Nicole on whowhatweardaily

Whether they’re fringed or free of adornment, made by Minnetonka or Miu Miu, moccasins have a tenacious hold on the hearts (and heels) of our favorite trendsetters. These suede shoes may wax and wane in terms of mass appeal—after all, not everyone wants to channel Davy Crockett—but they’re a bohemian shoe staple for the above much-imitated ladies.

While Kate Moss hopped aboard the moccasin train in the early 00’s, we’ll limit this Still Loitering to more recent history, starting with Sienna Miller. Ms. Miller was quite dedicated to her shaggy shoes in 2005, wearing them with comfortable jeans and a striped sweater, while walking her two pups in Notting Hill. Nicole Richie is another longtime devotee of the low-fuss footwear. Richie seems to have several pairs in rotation over the years, from classic tan with fringe to the simple blue boots she wore while running errands in Los Angeles in 2006. Perhaps the popularity is in part due to the fact that these boots are very lightweight, which allows one to wear them in any season, as Rachel Bilson demonstrated last year. She paired a mid-calf moccasin boot with a little black dress for a day of shopping at Satine and Scout in Los Angeles. A slightly shorter boot, like Bilson picked, is the most flexible style for year round wear. Finally, we’ll close with the woman who started it all (like most trends)—Kate Moss. Seen above last month in London on a run to the market, Moss laced one her beloved moccasin boots over some skinny, pale jeans.

If you’re deliberating over whether or not to buy a pair of moccasin boots, we can reassure you that they’re going to be relevant for at least a couple more seasons. There’s a hippie-vibe and early 70’s-influence in many Spring 08 collections and, from what we saw during New York Fashion Week, these sartorial trends will continue with slight variation throughout the fall. Also, there are tons of brands offering shoes in this style, so you should have choices galore. Jimmy Choo has some simple, chic, high-end moccasin variations. We like the Warp Ankle Boot ($495), check it out above in brown, and the slightly higher Wave Boot ($660), not pictured. Minnetonka naturally makes a fine selection, their Back Zipper Boot ($50.95) in brown suede is very similar to the Jimmy Choo Warp, and of course they make the famous Front Lace Hardsole Knee-Hi Boot ($91.95) in both black and brown suede. Steve Madden also has affordable booties; the black leather Shawnee ($119.95), above, is another great abbreviated style. Wear them with slightly sheer tights and skirts or tuck the hems of your slim jeans inside the fringed short boots and go!
source