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They key to fall shopping (without getting insanely overwhelmed) is to get your basics right first. We’ve already covered denim; now, let’s knock out boots.
Looking for the perfect pair is particularly exciting this season, because there are so many options when it comes to texture, heel hight, accents, and updated twists on classic shapes. To make the choice easier, here are six of this season’s biggest styles.
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THE STACKED HEEL
A higher, chunky heel on the classic ankle boot is an easy way to give any outfit a boost — literally and figuratively.
Pictured: Rachel Comey Bordo Floater Tilden Boot, $495.
Shop similar styles: Mango Patent Sock Boots, $99; & Other Stories Night Fever Boot, $195; Loq Lazaro Boot, $375; Newbark Sabrina Boot, $795.
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THE HIKING BOOT
The hiking boot is making the case for practical shoes everywhere, following in the footsteps of Birkenstocks, Crocs, Uggs, Tevas, and an unfortunate hybrid of the last two. One Racked editor is debating a pair of Merrells; here are a few other options if you’re not ready to go straight to EMS.
Pictured: Coach Moto Hiker Boot, $450.
Shop similar styles: Matisse Trent Boot, $90; Danner Mountain Pass Rio Boot, $350; See by Chloe Shearling Booties, $420; Moncler Blanche Hiking Boot, $615.
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THE O-T-K BOOT
The over-the-knee boot is sticking around after a few seasons of heavy trending. Skip the tights and pair these with skirts or dresses, or with a sweater and jeans for that just-arrived-at-LAX look.
Pictured: J.Crew High-Heel Snakeskin-Printed Knee Boots, $358.
Shop similar styles: Dolce Vita Kitt Boot, $250; Sam Edelman Elina Boot, $275; Brother Vellies Flamingo Florence Boot, $650.
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VELVET
If you get any pair of certifiable-trendy shoes this season, make it the velvet ankle boot. The surprisingly versatile look works all day and into the night, from early morning coffee meetings to an after-midnight Uber Pool home.
Pictured: Steve Madden Jaque Boot, $130.
Menodemosso Velvet Ankle Boot, $298; Deer Frances Spirit Boot, $550; Aquazurra Baroque Bootie 50, $795.
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THE CHELSEA
The Chelsea boot has been a dependable pick for decades. The style has maintained a classic silhouette throughout the years, but this season, there are fun updated variations, like all-over denim and colored leather.
Pictured: Acne Jensen Denim Chelsea Boot, $500.
Shop similar styles: H&M Leather Chelsea Boot, $70; Everlane Chelsea Boot, $235; Topshop Apple Chelsea Boot, $150.
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THE PLATFORM
Turn to a chunky platform to toughen up any outfit when your leather jacket needs a break — plus, the slightly-over-the-ankle length is actually easier to pull off than you might think.
Pictured: Zara Leather Lined Platform Ankle Boot, $139.
Shop similar styles: Eeight Laverne Platform Boots, $224; Marc Jacobs Amber Metallic Glitter Platform Boot, $550; Alexander Wang Leather Cobra Booties, $750; Pierre Hardy Ziggy Patchwork Boot, $1,395.