By: Madelyn Chung

With winter approaching, it’s time to ditch those flats and opt for more sensible footwear for the weather: boots!

The past winters have seen an overload of Uggs and Fuggs (fake UGGs). Thank goodness, we now have a wide array of fashionable boots available both online and in-stores. With so many different styles at various price points, it’s easy to find the right boots for work, evening, and weekends.

Here’s a quick guide on how to find your perfect fit!

All the boots mentioned in this article are available at these retail stores:
zappos.comshopbop.comninewest.comstevemadden.com

WORK

Unless you work in the fashion industry, where really anything goes, opt for trendy, but subdued footwear for the workplace. That way you can easily take your look from day to night, and won’t feel like you’re wearing your “work shoes” when you go out for drinks later. Comfort is also key, because let’s face it: you may be sitting in an office all day long, but that walk from the subway station can be killer when wearing extravagant shoes. Try boots with a shorter, thicker heel. Your soles will thank you.

Taller women tend to have bigger feet, but a spectator boot can make them look smaller. The two-toned look will give the illusion that your feet are tinier than they actually are. These Giuseppe Zanotti booties are perfect for the workplace, and will make any outfit look chic.

If you’re petite, you may want to go for a higher heel. Opt for a boot with a platform, to avoid your feet slipping too far to the front of the shoe.  Marc by Marc Jacobs has a great pair of suede peep-toe shooties (that’s shoe meets bootie). Stylish and understated elegance, what more could you ask for?

Curvier women should go for a boot with a pointy toe to elongate the body. These Nine West knee-high boots are work-appropriate, and the leather and suede mix add texture and variety to your outfit.

Giuseppe Zanotti booties (Zappos), Marc by Marc Jacobs shooties (ShopBop), Nine West knee-highs.

EVENING/GOING-OUT

Footwear is often the highlight of a memorable outfit. In fact, I often start with my footwear, and then choose my clothes to achieve the look that I want. When it comes to evening, you’ll want to choose a pair of show-stopping boots that’ll “break necks” (a term my shoe-loving friend uses when he spots an exclusive pair of “kicks”).

Curvy girls can try a corset boot. The lace-up look instantly adds sex-appeal to your outfit, and will also make your legs look narrower and thinner. Lady Gaga wore an extravagant thigh-high pair from KTZ’s Fall 2009 collection, but if you’re not feeling as daring, try Sigerson Morrison’s version. The back laces add just enough drama to your outfit, without looking ridiculous.  Added bonus: you can adjust them to fit your calves perfectly.

If you’re tall, and have been blessed with perfectly toned thighs (or have been working yourself to the brink of death at the gym), the over-the-knee boot is your best bet. The “must-have” shoe of the season, these “Pretty Woman” boots have been seen on big-named celebrities like Rihanna and Blake Lively. Kane’s thigh-high boots will be sure to impress, especially with the studded garter strap, and zipper embellishment.

Petite girls can go for an ankle-boot worthy of a rockstar. Try the Alexander McQueen Faithful bootie: an open-toed boot inspired by the motorcycle jacket. Pair it with your feminine frocks to create a badass look, or go all out with leather leggings, and a sequined blazer. They can be worn zipped up or folded down, and the purple sheen gives you a nice break from basic black.

Sigerson Morrison corset (ShopBop), Kane thigh-high (ShopBop), Alexander McQueen open-toe (Zappos).

WEEKEND

After a long work-week and several fabulous nights out, your main priority will be comfort on the weekends. But don’t grab your UGGs or Hunters just yet – there are plenty of other styles that are comfortable enough to run around in, while still looking stylish.

Petite girls can wear the classic riding boot. These boots look great with jeans, leggings, or even skirts. The flat soles will give you a break from those heels (and allow you to embrace your petite size!). Michael by Michael Kors has a great pair of riding boots with gold-toned hardware at the sides.

Curvy women should look for a comfortable slouch boot. They’re perfect for hard-to-fit calves, and you can adjust them to highlight your most flattering spots. Try these Steve Madden Bonanza boots: they can be paired with anything: from leggings, to jeans, to dresses to skirts. Can’t live without your heels? Marc Jacobs has a pair from his Marc by Marc line with ruffled elastic banding at the top. The heel is only 3.5 inches, meaning you’ll still be able to run around without breaking your ankle.

A riding boot, or a slouch boot will look great on tall girls (the slouch adds volume to the slimmest of calves), but if you’re feeling more dramatic, you can try a flat over-the-knee boot. They can be worn over slim pants, leggings or pants. Want to look even taller? Match the colour of your boots to your choice of bottoms. These See by Chloe boots have tiny studs to add a little extra oomph to your look.

And for those of you who love crazy, over-the-top footwear, these Alexander McQueen “alien shoes” from his Spring 2010 collection will make the perfect “bookshelf boot.” Standing at 10-inches tall, McQueen’s boots are an investment piece, and they are so pretty that you won’t regret splurging on them.

Michael by Michael Kors riding (Zappos), Steve Madden slouch, Marc by Marc Jacobs elastic band (ShopBop), See by Chloe studded (Zappos).

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