16 Stylish Combat Booties to Step into Winter With Style

1. Wedge Styles

As popular as these shoes were, it’s time to officially retire them. They have a way of reverting an outfit back to the early to mid-2000s and we’d love to not be reminded of our nights spent walking on sticky floors in a dark, sweaty club.

2. Shoes Without Heels

We still can’t believe this was once a coveted trend, but we’re not afraid to admit we bought into it. Though we haven’t seen anyone wear heelless shoes in a while, we sincerely pray no one thinks about revamping them in 2025. They deserve to remain a nostalgic piece of fashion we hardly ever talk about.

3. Excessively Chunky Heels

There’s a chunky heel and then there’s something that looks like a walking cinder block. In a perfect world, we’d abolish the latter so they never see the light of day again. But, we know someone is still making heels that can cause serious damage if someone steps the wrong way so we’ll say this: try not to bring them into 2025.

4. Sequin + Glitter Shoes

These were once one of the ultimate party girl shoes, but nothing says outdated quite like all-over sequin shoes. It doesn’t matter if it’s your birthday or not, wearing them is a style faux pas in 2025. The only time they’d be acceptable is if you’re going to an 80s-themed party.

5. Patent Leather Boots

It almost pains us to say this but patent boots are officially on the outdated list. They were once considered the ‘cool girl’ shoe to wear. Now they unfortunately scream, “I’m stuck in my late teens to early twenties and I’m not ready to let go.”

6. Dominatrix Style Boots

There’s absolutely nothing wrong with wearing knee or thigh high boots. However, we’d love to see less of the dominatrix style. Unless you’re headed to fashion week and are working with a stylist to convey a certain look, please skip this outdated trend in 2025. We'd hate to see you appear on someone's 'worst-dressed' list.

Dolan Long-Sleeve Square-Neck Mini Dress

This preppy dress would be perf for a more formal Thanksgiving. Family pictures incoming!

Banana Republic Factory Off-Shoulder Midi Sweater Dress

Sweater dresses are the epitome of fall and winter. Bundle up in this long sleeve version that still gives you a bit of sexiness, thanks to the off-shoulder silhouette.

By Anthropologie Sleeveless Mock-Neck Belted Knit Mini Dress

The belt on this chic chocolate brown mini dress is everything. Throw on some tights and a cardigan to warm up the look even more!

Gap Shift Mini Dress

This pick is simple, but you can instantly amp it up with fall layers like a sweater and a chore jacket.

Gap Satin Mini Dress

So smooth! This satin mini from Gap will work in some varied textures into your Thanksgiving outfit. It's such a staple piece, too, so you could wear this style in any season, really.

Reformation Micah Knit Dress

Grab this structured mini and some tall boots, and boom: your Thanksgiving 'fit will be giving.

Ann Taylor Houndstooth V-Neck Sleeveless Shift Dress

Loose-fitting dresses like this are totally food baby-approved since they don't hug your figure too tight.

Splendid Marigold Maxi Sweater Dress

This elegant sweater dress is perfect for those of you who like to dress more modest around the holidays. It'll also keep you nice and warm!

Abercrombie & Fitch One-Shoulder Knit Mini Dress

The rich red wine color of this dress is Thanksgiving's BFF. Talk about a perfect palette!

The Avenue Mini Dress

The flirty ruffles on this mini give your look some nice shape. I love that this dress supplies a good amount of coverage, but still gives you the opportunity to show off a bit of skin since it has a playful open back design.

A New Day Heavy Satin Mini Dress

I think squared necklines are so universally flattering. You'll be able to accessorize this mini in no time!

Ann Taylor Faux Leather Mixed Media Dress

If you're growing tired of the expected knit and cotton dresses, opt for this foxy faux leather number.

Petal & Pup Nova Long Sleeve Maxi Wrap Dress

The wrapped waistline on this dress will instantly flatter your body, plus you can tie it as loose or tight as you please. That'll most definitely come in handy for a post-Thanksgiving feast nap!

Bali Painterly Paisley Velvet Maxi Dress

The pattern alone on this maxi gives it an unmissable eye-catching effect.

Banana Republic Sculpted V-Neck Maxi

All this scooped v-neck dress needs is a cute pair of ballet flats for a fun and comfy Thanksgiving get-up!

A New Day Mini Velvet Ruched Dress

Pair this neutral-colored velvet dress with some tall black boots and a denim jacket for a perfectly balanced Thanksgiving outfit.

Treasure & Bond Cabled Long Sleeve Sweater Dress

Cable knit is the coziest texture for fall and winter weather. You're gonna be the absolute comfiest gal at the table in this pick!

