It is a style truism that the more versatile a wardrobe item is, the more desirable it becomes. This is as applicable to a crisp white shirt as it is a pair of perfectly fitting blue jeans. But it is particularly true when it comes to a pair of ankle boots that you could wear to a 9am marketing presentation, a 6pm cocktail in the city and for a weekend spent mucking out a stockyard.

David Cook, Head of Footwear and Accessories Development at R.M.Williams, says the versatility of the bestselling Lady Yearling boot is its hallmark, and due in part to a sense of “rugged elegance.” He add,

'The boots are elegant. But certainly very Australian too … they're hard wearing and tough.'

The Lady Yearling was launched in 2016 after the brand noticed women were buying smaller sizes of the men’s Yearling boots. This feminine, instant classic adopted its predecessors signature rounded toe and slightly elevated block heel, whilst staying true to the narrower, refined silhouette of a women’s boot.

'Depending on the configuration of leathers and colours, it appeals to quite a broad customer base. It's very versatile. In part I think because it’s mid-height and can be worn with skirts, dresses, jeans— it really doesn't matter. It has an almond toe, a roundish toe shape, making it refined and it can be worn with anything, from formal looks to something very casual,' says Cook.

Cook is right. A classic Chelsea boot style—sleek but unfussy— the Lady Yearling boots are for getting things done in. For one thing, the 4.5cm block heel and rubber sole means the boots can comfortably be worn all day (and night). The boot is always available in classic Black and Chestnut but seasonal collections have also rendered the style in suede, metallics, crackle-effect and burnished high polish finishes.

Ultimately, as Cook points out, these are boots made for wearing season in, season out. Timelessness, usefulness and a sense of rugged elegance never go out of style.