London Fashion People All Agree: This Winter Wardrobe Staple Is a Non-Negotiable

The capital is known for its laid-back take on dressing, and just about every major trend to come from the city in the last few years has championed comfort first. First, there was normcore (the minimalist's dream tailored wardrobe). Then, we flirted with gorpcore (a celebration of the great outdoors), and who could forget cottagecore (the cardigans, puff sleeves and floral dresses ideal for the countryside). This summer was undoubtedly all about barbiecore (I don't think that one needs explaining). Whichever tribe you fell into, British women have always known how to make functional feel fashionable. But one piece, in particular, manages to span across trend and time and is once again having a moment that we would be remiss to ignore.

This sartorial item revisits every year like your favourite cousin and ties together many looks and aesthetics you already have in your wardrobe. With bare legs and a little sock showing at the top, coming out under a pair of jeans or with a good thick pair of high denier tights - they're an overachiever. 

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(Image credit: @smythsisters)

In the last few months, Londoners have invested heavily in puffer coats, shearling jackets and ribbed-knit dresses, but the one item you can guarantee you'll see stomping around the streets of the Big Smoke are chunky Chelsea boots. Apparently, when the temperatures drop, we all reach for the same thing—pull-on ankle boots with a flatform or heavy tread sole that wouldn't look out of place on a hike. They are comfort-meets-cool, all-in-one easy shoes. 

The famous and ubiquitous Ganni chunky boots ran so that others could walk. Now, thanks to more releases of The Row's Zipped 1 Boots, Bottega Veneta's Lug Boots, and Prada's Monolith Boots, Londoners are ditching laces and stiletto heels for something a little more stylish, and the answer is a comfy sole and chunky silhouette worn with everything from pretty dresses to leather leggings. Plus, it's the coolest way to update the "blazer + tee + jeans" uniform we lived in all summer. (Just add an oversized shearling jacket.)

So for the ideal finishing touch to your next autumnal outfit, keep scrolling to shop the best chunky Chelsea boots on the market now and see how London's finest are wearing them. 

HOW LONDON FASHION PEOPLE ARE WEARING CHUNKY CHELSEA BOOTS THIS WINTER

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(Image credit: @smythsisters)

Style Notes: You can always count on Marianne to make easy combinations look polished, and we're taking notes on this maxi coat + jeans + boots combination. 

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(Image credit: @monikh)

Style Notes: Nothing says "autumn" quite like Monikh's chocolate-brown suede boots and shearling coat, but her bright Colville bag adds another layer of colour and texture that lifts the whole look. 

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(Image credit: @natashandlovu )

Style Notes: Even head-to-toe black feels fresh when tucking leather leggings into an equally glossy pair of leather boots. 

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(Image credit: @mimi.orere )

Style Notes: If you're still making the most of a mild autumn before the temperatures really drop, channel Mimi with bare legs and a micro mini. As soon as winter rolls around, just add a pair of black tights. 

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(Image credit: @lucywilliams02 )

Style Notes: Given up on skinnies? Join the club. Lucy proves slouchy straight-leg jeans are a style in the most stylish influencers' wardrobes. 

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(Image credit: @francescasaffari)

Style Notes: Francesca wears her The Row boots with simple yet chic jeans and a denim shirt that are perfect for weekend errand running.

SHOP THE BEST CHUNKY CHELSEA BOOTS

Up Next: This Timeless Boot Style is Far From Boring—22 Pairs That Prove It

Remy Farrell
Fashion Editor

Remy Farrell is a London-based shopping editor with nearly 10 years of editorial experience covering fashion, beauty and lifestyle. After graduating with a journalism degree and working on the editorial and fashion teams for titles such as Grazia, Elle, Cosmopolitan and British Vogue, she moved into the luxury e-commerce sector, working as fashion assistant at TheOutnet.com styling for the social media channels and helping to develop the collections for the in-house brand Iris & Ink. After expanding an assisting and styling portfolio that includes shooting talent such as Gigi Hadid, Victoria Beckham and Miquita Oliver, she also branched out into beauty, creating tried-and-tested reviews and diverse beauty content.

In her role as shopping editor at Who What Wear, Remy is interested in discovering new and exciting brands to share with the Who What Wear readership and particularly loves uncovering hidden gems at affordable prices to make shopping accessible to everyone.

Born and raised in Sheffield, Yorkshire, Remy moved to London in 2014 and lives in the Docklands with her partner and pug Billie.