Ann Taylor Belted Midi Shirtdress

Shirt dresses are a classic dress shape, no matter the occasion. This sophisticated style even comes with a convenient belt to keep your Thanksgiving Day look in check.

Banana Republic Lightweight Ponte Mini Dress

This mock-neck mini is comfortably crafted from a stretchy material, so you can move about freely after the big feast.

Nordstrom Sleeveless Wool & Cashmere Rib Sweater Dress

This sweater dress would stun so hard alongside some bold black boots!

Wild Fable One Shoulder Maxi Slip Dress

Not only will this slip dress be perfect for Thanksgiving dressing, you can also rock it for work meetings, happy hours, and girly hangs year after year.

Treasure & Bond Floral Long Sleeve Maxi Dress

This maxi encapsulates everything I love about Thanksgiving fashion: comfortable coverage, a warm color palette, and fall florals!

Reformation Evra Dress

The people behind Reformation's dresses are total experts at creating romantic styles. This flowy maxi is beyond perfect for Thanksgiving, thanks to the ruffles, oversized collar, and rich colors.

Venice, Italy

Bali, Indonesia

Once an idyllic paradise, Bali now suffers from traffic congestion, environmental degradation, and overcrowded beaches. The island’s resources are strained under the weight of mass tourism, but there are efforts underway to promote sustainability like putting a moratorium on new hotels.

Machu Picchu, Peru

Overtourism has led to erosion and damage to this ancient Incan citadel. A quota system and mandatory guides are helping preserve this popular South American destination.

Tulum, Mexico

Once a tranquil paradise known for its pristine beaches, ancient Mayan ruins, and eco-chic vibe, Tulum has become a cautionary tale of overtourism. The surge in popularity, fueled by Instagram-worthy scenery, has brought overcrowding, environmental strain, and rising costs. The Guardianreported that locals are being pushed out by developers and despite the thinking that tourism helps local communities, poverty nearly doubled between 2015 and 2020. Local ecosystems, including fragile mangroves and coral reefs, are threatened by unchecked construction and pollution too. The local ruins have implemented stricter rules like no food or drink to limit trash and environmental impact from tourists.

Santorini, Greece

Instagram fame has turned this once-serene island into a tourist hotspot. Narrow streets are perpetually clogged, and locals are struggling with soaring costs of living due to tourism demand. The government has since capped the number of daily cruise ship visitors to keep overtourism at bay.

Cinque Terre, Italy

Known for its colorful cliffside villages and breathtaking coastal views, these once-quiet fishing towns now see millions of visitors annually, way more than they can handle. To combat issues like congestion and cruise ships, local authorities have introduced visitor caps and encourage sustainable travel to protect Cinque Terre’s charm.

Reykjavík, Iceland

Is there anyone not going to Iceland these days? A small country with breathtaking landscapes, Iceland has been overwhelmed by tourists flocking to Instagram-famous sites like the Blue Lagoon and Diamond Beach. It's best to travel during the off season (November to April) and travel to lesser known spots like the Sturlungalaug hot spring.

Maya Bay, Thailand (Phi Phi Islands)

This iconic beach, popularized by the DiCaprio film The Beach, suffered ecological devastation from hordes of visitors and anchored boats. Coral reefs were destroyed, and the beach was closed for years to allow recovery. It has since reopened after a huge revitalization project, but they have introduced visitor caps.

Kyoto, Japan

Traditionally quiet streets of this ancient capital city now teem with tourists during peak season. An increase in litter from tourists has required the city to install more trash bins to handle the crowds, and peaceful geishas are often chased down for photos. To mitigate the problem, Kyoto is considering running special buses to popular sites to reduce overcrowding, and temples and shrines are encouraging visitors to come early in the morning.

Mount Everest, Nepal

The ultimate challenge for adventurers, Mount Everest has experienced overcrowding on the slopes and at base camps, leading to dangerous conditions, with litter and human waste piling up on the mountain. Permits are now harder to get, and stricter regulations for climbers are being enforced.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

The Game of Thrones effect brought an influx of fans to this medieval city. Overcrowded streets and cruise ship arrivals have made it difficult to appreciate its beauty. The local government is taking steps to limit daily visitors and impose stricter cruise ship regulations.

Lisbon, Portugal

Short-term rentals dominate the housing market now, thanks to affordable flights and the digital nomad craze. This has led to skyrocketing rents and displaced locals. Historic neighborhoods are inundated with tourists, making them less charming too. Everything from public transport to waste management struggles to keep pace with the influx. I went in December and it still felt a bit like Disneyland. Douro Valley and Madeira might be more favorable destinations any time of year.