by Jacqui Pratlett

Created on: October 28, 2010

Women are often the ones working the androgynouslook, but this season it is the turn of the men. In 2011, many trends for men's winter footwear borrow inspiration from classic womenswear.This season is all about comfort, practicality and warmth but with a softer, slightly feminine edge.

WORK BOOTS

All Saints pioneered the work boot look, bringing utilitarianism to high fashion. The trend for tucking your ruchedskinny jeans into a ruffed up pair of hardy toe capped boots has crossed from women to men, blurring the lines between the sexes. Last season's boots had a military influence, but this new look is worn and slightly more scruffy. The best plan? do some DIY to wear those boots in, splashing around some paint and scuffing up that glossy polish. Fashion houses such as DKNY have refreshed this look for the current season by adding bright laces to add colour to their muted winter pallet. Roberto Cavalli's work boots crept up to mid calf, tightly laced - creating a structured look matching the skin tight trend for jeans and trousers.  

UGGS

The UGG boot revolutionised comfortable footwear in early 2001 and are now seen all over the high street and the catwalk. Men are in on the trend now too thanks mainly to Hollywood. Ben Affleck and Bruce Willis are just a couple of the manly men sporting this current trend. UGG have created a range for 2011 in a masculine palette of muted browns and practical black so guys can share in this footwear revolution. 

SUEDE

Soft colours and a feminine touch creep in to men's winterfootwear through suede. The classic Chelsea boot is appearing on the high street in pale shades of soft suede and the UGG comes in beige hues too. It isn't the most practical material or colour, but for those special occasion boots suede is the must have look this winter. It adds a soft edge to harsh lines and strong silhouettes. Added to a perfectly tailored dark suit, soft suede adds a quirky yet soft touch.

CLASSIC

Dior Homme, John Galliano and Givenchy all sported the classic black polished boot this season. Paired with formal trousers and a relaxed, open shirt this timeless classic is back for another winter. The immaculate boot, with its simple clean design and unfussy elegance matches exactly a major theme for menswear in 2011. Lots of looks take classic pieces, such as white shirts, tuxedo jackets and trench coats and add a modern twist. The classic polished black boot is a great addition to a versatile wardrobe for this winter - and it's practical too.

The main looks this winter are a mixture of practical scruffiness and strong, solid formality. What you go for in your clothes should be a contrast to your boots. Tuck your scruffy jeans into over polished classic boots, or get those black tailored trousers and add paint splashed work boots. Mix it up and don't be afraid to blur the lines between masculinity and femininity.

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