balms ever. (Psst: The Pineapple Mint flavor is like, wow.)We're pretty devoted to Chanel's collection of iconic fragrances. Technically, this Norstrom top seller is for men, but who says this blend of grapefruit, cedar, and sandalwood isn't amazing for everyone?If you love grapefruit but want something softer, this has a juicy whiff of the citrus fruit, but it balances quince, rose accord, and white musk. We've never met anyone who's not a fan. Technically, it's the jumbo size of this ultra-moisturizing face lotion that's earned its coveted low-return spot. However, it's the formula (not the size) that keeps reeling in the high reviews. If you're wanting the same level of dramatic hydration but veer oily or acne prone, we recommend this featherlight moisturizer from the brand. It absorbs quickly, so all you're left with is supreme moisture that has a matte, smooth-as-silk finish. There are plenty of fancy serums that can't live up to the hype they garner, but it's safe to say this high-tech formula from Estée Lauder just might be one of the few exceptions. It has an amazingly high rating (despite its 10.4K reviews), and the hero Chronolux Power Signal Technology offers an everything-but-the-kitchen-sink offering of skin perks thanks to antioxidants aplenty and 72 hours of hydration.If you don't want to sweat about (or through) your foundation and have high standards in terms of cake-free finish and high coverage, you need this top-rated foundation in your life. We would have been surprised if this basic but very iconic body cream hadn't made Nordstrom's near-perfect no-return list. The strategic mix of beta-carotene (hello, suppleness-inducing antioxidants!) and other rich antidotes like cocoa butter and sesame-seed oil work magic on even the thirstiest of skin. Pro tip: Pregame your body cream application with this milk and honey scrub. Your skin will feel like a newborn baby's. FYI: This popular face lotion for men is so popular that the regular version sans SPF is currently sold out at Nordstrom. We're sure it will restock soon, but until then, grab the SPF version (which is linked) instead because yes, you should still be protecting your skin from harmful rays every day, even if summer is a thing of the past. This limited-edition shaving set from Kiehl's just so happens to be another amazing gift idea. You'll get the brand's top-rated Facial Fuel Energizing Face Wash, Ultimate Brushless Shave Cream White Eagle, Ultimate Razor Burn & Bump Relief, and aforementioned fan-favorite Facial Fuel Energizing Moisture Treatment. If you've been wanting to dip your toe into the La Mer pool but are unsure where to start, we highly suggest this best-selling, low-return eye concoction. It also happens to be a favorite among makeup artists (it's so dreamy underneath makeup) and the celebrity set. This nonsticky gloss immediately makes your lips look full and pillowy. It's one of our all-time favorite La Mer products, and we love to layer it underneath and on top of our favorite lipsticks and stains for an extra hit of oomph. Face creams can be so hit or miss, which is why we're taking the fact that this Chanel number is rarely ever returned very much to heart. You can use it day or night, and it's especially great for anyone looking for some extra anti-aging benefits such as enhanced tone, texture, contour, and lift. All the makeup artists and fellow beauty editors I know swear by this glossy black mascara. It adds equal parts length, curl, and volume—the trifecta! Up next, The 3 Most Strategic Beauty Buys for Your Sign, According to an Astrologer
