Every autumn brings its favourite boot, and for 2026 the prize goes to the classic riding boot. Vanity Fair Italia calls equestrian boots the most glamorous shoes of the season, and the wider fashion press agrees: after several years of Western and biker styles, the clean, knee-high silhouette borrowed from the stable is back at the centre of the wardrobe.
From the stable to the catwalk
Riding boots were made for the saddle, which explains their defining features: a tall shaft that is close but not tight, a flat or low heel, a rounded toe and very little decoration. Vanity Fair Italia puts their staying power down to that balance of practicality and polish, a look rooted in country estates and the quiet luxury of aristocratic dressing.
The autumn/winter 2026 shows backed the revival. Elle UK reports that Jacquemus sent models out in full riding gear, while Ralph Lauren showed knee-high and over-the-knee versions and Dolce&Gabbana paired classic black riding boots with a velvet suit. Harper’s Bazaar adds Hermès, Proenza Schouler and Tory Burch to the list, and Cosmopolitan notes that the new designs keep hardware to a minimum, with perhaps a slim strap or a small buckle and nothing chunky.
Colours and how to wear them
Black remains the safest choice because it works with almost anything. Its main rival is brown, from deep chocolate to warmer cognac and leather tones, which Harper’s Bazaar names as the dominant shades of the season, with burgundy and olive also in the mix. Polished leather looks smartest, while a matte finish feels more understated. Small details such as straps or a touch of metal along the shaft add light to darker colours and recall the early-2000s riding styles from houses like Gucci and Hermès.
Styling is refreshingly easy. Tuck slim trousers or jeans into the shaft for a true rider’s look, or wear the boots with midi skirts, calf-length dresses and tailored coats. A tweed blazer and a crisp shirt lean into the heritage theme; a chunky cardigan keeps it relaxed.
The palette of the season is perfect for jewellery, too. Honey-toned citrine earrings pick up cognac leather, a garnet ring echoes burgundy, and peridot pendants sit beautifully with olive knitwear. Finish with a few slim bracelets at the cuff of a tweed jacket.
Sources: Vanity Fair Italia (18 October 2026); Elle UK (12 October 2026); Cosmopolitan (13 October 2026); Harper’s Bazaar (27 August 2026). Featured photo: Jose Manuel Espigares Garcia via Pexels.
