*Not* Sandals—The Anti-Spring Shoe Trend That Every Stylish Individual in Milan Is Pairing With Light-Wash Jeans
Milan Design Week, also known as Salone del Mobile, has transformed significantly. It used to be an occasion for interior and home décor brands to present their new collections exclusively to industry professionals, but it has recently evolved into something akin to a second Milan Fashion Week. This year's notable shift features an increasing number of fashion brands entering the design space and showcasing their interpretations of home décor. Consequently, the style-conscious crowd (think Alexa Chung and Pernille Teisbaek) has started to follow suit, turning the city's narrow, cobblestone streets into runways.
Although the editors of Who What Wear were not in Milan, they diligently tracked the stylish outfits and prominent trends showcased. While ensembles including maxi skirts paired with ballet flats and tailored trousers with pumps were certainly present, a widely observed outfit formula involved light-wash jeans combined with ankle boots. Normally, light-wash jeans and ankle boots might not draw much attention, but considering the weather in Milan was in the 70s, it felt somewhat unexpected. The heavy, structured nature of these shoes doesn't typically symbolize spring fashion, yet it was reasonable for fashion-forward individuals to wear them with jeans. The reality is that winter hasn't quite released its grip. Given the context of chilly mornings and sudden temperature drops, boots serve as a practical solution. They also provide comfort for long days spent walking between Salone events.
The style-conscious crowd further endorsed the combination of boots and jeans by opting for a particular style of boot—Western-inspired pairs. Western ankle boots bring a built-in versatility that is often lacking in other designs. With their slightly elongated, pointed toe and low, stacked heel, they appear less cumbersome and more versatile, making them suitable for pairing with both lightweight jeans and flowing dresses or skirts in spring.
If you feel inspired to emulate the It girls in Milan who attended Salone, continue reading to shop the best light-wash jeans and ankle boots for styling.
How People in Milan Are Styling Light-Wash Jeans and Boots
(Get the look: red bomber jacket + striped top + light-wash straight-leg jeans + brown ankle boots)
(Get the look: denim jacket + black T-shirt + low-rise light-wash jeans + suede boots)
(Get the look: black leather jacket + white button-down shirt + light-wash straight-leg jeans + black ankle boots)
(Get the look: oversize 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
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*Not* Sandals—The Anti-Spring Shoe Trend That Every Stylish Individual in Milan Is Pairing With Light-Wash Jeans
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