ONCE they were just an outdoor working gum boot. Now they are the latest must-have fashion accessory. And with the festival season just around the corner, this is the time to get suited and welly-booted.

For although the likes of Kate Moss and Sienna Miller have been rocking the Hunter trend for a while, it seems that the Wellington Boot is set to tread new paths this summer.

Available in every style, size and colour from mock croc to polka dot, block heels and wedges, these boots aren’t just made for walking, they’re made for posing - and accessorising too.

Paula Dack of Stainers Shoes in Parkstone and her business partner Tracey Harding have launched a new range of boot embellishments called Hugz ‘n’ Kisses which are all hand-made in Dorset.

Tracey and Paula come up with the designs and local seamstress Sabine McCrudden, who used to make costumes for West End theatres, brings them to life in her Westbourne home.

“We came up with the idea last summer,” explained Paula. “We had created some of our designs for Ugg Boots using Swarovski crystals but they didn’t work on wellies so we decided to come up with something new.”

Their welly boot range includes a colourful cuff that slips over the top of the boot (as opposed to a full-liner) which can be adorned with everything from flowers and feathers to fringe tassels and fur pom-poms.

“The idea is that it hugs the boot,” said Tracey. “We tend to experiment with lots of different styles and fabrics – you can even co-ordinate them with your outfit.”

And it seems that welly boots aren’t just for summer festivals and wet winter walks either. Even Hollywood star Kate Winslet was pictured sporting a pair of navy Hunters and denim shorts on a shopping trip in Gloucestershire.

“Boots are big news this year,” adds Paula. “I was in London last week and saw lots of people wearing them on the high street. I think it’s because they are so comfortable and they look good too.”

It’s one way to give your summer wardrobe a bit of welly.