When Spring comes, I am eager to throw off my boots and embrace my open-toed shoes. When the weather gets colder, however, I find myself pining for a few good pairs of boots. Boots can be worn with jeans, sexy skirts, and dress pants. You will also see boots with dresses and even shorts. This season, even open-toed boots are hot, a marriage I am not so sure will last, but it’s fun for now!

I’ve been scouring the shops and the internet for my favorite boots, and this what I’ve come up with:

The Velours Scrunch Boot from Christian Louboutin (left). We know nothing says luxury like a pair of Louboutins, and in a season where weather can be unpredictable, a sexy pair of suede boots is the ultimate luxury. At $1,275 at Neiman Marcus, these are definitely a splurge, but definitely worth saving up for.  Think of Louboutins as an investment piece!

Scrunchy boots are very popular right now, and you can find pairs that are not suede, and there’s also lots available in flats, for those fashionistas who want style but can’t be on heels all day long.

Another trend I absolutely love is the riding boot trend.  There are two different options for riding boots.  Some of them look more like traditional riding boots for equestrian athletes, whereas others look more like a motorcycle boot.  It’s tough to choose.  I like this option, the Paige Tall Riding Boot from Frye (right), because it’s kind of in the middle and fits both trends.  I also love that it comes in so many colors.  This fall I have really been feeling browns and grays!  At $398 at Bloomingdale’s, they’re not cheap but won’t break the bank (too much).

If you’re looking for a riding boot, you’re going to be faced with a lot of cute options, since they are so popular this season.

While there are riding boot inspired boots with high heels (which I LOVE with skinny jeans), most traditional riding boots and motorcycle boot styles with come in a low or flat heel height. I’ve also seen some that have a more feminine heel, which I think would look great with skirts and dresses.

Some details to look for include buckles and pull-tabs at the top of the boot shaft.

The next most popular trend has carried over from last fall and that is the bootie.  I have ADORABLE brown booties that were a great find from STEVEN by Steve Madden. This season I am in the market for a great pair of black booties.

I found the Jadia Pleated Bootie from L.A.M.B., which I totally LOVE (left). They have a great pleated detail that makes them interesting but also different from all of the other boots in my closet.  I feel like I could wear them with jeans, dresses and skirts, and even leggings.

For about $400, they’re also not exactly a “steal,” but they too seem like they’d be a good quality addition to my wardrobe.  Sometimes when items are super trendy, I won’t want to commit, but these have lasted a few seasons and I have a feeling this trend will be back around next year.

I also love a great high heel, and these are about 4.5″ with a hidden 3/4″ platform.  The black is perfectly versatile and will go with a lot.  The finish has a great shine that’s not overwhelming.

Hmmm, they also come in gray… should I get both?