Cool fall weather signals the start of boot season. Chances are, it’s time to give your footwear a serious reboot.
With so many twists on the boot—from ankle boots, booties and flats to over-the-knee, wedge and stiletto—there’s a perfect style (or two, or three) for every body shape. Ready boots? Start walkin’.
1Circle
Make your circle body shape look longer and leaner by balancing your boots with plain tights or sheer black hose, advises style expert Lindsay Albanese.
“Bare legs with boots can sometimes look too severe and tends to make the legs look shorter,” she says. “Shop for styles with vertical seams, zippers and laces—anything that will draw the eye up, rather than out.”
2Circle: Zip it
This sexy tall boot features cool vertical zippers that help draw attention to your slim legs.
3Circle: Buckle up
This go-to style works with jeans and a cozy sweater on weekends, or you can add black tights and a skirt for work or a night out.
4Triangle
When your lower half is a bit larger, fashion expert Albanese suggests looking for boot styles with a slight heel to give you a little a lift and help lengthen those stems.
“Steer clear of anything thigh-high or over-the-knee because they take up too much real estate,” she says. “We never want to completely cover up shapely legs—sometimes that only makes them seem bigger. Instead, flaunt them. When you keep legs bare, it maximizes a slim silhouette.” Albanese says that all bootie or wedge styles are fair game, but super clunky, chunky heels are your foe. “Also, stay away from heavy side buckles; they’ll only add bulk,” she notes. “Smaller hardware and adornments are essential.”
5Triangle: Wedge edge
This wedge is sleek, not chunky, which is slimming for a triangle-shape. And the petite buckle gives a nod to the hardware trend, without adding bulk. Versatile and flattering? We think so. You may want to pick this style up in camel, too.
6Triangle: Ride on
A 1 ¼-inch heel gives just a bit of boost to this classic riding-style boot. Pair it with an A-line skirt or wear it with your favorite pair of jeans for a shot of equestrian cool.
7Inverted Triangle
Since your legs are one of your best assets, inverted triangle shapes can work a variety of boot trends.
“Try a great flat boot or a motorcycle style for some attitude,” Albanese suggests. “Be ambitious. Maximize your leg length with styles that have vertical seams or laces—they draw long lines which, in turn, make legs appear even longer.”
8Inverted Triangle: Rain maker
Fashion meets function with this fall weather-appropriate style that features a waterproof rubber sole and a cool herringbone upper—with buckles! And if you choose to wear them when the sun is shining? We certainly won’t judge.
9Inverted Triangle: Thigh high
Draw attention to your great gams with these over-the-knee boots. Bonus: The slight quarter-inch heel makes them look a lot less “Pretty Woman” and more “trendy fashionista.”
10Hourglass
When you have enviable curves, a bootie or knee-high style is ideal to show off your shape, says Albanese.
“Anything thigh-high or over-the-knee may compete with your curves and won’t look sleek and polished,” she notes. “Your figure does a lot of the talking and can give a paper bag a sense of sexiness, so choose simple, classic styles that streamline those killer curves. Anything that tapers to your leg will always flatter the most.”
11Hourglass: Back in black
A touch of patent leather kicks up the style of these tall boots, but the stacked heel tempers the sex kitten-quotient. Sounds like a winning combo to us.
12Hourglass: Ankle biter
Looking for the perfect bootie to show off your hourglass curves? This super chic number—in of-the-moment oxblood—is equal parts tough (zippers), sexy (stilettos) and cool (that ankle-grazing height).
13Ruler
Rulers may have trouble finding space to store all of their amazing boots. After all, notes Albanese, their straight frames allow them to rock a multitude of trends.
“The only thing I would advise is, if you’re petite, wear styles that compliment your size, just like you would with clothes,” she says.
14Ruler: Cat call
Hey, sometimes when you hear the call of the wild, you just gotta answer. These sassy leopard-print booties can be toned down when you wear them with your favorite skinny jeans and a blazer or rocked out with an LBD and funky jewelry. Go ahead, Rulers, show your spots.
15Ruler: Fringe benefits
Western styles are trendy for fall, and if you’re feeling a little daring, these tall, suede, fringed wedge beauties will have you—and admirers—shouting yeehaw!
