How to Wear Boots with Style

Boots are taking over footwear fashion this season. This year women are trading in

conventional shoes for ankle boots and booties, thigh high and over-the-knee boots,

mid-calf boots, and fur-lined boots and even ultra-comfy UGGs.

Ankle boots and booties are at the forefront of the boot fashion trend. Celebrities are sporting sexy stiletto cropped boots with everything from jeans and trousers to mini-skirts, dresses, and even eveningwear. Ankle boots are available in every shape, color and material - even peep-toe peek-a-boo booties! Avoid wearing ankle boots with long skirts past the knee - this tends to look frumpy and matronly.

Mid-Calf Boots

Mid-calf boots are aunique cut that looks great with skirts of all lengths. This style accentuates your calf muscle and stands out from the crowd of knee-high boots. Very sexy, indeed.

Knee-High Boots

The classic knee-high boot. Ensure that the boot fits snugly around your leg; if the boot gapes open you may need to have it altered for a more chic look - a standard procedure at most cobblers.

Over-the-Knee (Thigh Hight) Boots

Some critics say that over-the-knee boots scream "hooker." Granted, Julia Roberts was sporting a pair of shiny, black, over-the-knee, stiletto-heeled boots as a working girl in the movie Pretty Woman, but that was 1990 and this is now. Unlike the Pretty Woman, we're not pairing the over-the-knee boots with salacious eighties spandex getups. Instead, modern women are rocking the over-the-knee boot with tasteful, modest, modern staples.

Fur-Lined Boots & UGGs

Narrow, fur-lined lace-up tall boots are a sweet accompaniment to a flirty short skirt. For a funky casual style, try wearing knee socks over your tights and letting them peek (ever so slightly) over the top of your boot. This look works best if your socks and tights are contrasting colors.

UGGs have become all the rage as the surfer-type's (and urban wanna-be surfer type's) winter foot-wear of choice. These robust, wooly sheepskin boots have been fashioned for years by Australian craftsmen, and were first mass introduced to North America in 1978 by Brian Smith, a young Australian surfer seeking to spread the UGG-love across the United States.

Twenty-five years later, and while UGGs aren't exactly the height of chic sophistication or glamorous sexiness, they are hailed by wearers as the ultimate in comfort and warmth at 30 below.

How to Protect Your Boots

Boots can be practical or sexy, although rarely both in the salt-laden streets of harsh winter climates. While it may often seem like store clerks are just trying to boost their commissions by ringing up protective sprays and gels, their sales gimmick is not totally bogus.

It is essential to understand that not all boots are created equal. The word "boot" is not synonymous with water-proof or snow-friendly. Respect your fashion investment by weather-protecting and cleaning all of your winter footwear regularly.

Not All Boots are Meant for Winter Weather

Realize that protective and restorative shoe applications cannot perform miracles. Have the common sense to know when to air on the side of practicality and not to wear your suede stiletto calf-cut boots. Salt and water produce damaging, lasting stains which - in addition to ruining boots' finish - actually corrode the integrity of genuine suede, leather and fabric. Purchase a swank boot bag in which to tote your trendy footwear to work in nasty winter conditions while opting for damage-proof snow or rain boots while en route. Link........