These Boots Are Made For Walking

I'm all about boots. There is something about that first real chill in the air that sends me on a quest to find the perfect pair. Last week, as the temperatures plummeted, the streets of Manhattan were stomped by boots of all shapes and sizes.

I recently asked style guru and author of Style Rx: Dressing the Body You Have to Create the Body You Want, Bridgette Raes, what were some of the latest and greatest styles we need to own that can step up our look. I'm talking about boots that are versatile enough to take us where we need to go in style but with comfort in mind.

She said riding boots and ankle boots are both an especially important trend this fall. Another important style to have in your closet is a well-heeled boot, she said.

Western-inspired styles, including riding boots and cowboy boots, are heading into the fall with high marks. Riding boots are generally flat, have wider leg openings and are detailed with buckles or tabs to make them appear more equestrian. This style of boots are a great, yet unexpected addition to a chic LBD or skinny jeans. Bridgette said she loves to wear hers with skirts and tights. If you are pairing them with a skirt, team the riding boots with a sporty-style skirt or a skirt made from denim or corduroy. Also, make sure you keep the skirt on the shorter side of the stick to play off the proportions.

I love these riding boots from Piperlime. These boots aren't totally authentic, but they have elements of riding hardware like the warm yellowish golden buckles.

Another strong trend that are reappearing this fall are booties. This, Bridgette said, is one style that is very important to keep in your wardrobe because it’s great for pants and who doesn’t wear a ton of pants in the cold weather.

If you are wearing these low boots with a skirt and are worried about your legs appearing chuncky, partner them with monochromatic tights to create a slimmer silhouette. So if you are going for a brown boot, team it with brown tights

or leggings. “Monochromatic dressing creates a slimmer look because the eye goes up your body without interruption,” Bridgette said. “It’s an optical illusion”

The classic must-have for any boot collection is the tall- heeled boot. What makes these boots so important is they go with everything. To find a pair for you, Bridgette said to look at the dominant color in your wardrobe and stick with that color. So if you wardrobe if anything like mine, you’ll want to stay with black hues.

Of course no boot wardrobe would be complete without a stylish insulated, waterproof boot, especially if you live in a walking city like New York. I love the fun, playful Wellies, but I think these waterproof suede slouchy boots from Nordstrom are especially chic and stylish. I would even wear them on sunny days.

Of course I needed to know if over the knee boots that are in all the fashion magazines are a yes or no if you are over 40. Prior to this fall, they were always deemed more trampy than trendy - think Pretty Woman.

She said if this is your style, but you are concerned about your height or the shape of your legs, look to pair them with monochromatic tights or leggings. She said to pull it off and still look chic, it’s also important to keep the rest of your outfit understated. “If you have a lot going, you’ll have too many focal points and it might look like a disaster,” she said.

These over-the-knee boots from Zappos are a great boot in a great color. They can works with jeans and the shade of brown works with brown or black. Plus the have a comfortable low heel.

For a pop of color, Bridgette said she loves shades of purple. “The darker, the richer, the more it makes sense,” she said, noting colored boots can be great to add interest to any outfit.

These purple boots from Stuart Weitzman are so fetching and are definite edgier choice that anyone will appreciate.

As for brands, this stylist loves Born, calling them very practical, stylish and comfortable. To me, they all look pretty much fabulous. I’m particularly in love with the romantic and chic Peri boots. The supple leather is constructed with a cushioned footbed for all-day comfort, always a plus.