Boot Buying Guide for Fall, Winter
Boots are all the rage this season, and the designs are more fabulous than ever!
But with so many choices, it's daunting to find the pair that's right for you.
So People StyleWatch magazine Fashion Director Kate Dimmock stopped by "The Early Show" Thursday to spotlight the four biggest boot trends for fall and a look-ahead to winter.
She says that, when it comes to choosing from all the great options out there, you should keep the golden rule of fashion in mind: Splurge on the styles you really love. You can save on trends that you want to try out and aren't sure about.
Many of the boot styles on the show are classics and can be worn year after year, but it's fun to include the season's hottest looks, as well.
TRENDS
SUPER SLEEK
Like basic black pumps, certain boot styles, like these super sleek ones are timeless. We featured Charlize Theron walking tall in gorgeous pair in Paris. This category of boots is easy to wear year in and year out, and they go with nearly everything in your cool weather wardrobe.
LOWER PRICE: Chinese Laundry "At Once" suede wedge booties, $89; chineselaundry.com. Clean, minimal boots and booties instantly add a modern, chic feel to your outfit. This is great for work or going out at night.
MEDIUM PRICE: LOFT suede boots, $168; loftonline.com (if you like suede but would rather have a taller version to wear with skirts and over jeans, these are perfect)
HIGHER PRICE: Geox "Angie" boot, $300; shopgeox.com (Geox shoes are Italian - so that means super stylish and quality leather. And most importantly they have BREATHABLE soles. There are little holes in the rubber soles and a membrane that sits in the sole that allows foot sweat and heat to be expelled but outside moisture cannot enter. )
WOOLY
Stylish shapes with shearling and cable-knit accents have a city-meets-the-mountains vibe. The casual styling makes them perfect for weekend or adds a cool dress down feel to a weekday look.
LOWER PRICE: Unionbay faux suede boots, $79.99; kohls.com this price point is great, and the wedge heel means that you get height but slightly more comfort than a normal heel allows for
MEDIUM PRICE: Aldo "Allday" suede and faux shearling boots, $120; aldoshoes.com This is a super cute low version of a tall wooly boot. Pair these with skinny jeans or even a short skirt to look super chic.
WINTER PREVIEW: Hunter "Steamboat" waterproof boots, $395; saksfifthavenue.com. These are a great option as we get more into winter as they are waterproof. They may be expensive but you're guaranteed to use them for years, decades even
TOUGH
Black leather, buckles, lace-up details and hardware make these boots and booties super sexy. Check out Halle Betty in a Marc by Marc Jacobs pair. The "tough" look is a little edgier but surprisingly comfortable.
LOWER PRICE: Bongo "Tastee" faux leather buckle boots, $34.99; kmart.com. These boots from Bongo are a great buy at $34.99. It's faux leather but they're fun and a great way to try out a trend.
MEDIUM PRICE: XOXO "Raven" leather buckle booties, $79.99; xoxofootwear.com These look tough with all the buckles, but the low heel and low boot height will make them seem a little less extreme than some of the taller "tough" options.
HIGH PRICE: Miss Sixty "Leighton" leather boots, $260; Bloomingdales.com These are definitely a splurge, but they are so cute. The over-the-knee style is VERY popular this season. Just make sure you pair it with tights, leggings, or tighter pants so you get a really streamlined look.
WINTER PREVIEW: Coach "Betsie" motorcycle boots, $278; coach.com. These too, are great for all-weather as they are rubber and can withstand the elements.
RIDING
All-black, brown, or two-tone, this classic never loses it's go-everywhere appeal. Invest in this boot and it will never go out of style.
LOWER PRICE AND WINTER PREVIEW: a.n.a. "Derby" boot, $49.99; jcpenney.comThese boots by ANA for JCPenney are a great buy. You get a lot of style and they look chic-but without the heavy price tag.
MEDIUM PRICE: Tommy Hilfiger "Aspen" leather riding boots, $119; Macy's, 800-456-2297 This is a slightly higher price point, but you know you are getting good quality and a very trendy boot that is sure to be one of your shoe staples for years to come-this boot will never go out of style! It's a classic.
HIGH PRICE: Vince Camuto "Karena" leather boots, $198; vincecamuto.com Two-toned boots are great because you can wear them with black or brown, and look pulled-together no matter what. They add instant class to any outfit. Even if you are just wearing leggings.