Look of the week: Made in Chelsea

Chelsea boots were seen strutting down the runway during Fashion Week at Isabel Marant, Chloé and Jil Sander and have been spotted on the likes of Kate Moss, Kate Bosworth and Sienna Miller. The great thing about Chelsea boots is that they can be incorporated into your wardrobe no matter what your personal style is.

Originally used for horse-riding during the Victorian era, and hugely popular during the ’60s mod scene, they have since become great for channelling a grungy alternative vibe and have even been worn by the likes of Alexa Chung. No matter whether you are preppy, hipster or androgynous, the Chelsea boot has a place in your wardrobe. The boot’s trademark feature is its elastic side, and although traditionally made of leather, Autumn/Winter 2011 has updated the classic style in different ways.

For daytime, a flat version is the way to go, but mix it up with suede material instead of traditional leather and opt for black, grey, or a fierce animal print instead of brown.

If country casual is your preferred style, choose a boot with a riding-style buckle; Ted Baker has a gorgeous pair that would be perfect with skinny jeans, a cosy long knit and a Barbour.

The key to pulling the Chelsea boot off is to ensure your bottom half remains sleek under a more voluminous upper half. If you have a more edgy look the ASOS Avatar Stirrup boot is the shoe for you, with black leather and gold detailing, and perfect for wearing with black leggings, a long tee, huge snood and leather jacket. So major.

You can work the Chelsea boot into your evening attire too. Pair a heeled or wedge boot with a dress or jeans and a fitted blazer for an on-trend smart casual look. Evening wear is the time to play with fabrics too – try a velvet boot for a subtle touch of luxury. If you’re after a more high-fashion look, Topshop has an insane pair of banana heeled boots, inspired by Miu Miu’s Autumn/Winter collection, which are certain to take your outfit to another level.

If you’re only going to invest in one pair of shoes this Autumn/Winter make it a pair of Chelsea boots. Whatever way you want to wear them, you’re sure to always be one step ahead of the fashion pack.