Ankle boots: The biggest trends you need to invest in now

Finding the perfect pair of ankle boots is an essential shopping goal. From heels to flats and Chelsea boots to biker boots, a good pair can be styled all year-round, no matter the weather.

From Celine to Topshop, the past few seasons have seen ankle boots all over the runways, while the street style set at London Fashion Week loves to team floaty dresses with tough, androgynous combat styles, or leggings tucked into white boots and finished with an oversized knit.

Perfect for that tricky summer to winter transition, ankle boots should be a staple of every wardrobe. So to help you find your perfect new pair, we’ve broken down AW18’s key trends below.

Whatever your style, here’s where to start the ankle boot hunt.

Lace up ankle boots

It’s time to dust off your trusted Dr. Martens, because lace up boots are back in a big way – and in many styles. If biker boots aren’t your vibe, try Victoria-style slim lace ups with a kitten heel. Chloe, Gucci and Miu Miu are all getting in on the action.

Shop now: TABITHA SIMMONS Emmet lace-up leather ankle boots for £635 from Net-A-Porter

Kitten heel ankle boots

Our love affair for kitten heels shows no sign of abating, and we’re here for it. They’re flattering on both short and tall women, and there’s something to be said for not being in pain after a day on the cobbles.

Shop now: Kitten Heel Ankle Boots for £38 from next

Cowboy ankle boots

Yee-haw, Western boots have been taking over Instagram all summer, and it’s finally time to wear them IRL. Try Ganni, Chloe and Isabel Marant for a splurge, or Zara and Mango to save.

Shop now: GANNI Meg ankle boots for £430 from Farfetch

Animal print ankle boots

There is no animal print that is off the table for the new season, be it zebra, leopard or snake print. We’ve got a penchant for stamped croc boots though.

Shop now: Square toe boots for £90 from OFFICE

Flat ankle boots

We’re taking our cue from the style set and embracing flat ankle boots—there’s no reason not to be comfortable and stylish, after all. We’ll be teaming ours with unexpected pieces from midi skirts, à la Alexa Chung, to long floral dresses like our favourite street style star Veronika Heilbrunner.

With this season’s love of all things androgynous, we’ll be digging out our oversized jumpers and palazzo trousers too (hello Victoria Beckham).

Shop now: Avery Ankle Boots for £75 from Topshop

White ankle boots

Last season, white boots were everywhere thanks to Off_White and Balenciaga amongst others. Lucky for you if you invested last year, they’re back for the new season.

Shop now: White boots for £89.99 from Zara

Sock ankle boots

Blame Balenciaga and those floral boots, but sock boots are going nowhere fast. Whether they’re knitted, mesh, metallic or plain, anything goes, as long as it’s a second-skin sock boot – though this season, it’s all about neon.

Shop now: BALENCIAGA Knife spandex sock boots for £875 from Net-A-Porter

Scroll down to shop more ankle boots, and be sure to check out our edit of the best winter boots and the best knee high boots, too.