Joanna | Faux Suede Side Zip Stacked Block Heel Ankle Boots

The topline dips into a shallow V at the front, and that one cut does most of the work. A straight collar cuts across the ankle and shortens the leg; a V-notch opens it up and lets the line run on, which is why these look taller on than a boot with the same shaft height.

The upper is a soft faux suede with a matte finish that takes the light flatly rather than shining. A zip runs up the inside with an exposed metal pull, so they go on without stretching the shaft, and the toe is almond-shaped - rounded enough to be comfortable, tapered enough not to look blunt. Underneath sits a stacked block heel in a contrasting wood tone, low enough to walk on all day.

They fall into the gap most boots miss: too low to be a statement, too finished to be a flat. The pair that goes with jeans in October and is still working in April.

Details You'll Love

• V-notch topline - dips at the front instead of cutting straight across, which keeps the ankle looking long.
• Side zip with exposed pull - opens the shaft properly so nothing has to stretch over the heel.
• Stacked block heel - a contrasting wood-tone stack, low and wide enough to walk on for a full day.
• Matte faux suede upper - takes light flatly rather than shining, which is what keeps a low boot looking soft.
• Almond toe - rounded for room across the front but tapered enough to avoid looking blunt.