There’s no doubt about it: Nottingham is getting colder, greyer and, above all, wetter by the minute. We’ve all got that go-to cosy parka and big wooly jumper to brave the campus floods, but shoes can be a trickier proposition. The cut-out sandals we just couldn’t get enough of in summer will be soaked through quicker than you can say ‘downpour’, and, sadly, you can forget about those classic Topshop ballet pumps that go with anything (just me?!).
But never fear, help is at hand, with the best rain-resilient picks for all tastes as selected by Style Search. We all hope the dismal weather will clear up soon- but if not, at least we’ve got the perfect excuse for a good shop…
FASHION FORWARD
It’s official; knee-highs are the boots of the season, and is it any wonder? Not only are they incredibly flattering, elongating your legs to give a longer, slimmer silhouette, they’re also the perfect way to work the 60s and 70s-inspired retro that has ruled the runway as of late. Whilst, at first glance, these may not seem terribly rain friendly (we all remember THAT Gucci leopard-print calfhair pair; far too fragile- and beautiful!- to soak in a storm), choose your knee-highs well and they can help you take on Trent Building any day.
Channeling an instant 70s-vibe with their chunky heel and oh-so-boho slouchiness, there’s no denying these Topshop knee-highs are bang-on-trend; it doesn’t hurt that they featured on Cara Delevingne in that fab A/W campaign, either! Don’t worry about the suede; contrary to popular belief, it can stand a few showers. Simply invest in a good water-proofing spray; and remember that black can hide a multitude of sins (or just a few splashes of rain!). Still not sold? Try this leather-look pair from Miss Selfridge: wipe-clean, durable, available in black or brown… and half the price.
Another blast from the past comes in the form of glittery mod ankle boots. If these sparklers don’t cheer up the showery slog to your 9AM, we don’t know what will… and with their glam rock good looks and marked resemblance to Hedi Slimane’s A/W 2014-15 pieces for Saint Laurent, their style credentials are on point too. Try Topshop’s black version for maximum versatility (the sturdiness of the heel on these making them fully lecture-friendly); or, if you’re feeling particularly runway-ready, these pink picks from ASOS.
CLASSIC
If your rain-friendly shoes need to be hardworking with maximum versatility, look no further than a classic pair of Chelsea boots. These have been a wardrobe staple for girls up and down the country for some time now, and it’s easy to see why. Perfect with jeans and an oversized coat, or a flirty mini, Chelsea boots have acquired extra fashion points thanks to this season’s aforementioned mod trend. They were a key symbol of the swinging 60s, popularised by everyone from The Beatles to the Stones… and, most importantly, their close fit and solid soles mean they should keep you warm and dry in the craziest of campus storms.
For an affordable take on this trend, look to Boohoo’s Megan boots; elegant in understated black, with an automatic rockstar edge, all for the bargain price of £22, how could you go wrong? For those seeking a touch of tan, try ASOS’s Airtimes, crafted in real leather with half sizes available for the perfect fit.
GLAM
For a long trek in the rain, you want something solid yet stylish, and that’s exactly what a good embellished biker boot delivers in droves. Treat yourself to something special with these Miss KG Kurt Geigers reduced to £55 from £80, hardy yet handsome with the gold bucklework adding a luxe touch. Or, for those most biting of Nottingham winds, try Miss Selfridge’s fur-lined version; set to keep you toasty warm as well as rocking this season’s furry fever (see Gucci, Fendi and Alexander McQueen’s A/W 2014-15 collections to name a few).
EDGY
In dirt-defying black and waterproof mesh, these cool Air Max should be able to take a bit of drizzle in their stride. Their neutral colourway and laid-back look means they will team with anything from your favourite oversized sweater to a fab sequin top to dress it down for a chilled night out. Meanwhile, the extra-thick AirSole elevates the body of the shoe from the ground; perfect for avoiding any unwanted splashes from the pesky puddles around campu
s!
What would hold up better in the rain than a classic pair of Doc Martens? An iconic piece of Brit chic, perfect for toughening up a cute winter dress or going grunge with ripped jeans, to make these a permanent investment consider paying an extra £65.00 for the ForLife version. Dr Martens will guarantee to repair and replace your boots- made from a special waterproof Hardlife leather- forever; perfect for peace of mind in the event of an unexpected deluge.
AND IF ALL ELSE FAILS…
Let’s face it; there will always be those horrible moments where, from your first glance out of the window in the morning, you know nothing but a good old pair of wellies will really cut it in that storm. And, when it comes to these, we all know Hunter is King. You may think of them as a fab but festival-only staple, but Hunters recently received a stylish winter makeover at their A/W 2014 London Fashion Week debut, with model of the moment Suki Waterhouse working them with Miu Miu-esque duffel coats and schoolgirl macs… a pretty yet practical look for rainy-day uni.
Hunters still too Glasto for a Nottingham November? Try these biker-look boots at Supertrash. With their rockstar look and opulent studwork, you’d never guess these were bona-fide wellies. I’ll be investing in these for days when real leather just seems too much of a rain risk; very Kate Moss-in-the-Cotswolds with a pair of ripped black skinnies and this season’s leopard print coat.
UoN Fashion Love,
Jenny Skipper - Society member
xxx
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