Fashion news: Best women's boots and loafers for Autumn/Winter 2016

by My Kent Family reporter

mykentfamily@thekmgroup.co.uk

Colder weather calls for more practical footwear choices, but that doesn't mean you can't have fun with your winter warmers.

The AW16 catwalks provided ample inspiration, with animal prints and luxe loafers coming to the fore - plus some of the best boots we've seen in years.

These are the shoes to walk tall in this season...

SLITHER IN STYLE

At Roberto Cavalli and Gucci, hyper-bright snakeskin slithered onto the runway, while at Chloe, gorgeous brown boots caught the eye of many a fashion editor.

It's the latter - neutral hues - that work best in the real world. Grey-based snake prints add edge to an all-black ensemble, while tawny toned boots perfectly complement a classic camel coat.

La Redoute Atelier R python leather boots, currently reduced to £59.40 from £99

Chiffon dress, £79, and leather snake print boots, £179, available from sosandar.com

Snakeskin block heel boot, £35, at Simply Be

We also love: Ecco Shape 35 sand boots, £135 - www.eccoshoesuk.com

GIVE IT THE BOOT

Ankle boots have stomped ahead in recent years but this season, knee-high boots are back - big time. You've got two options here: leather boots should be structured but a little bit roomy and definitely heeled (wider styles call for extra leg-lengthening height); soft suede or velvet boots should be super-skinny and extend over the knee.

For the ultimate in cutting-edge styling, pair clingy OTKs with bare legs and an oversized sweater or jumper dress - it's called 'lampshading' and if it's good enough for the Kardashian clan, it's good enough for us.

Michelle Keegan wearing the Lipsy Love Michelle Keegan stripe sleeveless dress, £38, and over the knee boots, £89

Vivv boots by Dune in brown and black, £130

Tu crombie coat, £50; Knit top, £25; Leather pencil skirt, £50; Long leather boots, £80. all from Sainsbury's and in store from November 9

We also love: JD Williams Heavenly soles snake side zip knee high boots, £60

USE YOUR LOAFERS

It doesn't get much more classic than a pair of Gucci loafers, but for autumn/winter, Alessandro Michele remixed the house's iconic shoe almost beyond recognition, and now the high street has got in on the action too.

Fur-lined, metallic, stud-covered, tasselled, backless - these pimped-up slip-ons are a whole lot more eye-catching than their casual cousins, so you can mix them into both your day and night ensembles with ease.