LE CATCH

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

$128, madewell.com

I love the idea of wearing a sweater as a jacket--and this is the time of year to do it (or at least we're getting close to it)! Madewell's nubby knit has all the trappings of outerwear--it's cozy, zips up and has front pockets--but it's light enough to be indoor friendly. Plus, the vibrant stripes give it all the coolness of a statement sweater. I'd wear it all the time with...

1. A.P.C. heart print cotton jersey blouse, $180, netaporter.com
2. Madewell cardigan, $128, madewell.com
3. Clare Vivier messenger bag, $363, shopbop.com
4. Rachel Comey ankle boots, $403, lagarconne.com
5. Current/Elliot metallic cropped jeans, $245, netaporter.com

For those of you interested in checking out what I wore last week during New York Fashion Week, check out my style diary on Elizabeth Street. The candid snap, above, was taken outside Lincoln Center, as I made my way into the Diane Von Furstenberg show.

Photo: Apieceoftoastblog.com

$129, macys.com

The faux fur sleeves on this motorcycle jacket make it a compelling (and cozy!) candidate for the cold season. I'd wear it with...

1. Thakoon Addition printed chiffon dress, $790, netaporter.com
2. Nicole Richie for Impulse jacket, $129, macys.com
3. Zara elastic belt, $19, zara.com
4. Topshop lipstick in dark plum, $15, topshop.com
5. Marc by Marc Jacobs bag, $598, shopbop.com
6. Steve Madden ankle boots, $149, stevemadden.com

Celine designer Phoebe Philo recently declared to Elle Magazine, "The neck scarf is officially back." Of course, she's entirely responsible for the comeback, as she featured various bold versions in her Fall 2012 collection. So it's no surprise they're showing up on the most fashionable figures during London fashion week (see above). Here are some eye-catching options to try from Herself (striped just like Celine's version), J. Crew, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Sonia Rykiel, River Island, and Tory Burch.

Photo: Vogue

$103, asos.com

This top is right up my alley. It is elegant and vintage-y, and has a one-of-a-kind look. I'd wear it with...

1. Asos beaded top, $103, asos.com
2. Adia Kibur beaded cluster earrings, $60, shopbop.com
3. Barneys New York ponyhair clutch, $590, barneys.com
4. Alexander Wang pumps, $485, shopbop.com
5. Elizabeth & James brocade pants, $395, netaporter.com

As I reported earlier in the week, shorts were one of the biggest NYFW trends on and off the runway. Considering the bazillion degree heat wave in LA (and yes, it's still Indian summer in New York!), I'm planning on busting out my finest over the next few days and perhaps looking to add to my stock, as they'll still be going strong next spring, particularly ones that are bermuda-style long. Here are some standouts from Forever 21 (they're suede!), Juicy Couture (in punchy red, like above), David Lerner (in leather), Splendid and J. Crew (both forward-thinking bermudas).

Photo: Harper's Bazaar

$78, accessorize.com

Years ago I had an older Spanish friend who would visit regularly and stay with me in my New York apartment. She was the epitome of European sophistication, always impeccably dressed. She'd come bearing generous gifts, one of which was a needlepoint clutch. It was the most elegant thing ever, mostly because it was so... her. I stuffed it with my daily essentials and wore it into the ground, and then the zipper broke, and that was that. This beaded floral clutch reminds me of my long lost needlepoint bag--but, I have to say, it might even be a little more glam and, with needlepoint an official trend right now, totally of the moment. I'd wear it with...

1. Warehouse lace sweater, $68, warehouse.andotherbrands.com
2. Lulu Frost earrings, $96, shopbop.com
3. Accessorize beaded clutch, $78, accessorize.com
4. Nine West booties, $179, ninewest.com
5. Oasis leather skirt, $170, oasis.andotherbrands.com

Serious statement skirts took center stage outside Lincoln Center, and it's easy to see why: they simplify "getting dressed." A good one carries an outfit, which is to say, you won't need much else. Here are some options I'm coveting from Kenzo, Versus and J. Crew--along with more inspirational skirt-centric pics from NYFW below.

Photos: 1. Grazia.it, 2. Phil Oh, 3. Harper's Bazaar, 4. Tommy Ton, 5. Phil Oh, 6. Phil Oh, 7. Fashionologie

$375, theoutnet.com

The one-two punch of the asymmetric hemline and graphic color-blocking makes this Derek Lam skirt a true standout. What's more, it's on sale (the original price was $1250). I'd team it with a casual t-shirt, just like uber stylish blogger Leandra Medine would...

1. American Vintage t-shirt, $57, matchesfashion.com
2. Dannijo lariat necklace, $326, shopbop.com
3. Nars Heatwave lipstick, $24, beauty.com
4. House of Holland striped clutch, $258, asos.com
5. Rosegold booties, $240, shopbop.com