*Not* Sandals—The Anti-Spring Footwear Trend That Every Stylish Dresser in Milan Pairs With Light-Wash Jeans

      Milan Design Week, known as Salone del Mobile, has seen a significant transformation. Historically, it served as a platform for interior and home décor brands to showcase their latest collections to industry professionals. However, it has recently shifted towards resembling a second Milan Fashion Week, especially this year, with an increasing number of fashion brands entering the design space and presenting their interpretations of home décor. This trend is particularly striking, as fashion influencers (including names like Alexa Chung and Pernille Teisbaek) have begun to flock to the event, turning the city’s narrow cobblestone streets into their personal runways.

      Although the editors of Who What Wear weren't physically in Milan, they diligently tracked the stylish outfits and major trends that emerged. Outfits featuring maxi skirts paired with ballet flats and tailored pants with pumps were definitely visible, but the trend that stood out everywhere was the combination of light-wash jeans and ankle boots. Typically, this pairing wouldn’t catch our attention, but considering Milan's temperatures reached the 70s, it felt somewhat out of the ordinary. The structured and solid nature of the boots might not embody spring fashion, yet it made sense that trendsetters opted for them with jeans. The reality is that winter hasn’t entirely loosened its grip. In the context of chilly mornings and sudden drops in temperature, boots prove to be a sensible choice, providing support throughout long days spent navigating Salone events.

      The fashion crowd further endorsed the boots-and-jeans combination by selecting a specific style of boot—Western-inspired options. These Western ankle boots bring a level of versatility that other styles may lack. Their slightly elongated, pointed toe and low, stacked heel contribute to a less clunky feel, making them suitable for pairing with lightweight jeans as well as flowing dresses and skirts in spring.

      If you're motivated by the style of It girls in Milan who attended Salone, continue reading to discover the best light-wash jeans and ankle boots to combine them with.

      How People in Milan Are Styling Light-Wash Jeans and Boots

      (Image credit: Getty Images)

      Get the look: red bomber jacket + striped top + light-wash straight-leg jeans + brown ankle boots.

      (Image credit: Getty Images)

      Get the look: denim jacket + black T-shirt + low-rise light-wash jeans + suede boots.

      (Image credit: Getty Images)

      Get the look: black leather jacket + white button-down shirt + light-wash straight-leg jeans + black ankle boots.

      (Image credit: Getty Images)

      Get the look: oversized blazer + white T-shirt + light-wash raw-hem jeans + brown ankle boots.

      Shop Light-Wash Jeans and Boots:

      ZARA

      Split Suede Cowboy Ankle Boots.

      LE MONDE BERYL

      Camille Leather Wedge Ankle Boots.

      KHAITE

      Callum Mid-Rise Straight-Leg Jeans.

      Reformation

      Dominique Ankle Boot.

      Madewell

      The Low-Rise Loose Jean.

      ZARA

      Kitten Heel Ankle Boots.

      Good American

      Soft-Tech Good True High Waist Straight Leg Jeans.

      Staud

      Wally Flat Ankle Boots.