For

Throw off the Ugg, untie the Converse, banish the Mukluk, and embrace the only boot worth wearing this winter: the wellington. Once limited to the domain of the corn-munching country bumpkin, the wellington’s bucolic connotations are being overhauled by those of us daring enough to sport them in the urban jungle.

Leave the Labrador, flat cap and Barbour at home and wear these wonderful waders. Where others tentatively tiptoe, slosh and stomp through the be-puddled Market Square. Delight in the gumboot’s nostalgic nature, reminding yourself of the carefree abandon of childhood, of Paddington Bear, and leaping through piles of Autumn leaves.
So revel in the Wellington’s dual appeal: their retrospective wonder and their fashion-forwardness. Striped, spotted, swirled, the audacious high-street offerings allow you to colour-coordinate with the rest of your garb. For the more down-at-heel, the classic Hunters in navy or olive have shabby-chic appeal. Either way, wellingtons add a quirky touch to your outfit and should be incorporated into every urban sophisticate’s bootbox. Let it rain, let it rain, let it rain…and sing in your wellies.

Olivia Johnson

Against

Garish, gaudy and galumphing, the urban wellie is fashion suicide.  The name alone defines the error: the fact that this footwear faux-pas has to be justified through its metropolitan climate stresses its awfulness.  Wellingtons are for bounding through muddy fields in the Shires not for cruising Kings Parade. 

Urban wellies have taken on a more daring style than their country cousins – Pucci patterned or Burberry checked - their wearer thinks such styles are the perfect way to brighten up a dull day. But why would you want to draw attention to these ugly objects? They super-size your feet and their plastic glory diminishes any kinky connotations that a knee-high boot might normally boast.

Unlike the sheepskin Ugg, which appears to have now achieved its status as a fashion staple, the wellie does not even keep your feet warm. Your feet may be dry, but they’ll also be cold and ashamed of the sartorial crime you’ve afflicted on them.  Stay indoors, get a taxi or risk wet feet, but wear wellies at your peril…

Rosanna Falconer