boot camp

There are certain items that most fashion editors will agree on are essential to your wardrobe, and boots are one of them. The range of styles this fall are pretty staggering, including stalwarts from seasons past, such as equestrian, biker, knee-high, ankle- and low-cut booties (a.k.a., shooties), along with new, fresh silhouettes: peep-toes, cap-toes, lace-up, flat ankle boots, studded western boots, and over the knee glamazons.  Despite their differences, all are everyday winter wearable--and getting increasingly more play year round. Since boots last for several seasons, you can invest in a primo pair--or not. I tend to do a bit of both and have a few at my disposal. Tall boots are great with lighter dresses and skirts when it's cold. Fit is important, so get a pair that's snug around your leg--there shouldn't be more than a half inch gap between your leg and your boot. With ankle boots, it's a different story: many of the them are designed to give you breathing room, so it's a matter of what feels and looks good. I like to wear ankle boots with just about everything, including pencil skirts, cropped jeans and skinnies (or leggings), and shorts (with tights in the winter). I did a comprehensive search for all my fall favorites and categorized them below.

Ankle boots (with a heel):  Should you want to make a colorful statement, take inspiration from Gwyneth and the Parisian fashion show goer, above, with red pair, like these ones from Rag & Bone. I love these Madewell boots, because they're feminine, polished and everyday practical. Same goes for these by Tory Burch. You still can't go wrong with Isabel Marant's Dicker boots--classics in my book. (Urban Outfitters makes a $49 version.) If you need a dressy pair that's suitable for work and evening--more pump-like, if you will--try these from Rosegold, which feature a sleek snakeskin panel, or these edgy-cool pair from 3.1 Phillip Lim.

Knee-high boots: Givenchy's spats boot (pictured above) is the season's cult (and almost-sold-out-everywhere) boot. Zara makes a version. I'm partial to timeless styles, ones that will work year after year, like these from Jimmy Choo, or this pair from Steve Madden, with a wraparound ankle band, or these from Chloe. For a flat-heel, I'd go with these from Rachel Roy.

Flat ankle boots, fall's trendiest new style, exude a rocker/tomboy/mod vibe. I love them paired with flowy dresses and skirts, or with cropped form-fitting pants or jeans. The pair above are from Jett. I recently bought these by Sam Edelman and value how versatile and easy they are. This buckle-trimmed one from Dolce Vita is also incredibly wearable and so right this very minute.

Peep-toe: These boots are year-round suitable (in the winter you can pair them with socks or opaque tights), plus sexy and feminine. I'm coveting these from Nine West and Fendi, equally.

Lace-up: This pair from Burberry has a Victorian-cool spirit, similar to the pair French Vogue editor Emmanuelle Alt is wearing in the picture, above, while this very affordable style by Michael Antonio is simple, straightforward, yet still on trend.

Over the knee: Daring and bold, these boots look best with short shirts, or over tight, tight jeans. Try these by Jean-Michel Cazabat or Alexander Wang.

Shootie: These low-cut boots are almost shoe-like, hence the name. I love this style, because they go with everything and will work season after season. This investment pair by Miu Miu is a forever shoe. L.K. Bennett's cap toe version also offers major mileage. Ditto this casual burgundy hued tassel-trimmed Cole Haan.

Photo: 1. Phil Oh, 2. Phil Oh, 3. Tommy Ton, 4. Sincerely Jules, 5. Phil Oh, 6. Phil Oh, 7. Phil Oh, 8. Vanessa Jackman