Every fashion enthusiast knows that Fifth Avenue is one of the best places to go shopping. But here at The New School, Fifth Avenue is more than that — it’s a runway. From statement bags to standout shoes, Fashion on Fifth is here to give you weekly, front-row access to some of The New School’s chicest looks. This week, we’re focusing on boots.

Although the weather has been on the up this week — thank goodness — it is definitely still boot weather! With winter hopefully wrapping up its stay, these might be the final weeks you’ll need to wear your puffer and tons of layers. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the last time you’ll have to wear your boots. 

Despite the inevitable fact that boots will never go out of style, different trends concerning boots are always ebbing and flowing with each season. Whether it’s a classic UGG, cowboy, moto, or biker boot, boots are always evolving. While in the winter, boots are covered by jeans and bulky pants. In the summer the true beauty of a boot can be highlighted with a skirt. However, there is something fun and mysterious about boots being covered with pants — it adds an element of surprise to any look. Boots are so versatile; it doesn’t matter your personal style or the weather outside, there is always a way to showcase them. 

This week on Fashion on Fifth, we’re exploring how New School students are styling their boots to stay fashionable and warm in the middle of this ever-changing weather. 

Mazzy Miziker she/her — @mazzymiziker

First-year Eugene Lang College of Liberal Arts prospective liberal arts and environmental studies student

I saw Mazzy in the elevator when she was on her way up to her room in Kerrey Hall. As soon as I stepped in, my eyes were immediately drawn to her beautiful black boots. The juxtaposition of the orange and beige with the sharp black overlay was so attractive. Her boots are from the 1970s-inspired brand Swedish Hasbeens, and she got them to match with her clogs from the same brand. When asked what her favorite thing about them was, she said, “I love the leather overlay that goes over the shoe.” I couldn’t agree more. She added that, although these shoes are more of a winter staple, she’d “find a way to wear them during summer,” which is totally understandable when your shoes are so eye-catching! 

Evie Stirman she/they — @evie.stirman

First-year Lang prospective environmental studies student

Evie’s entire outfit was show-stopping, but the black pointed toe sticking out of her bootcut jeans was the perfect addition to her Monday look. The shoes came from a Salvation Army in her hometown of San Francisco. Since cowboy boots were coming back into style, they were an amazing thrift find. But, like many of us, when confined to the high school mentality to conform, she mentioned she was “too scared to wear them.” She added that she didn’t wear them for an entire two years before moving to New York City. As soon as she got here, though, she realized she could “totally wear them.” 

I’ve found that this is a very common trend, not just in Evie’s life but with others as well. It’s typical to be fearful to wear something you love in high school due to the judgement of others. But moving to New York City and going to a school like ours, it becomes clear that you can truly wear anything.

Quinn Batori she/her — @quinn.batori

First-year dual degree Lang and Parsons School of Design prospective liberal arts and fashion studies student

When I first saw Quinn outside of the Lang Cafe, I was immediately drawn to her platform UGG boots. It was only until after she lifted up the bottom of her pants to reveal the shoes that I noticed two things. They weren’t actually Uggs but in fact, just regular slippers. Her shoes, which she purchased from Amazon are the perfect Uggs dupe for those on a budget. Despite the fact that they aren’t actually classified as boots, they function just about the same on the bottom. “In this weather, because they’re platforms, they don’t really get wet from the snow,” Quinn said — a marker of a great boot. While these Uggs dupes aren’t specifically boots, the platform allows for approximately the same effect in both style and functionality.

Victoria Scholl she/her  — @victoriaascholl

First-year Parsons strategic design and management student 

When I spotted Victoria on the streets of Fifth Avenue, I was immediately obsessed with the way her coat coordinated with her boots. The sandwich method — matching  the top of your outfit with the bottom — really came to life in this look. Her boots, from Steve Madden, were the perfect find in her search for shoes — she loved the color and the buckle on the side. When asked whether she could wear them in the warmer weather, she noted that she “for sure could” and she would style them with a simple skirt. The versatility of these boots is one of their standout features. I could picture them with nearly any outfit, and they would still look just as gorgeous as they do with Victoria’s jeans and brown coat. 

Although boots can be seen in many different styles and worn in a variety of ways, one thing always remains the same — they’re in! Whether it’s a cold winter day or the middle of a summer heatwave, boots will always be the perfect addition to any outfit. The elevation they provide is unmatched, and the immediate confidence boost is clear in nearly every person who wears them. Carrie Bradshaw may have been obsessed with heels, but on Fifth Avenue, it’s all about boots!