Three effortless autumn looks with my wardrobe staple - black knee high boots!

I always start with the shoes .... if my feet are comfortable then I know my day will go well!  The right shoe or boot can completely transform an outfit and your mood, and it is my main style priority as a midlife woman.  The days of teetering around in high heels have long gone.  I love looking and feeling stylish but if I can't walk or my feet hurt then I am not pleasant to be around.  And once autumn arrives, boots are my most important wardrobe staple. But as I have a slightly wider calf fit, finding a suitable pair can be a challenge.  I don't need a calf measurement (or the expense that goes with that) but I need to be able to get them on and off easily and not feel like my circulation has been cut off.  

Dune London recently invited me to style a pair of their boots for the autumn/winter season ahead and I am delighted with the Sera Kitten Heel Boots in Black Suede (wide fit),  I chose the kitten heel but there are several heel options in this range and Dune have a fabulous selection of women's boots that you can browse here!

This is a gifted blog post.

Styling my knee high kitten heel boots from Dune for autumn/winter

Stylish and well-made footwear from Dune

Dune London has a long established reputation as the go-to destination for stylish, well-made shoes and boots that don’t compromise on comfort.  They are on-trend and affordable and offer an extensive selection of everyday footwear styles and party shoes!  Shop online or visit one of their many stores where you can try on different sizes and designs to get the right pair for you.  Dune shoes, boots and handbags feature heavily in my wardrobe for a reason.

In this blog post I am sharing three wearable outfits for autumn that all begin with the same foundation, a perfect pair of kitten heel boots I can walk in all day!  I even took my dad to the theatre and pushed. his wheelchair in my new boots!

The low kitten heel is just the right height, so I have enough lift to lengthen my legs without feeling uncomfortable.  The boots are easy to slip on with a half ankle zip and the black suede is soft but elevated so I can wear them for daytime or dress up a party outfit.

The details, my black cardigan from Next has gold heart buttons and my woven handbag is from Dune.

Look one: Smart and classic

Who says you can't wear a shorter (and leather) skirt over 50?  I've added some velvet-feel black opaque tights, my black faux leather skirt is just the right length and fit and I'm keeping it classic with all black, a touch of gold in my accessories and my camel coat.  It's smart, flattering and perfect for lunch in town or a desk to dinner look.  A monochrome outfit with a contrasting coat is always a simple and eye-catching formula.  I very rarely wear all-black these days but the camel and gold really brighten it up for me and the neck scarf and Dune handbag add texture and interest.

I love my classic camel coat, this one was from Hobbs last year but they do similar every year!

Styling my Sera knee high boots from Dune with my camel coat

Look two: weekend casual

I'm wearing the same leather skirt but this time I am going casual.  I've still got the lift of the kitten heel but for a relaxed weekend look, I am wearing one of my favourite cashmere knits which I think balances the shorter, A-line fit of the skirt really well.  I always enjoy adding a splash of colour in the winter months.  And I am slowly investing in good quality, timeless pieces that will work hard in my wardrobe and my cashmere knitwear and my versatile knee length boots will get worn on repeat.  I love this look for a coffee catch up with a friend, a wander around the shops or Sunday lunch with family.  The loser knit means I can enjoy dessert without feeling like my outfit is too restrictive and no need to faff with any tucking in or belts.

My cashmere knit is from Cotton & Cashmere, faux leather skirt is from Marks & Spencer

Look three: daytime sophistication

This look is so me, a longer skirt, smart suede knee high boots, a favourite combination (a midaxi dress will work well too), the checked skirt is very on-trend for autumn and the dark teal shade of the cashmere cardigan is perfect for my colour palette.  I am not a fan of ankle boots with skirts or dresses, I hate to see the gap between hem and top of boot, it cuts off my leg and makes me look too short and frumpy so I always have a good quality pair of long knee boots in my wardrobe.  This is my perfect look for long weekend lunches with friends or a trip into London for a wander and theatre.

I wore this outfit to take my dad to see Fawlty Towers - it was so funny!

​Which look is your favourite?  Do you prefer a knee-high boot rather than an ankle boot with skirts and dresses?

I'm really giving my autumn winter wardrobe an overhaul this year, yes it means I have spent much more but I felt it was time to focus on some key capsule pieces, choosing quality over quantity and focusing on the right fit and classic styles, with an injection of colour!

Love from
Michelle xx


Disclaimer: this is a gifted blog post with Dune London.

Boots and handbag both from Dune London