Down in NOLA, when you hear about The Boot, you think about the iconic college bar on the corner of Broadway Street. However, beyond The Boot on Broadway Street, the boot has been a fashion essential for decades. There’s something about a good boot that just changes everything. It’s the way it pulls an outfit together and instantly elevates any simple look, even on the most casual day. Boots make a statement all on their own; sometimes the outfit is just there to complement them.
The boot’s legacy was rooted in both fashion and function. What started as a practical piece for soldiers and explorers has evolved into one of the most essential pieces in fashion. In the 1960s, the knee-high “go-go” boot danced its way from the runway to the club, symbolizing freedom and individuality at the time. Then, in the 1980s, the boot took on a tougher, more structured edge where women paired their tall boots with sharp blazers, symbolizing a shift toward women becoming more powerful in professional and style settings.
Nancy Sinatra Vinyl Album Cover for Boots, with hit single “These Boots Are Made for Walkin’”
Image via Amoeba
In the early 2000s, UGG boots, the classic suede shearling boot in chestnut, dominated closets everywhere, and suddenly comfort was the trend everyone wanted to wear. Celebrities and teens paired them with denim skirts, leggings, and velour tracksuits, cr
eating the “cozy girl” uniform. Today, the UGG brand still remains a fashion icon, but styles such as the mini and platform versions of the classic boot are more popular. This fall, it’s all about styling your UGGs with baggy jeans, oversized hoodies, or matching sweats for that effortlessly cozy-chic look.
Kate Moss, 2003
Image via The Cut
Beyonce, 2004
Image via The Cut
Just like the UGG boots, the boot has evolved with today’s fashion trends, proving they’ll never go out of style. Cowboy boots are everywhere at the moment. The class western boots and booties in white, tan, or black remain the most popular choice this fall. Its neutral and simple look perfectly complements jeans and dresses. The slouch boot has also made its comeback with a more pointed toe and kitten heel, giving that effortlessly cool look that is so classy. Classic ankle booties have been reimagined with softer materials, textures, bold shapes, and block heels. No matter the trend, boots always find a way to stay in style.
Boots are even inspiring the quintessential gameday look. No college gameday is complete without a good pair of boots. They’re practically part of the uniform — easy to walk in, cute for pictures, and comfortable enough to survive a long day of tailgating and touchdowns. Whether pairing cowboy boots with denim skirts or knee-high boots with a dress in team colors, everyone has their go-to pair.
This fall, the Chelsea lug boot with its rugged sole continues to be a favorite. It’s structured enough to wear with jeans and a blazer, but also casual enough to wear with leggings and a sweater. The Chelsea boot adds a little edge to an outfit without trying too hard.
Since the Chelsea lug boot is an everyday staple, the sleek leather knee-high boot is the perfect nighttime accessory. There’s something powerful about the simplicity of a black knee-high boot – it’s clean, classic, and effortlessly sophisticated. It elongates the leg and instantly makes you look polished. Whether it’s paired with a mini dress for dinner or layered over a pair of dark-wash skinny jeans, it’s the kind of boot that does the talking for you– understated but striking.
When in doubt, go with a simple black bootie. There’s just no going wrong—they’re functional, dependable, and always make an outfit look complete. The bootie is the kind of shoe you can throw on at the last minute and still look like you had it all planned out. Pair them with a dress, denim on denim, or even cuffed jeans and an oversized sweater.
While black booties will always be a staple, this season is all about a brown suede boot. This soft, velvety material appears to be everywhere, from boots to handbags to belts. The best suede boots for fall and winter can be found in many different silhouettes. The brown suede boot is the ultimate transitional shoe this fall. Suede is soft, stylish, and versatile without being over the top. Whether you’re pairing a suede bootie with a sweater dress or your favorite jeans, they are the perfect fall touch to showcase your style this season.
With so many styles out there, it’s almost impossible to choose just one favorite. For me, however, one boot stands out among the rest: the Campus Frye boot in Eucalyptus. The color is a perfect nude-tan that goes with everything. As you wear them more and more, they begin to have that effortless, worn-in look that feels classic but still cool. I love how they instantly pull an outfit together — casual with jeans, or elevated with a mini dress. The Campus Frye boot is simple, timeless, and always the right choice for any occasion.
No matter the style, boots have the ability to transform how you look and how you feel. From Chelsea lug boots to western cowboy boots, there is a boot for every outfit and every mood. In fashion and at Tulane, one thing’s for sure — boots are always in season. From the runway to The Boot, they’ve carried us through every season, every night out, and every good story worth remembering.
