Take the boot camp

Boots are a legacy. Boots are versatile. And boots are always in fashion. Fall 2013 loves boots more than I do. Not really, but you get the point. From long stylish boots to flirty ankle booties, the trots have gone from patent to patterns. This is an interesting turn of events, since most couture lovers expected just snow whites and jet blacks.

Surprise, surprise. Checks, florals and intricate shapes form the life of boot fashion this season. Ankle boots carry off checkered patterns very well, especially in white and black. A metal buckle on the side adds a twist to the tale. It seems extremely interesting to walk around with a little chessboard adorning your dainty feet. It’s good to keep people guessing about your next move right? In these boots you’re a sure check mate!

High heels are a must this season. No duck-billed platypus now. Or ever. Please. In fact, the oomph heels should be patent to add contrast to the patterns. Peep-toes do a lot for leopard and snakeskin prints. One of the pieces off Paris Fashion Week is a pair of peep-toe snakeskin booties in silver and black, setting ablaze the snow-white outfit the model was wearing. This isn’t a look that’s hard to pull off. In fact, the boots are good for all black outfits and can be paired with asymmetrical styles if you’re on the adventurous side.

Milan’s runways outdo all others with their dare. Mid-calf, closed-toed, pointy boots made a comeback, and how! Patent snakeskin in blazing reds sent eyeballs reeling from impact. If you’ve got the panache, I suggest you try them on for size. The horizontal stripes on these babies separate different snakeskin prints in shades of blood-red to add dimension to the boots. Pardon me for being cheesy, but these shoes kick some serious butt.
Flat boots made of soft white (cream) wool work for a cowl-like style amid straps that hold them up to your calves. The softness of the fur gives you the comfort of an Ugg with smooth straps held together by Velcro. These boots go great with short shift sweater or knit dresses with scarves or hand accessories to add dimension to the tonal combination. This one is a keeper, come rain or shine. You just have to muster some chutzpah to pull them off!!

Don’t worry, I haven’t forgotten your thighs. One of the boots that stood out for me were a slouchy, thigh-high pair in foal-colored deerskin trots. (Chillax, PETA, it’s faux skin.) With a minimal platform heel, the boot draws all the attention to the front of your legs, with a narrow stitch running up the middle. The slouchy aspect gives you enough room to move around (get in any position?) without falling down to your ankles. These are awesome if you want to draw attention to the toned legs you’ve been working on all summer.

Upping the ante on boot fashion, there is one that certainly got more than a fair share of attention this season. This boot encompasses every aspect of all the boots I’ve mentioned earlier. I didn’t think it was possible, but apparently it is. This one is in black patent leather, thigh high, peep-toed, strapped and buckled with horizontal white and brown lines in the calf area. No joke. All you need is some cool black or silver toe nail polish and you’ll have onlookers perplexed (in a good way)! You can ride, trot, dance and climb in them. I’m trying to wrap my head around this as we speak. And catch my breath. I imagine you do too. Take this cue, grab a few and you’ll be all set for any occasion, outfit, and of course, a booty call!

(The writer is a fashion blogger and a public relations professional.)