Affordable And Chic Boot Styles

Now that fall is here it's time to get rid of the flip flops and get into the season's more fabulous footwear.

Taking the lead are boots, a great alternative to other shoes, especially in bad weather. Marie Claire magazine's editor-in-chief Lesley Jane Seymour visits The Early Show to put Rene Syler, Harry Smith, Dave Price and an audience member from the plaza to the Chic on a Shoestring test with some of the hot boots of fall. Surprisingly, the men won.

The trend this season is to-the-knee boots, which can be worn with everything from skirts to gauchos to pants. High boots allow for versatile clothing options plus they're flattering. They elongate the leg to create a slim silhouette. They're also practical and warm, too — a good alternative to a heel in the winter, especially in bad weather.

The following are the looks featured:

Look No. 1: The Western Boot
Western boots continue to be the trend this fall, and are also a classic style to have in your wardrobe. They make a great alternative to sneakers when paired with jeans.

Splurge: Steven by Steve Madden Boots, $230

Shown with:
Joie Wrap sweater, $230
Dsquared Plaid shirt, $338
Joe's Skinny Jeans, $158

Steal: Durango Boots, $98

Shown with:
Abercrombie & Fitch wrap sweater, $90
Levi's Plaid shirt, $40
H&M skinny jeans, $39.99

Wear western boots with skinny dark-wash jeans, a fresh look compared to the boot-cut style jeans. Pair them with a chunky wrap sweater. It is a big trend this season. Plus, the wrap sweater makes a plaid shirt look more modern.

Difference: The "Splurge" boots are real leather and have hand detail work, as opposed to the steal, which is pleather.

Look No. 2: The Riding Boot
There's an equestrian feel to the runway this season. Flat riding boots add a casual feel to a look and are a great option for the daytime. The boot is also very comfortable for women who are on their feet all day.

Splurge: Stuart Weitzman boots, $450

Shown with:
Diane Von Furstenberg wrap dress, $290

Steal: Nine West boots, $118
Attention Wrap dress (Kmart), $19.99

For less of an equestrian look wear a dress with the riding boot.

Difference: Again, real leather compared to pleather

Splurge: Miu Miu boots, $850

Edun Victorian blouse, $220
DKNY Tweed Skirt, $295

Steal: Colin Stuart boots, $128
Forever 21 Victorian blouse, $21.80
Ann Taylor Loft Skirt, $69

The lace-up boot is a nod to the Victorian trend this season. Its round toe makes this boot look less harsh. Wear it with a feminine and flirty Victorian lace blouse paired with a tweed trumpet skirt.

Difference: The splurge boot is real leather and has more hardware.