Dan's Papers - October 19, 2007

Schboots, booties or boutines - any way you say it, ankle boots are in this fall. From Payless to Saks Fifth Avenue, these boots are everywhere! Any magazine you pick up will explain that ankle boots are in this season. Not only for women, ankle boots are hot for men as well. The popularity of these boots is said to come from convenience. The men's boot lines are dressy enough for the office yet practical for outside walking. The women get to have the sexiness of a pump and the weather proof feature of a boot all in one. Why are we having this 80s flashback? All of our new fashion trends seem to be inspired from the past, this case is no different.

The 80s bring up memories of Madonna wearing black ankle boots with layered tutu- skirts and fishnet stockings. Before that, ankle boots were called Adelaides after the Queen Consort of William IV. The style was supposed to enclose the female foot from temptation but instead ended up showing off women's dainty feet and shapely ankles, thrilling designers of that time.

Today, Ashley Simpson, Sienna Miller and many other Hollywood stars are rocking ankle boots. These boots are accommodating to all kinds of different styles with choices of suede, leather, or patent leather. People magazine's style issue says of patent leather, "Whether it's got a high gloss or a muted luster, this dressy leather makes anything you wear it with seem super sharp."

Some have cuffs, others buttons and it is cool to get funky with zippers too. Nine West has suede ankle boots with a side zipper. Saks Fifth Avenue offers a plethora of designer ankle boots like Cole Haan leather booties or Michael Kors round toe ankle booties. The most popular look for the schboots is with a heel and round toe but flats, square and pointed toes are out there also. A more affordable option comes from Payless with cute bargains like the Shilo-cuff low boot from American Eagle, for only thirty five dollars. Also at Payless is an adorable ruby red cuff booty. There are websites that offer less expensive designers, with ankle boots for under $100 such as like www.Endless.com or www.Shoes.com. On these sites you can find great black leather booties by Jessica Simpson or "Ego" boots by Rampage. Also on these sites are very trendy "Lipstick" booties by Steve Madden and Kenzie's "Whipped" brown leather boots.

The key to these sweet shoes is to show them off. It is recommended to wear ankle boots with leggings or skinny jeans letting the short boot highlight long slender legs. But what if you do not have slender legs? Not to worry, experts have expressed different ideas for showcasing your boots without a supermodel's figure. For petite sizes, wear bubble skirts or cuffed shorts. This works in the fall with tights to keep your legs warm. Tall and curvy, wear long tunics and footless tights, working with the curves rather than against them. Remember that these boots do elongate the leg, helping to slenderize it. Plus size, wear a funky a-line dress with opaque tights.