Boots have never been hotter

Whether you love your boots over the knee, at your ankle or in the form of a shootie, there is one thing that everyone can agree on this fall: Boots have never been hotter.

Over-the-knee boots are hands down the most fashion-forward style of footwear this season. Banish the Julia Roberts-Pretty Woman streetwalking image from your head; over-the-knee boots can be stylish, sophisticated and sexy — it's all about how you wear them.

Pair them with a great skinny jean and blazer during the day or with a mini dress for night. Designers sending models down the catwalk in over-the-knee boots have paired them with all manner of miniskirts, dresses, cardigans and coats. Check their Web sites to see how to wear them just right.

So maybe you don't want to take it to new heights; maybe you want a trendy boot that is so versatile you can wear it anywhere. Then the ankle boot is for you.

These mid-height boots are a fab go-to shoe that will serve you well. They look great with pants and even more stylish with dresses and tights. Need a little lift? Look for platform ankle boots. Slouchy ankle boots in suede or leather are cool in casual wear this season. Distressed cowboy ankle boots — with their classic, rustic style — are back in the saddle again. Geometric cutouts and peep-toes are hot details on fall's coolest ankle boots, too.

"Shooties" (as dubbed by celebrity stylist Rachel Zoe) are boots that look slightly more like a shoe. Confused? Shoot — so are we. Let's just call 'em a cool trend.

One of the best ways to wear a shootie is with a dress that hits at or above the knee with some playful, colorful or patterned tights.