Wellies have had a fashion makeover: why you need a pair

The diktat from the world of fashion is that wellington boots are back.

At Celine's spring/summer 2021 show in Monaco this week, the storied French maison incorporated a slew of the rainproof rubber treads into its collection, confirming the humble wellies’ return to the fashion menu.

Knee-high khaki green wellingtons were branded with ‘Celine’ and worn with low-slung denim shorts and a miniature bag, a look practically lifted from the noughties’ clutches and reimagined for today. Military green was swapped out for a buffet of rubber rainproof boots in sorbet shades at Prada's autumn/winter show, while Daniel Lee at Bottega Veneta eschewed the moniker 'wellington' in favour of 'Puddle Boot', which he interpreted in an arsenal of zingy highlighter hues.

To assume that wellies should be sported exclusively in the muddy fields of Glastonbury (remember Glastonbury?) is to miss the point entirely. This pandemic has made the case for functional footwear; sales of UGGs and Crocs have surged this year and, as we hurtle towards soggy season, it makes perfect sense to embrace the comfiest and most waterproof of them all.

The figures don’t lie. In October alone, heritage Brit brand Hunter saw a 127 per cent increase in sales of its classic Original Tall Boot design compared with last year.

Instagram’s fashion heavyweights have readily thrown their weight behind the wellie. Bella Hadid championed Hunter’s collaboration with Stella McCartney, while influencers Monikh Dale, Emili Sindlev and Pernille Teisbaek have also embraced the boots. Indeed, Danish stylist Pernille Teisbaek featured a pair of all-white wellies in her recent collection with footwear brand Gia Couture.

"Wellie boots are a growing trend - they're practical-meets-desirable footwear our customer needs right now," says Selfridges' Accessories Buying Manager Josie Gardner. "The boots seen on the Celine runway captured our imagination, with London’s weather forecast in mind, but styled with a ray of Monaco sunshine. They lift your mood as well as your outfit."

But how to make sure you’re more fashionista than frump? "Wellies in the City are more versatile than expected and can be a practical choice during colder months as they can protect your more precious footwear," says Cassie Smart, MatchesFashion's Head of Womenswear Buying. "Team the cropped styles from Loewe or Jil Sander with a maxi skirt and chunky knit and the Ganni knee-high boots look great with a mini dress and tights or a skinny jean.” Simply throw on a leather blazer to garnish, et voila!

These are the wellies well worth you investing in. Soggy season, here we come.

Hunter Original Tall Gloss Wellington Boots, £100, buy now

Everlane Rain Boots, £59, buy now

Ilse Jacobson Wellies at Zalando, £85.50, buy now

Bottega Veneta BV Puddle rubber ankle boots, £465, buy now

ATP Atelier Green Bitonto Leather Boots, £520, buy now

Ganni Leather and linen boots, £325, buy now

Bimba y Lola Off-White Rain Boot, £65, buy now