Just like there are jeans that are a better fit for your booty, certain boot styles are more flattering to your leg line than others.

Read on for tips to put your best foot forward and keep your feet fashionable and toasty this winter. The weather outside may be frightful, but your footwear will be delightful!

First, the basics:  Start with the heel.  A narrow, skinny heel looks best on women with slender legs because they help elongate the line of the leg.  But a wider heel or wedge is a better option for balancing out legs that aren’t supermodel thin. 

Apepazza Black Bootie, heels.com ($177.99)

alice + olivia Hudson Sweater Boot, payless.com ($48)

a.n.a. Helio Suede Wedge Boot, jcpenney.com ($74.99)

The shape of the toe is important too as fans of What Not to Wear are well-aware (shut up!).  Go for a pointed toe to give the illusion of a longer leg line.  I cringe at the ghosts of round-toe shoes past before I bowed to Clinton and Stacey’s fashion wisdom. 

So which is the best style to flatter your legs?

Booties, shoeties, whatever you want to call them, ankle boots are the “it” trend for fall/winter.  Not only are they super trendy, they’re super versatile–they’re a go-to shoe that goes with almost anything.  But they can be a bit of a double-edged styling sword as they tend to shorten the leg, instead of lengthening it. This is especially true when wearing the type that ends right at the ankle, opposed to a pair that covers the ankle. 

If you’re not genetically blessed with gorgeous gams like Cameron Diaz (blast her!),go for a pair of ankle boots that that are in the same color family as the outfit you’re wearing to create a long and lean monochromatic look.  And while fringe and embellishments are very “now,” skip the frou frou which can make your feet look chunky. 

Guess Garnier, piperlime.com ($89.99)

Jessica Simpson Fox, piperlime.com ($74.50)

Twist Bootine, payless.com ($34.99)

alice + olivia Jane Back Zip Boot, payless.com ($48.00)

Nine West Goor Patent Leather Boots, overstock.com ($59.99)

Irregular Choice Button Pump, endless.com ($144.95)

Moda Spana Claddagh Short Boot, endless.com ($107.95)

Mid-calf boots are the next step up from the ankle boot, but if you lack the height and build of a supermodel, this style can be tricky as they accentuate the calf muscle and cut-off the leg visually making them look stumpy.  If this dilemma sounds familiar, it’s best to avoid this style and opt for a taller boot style.  But if this is a fashion must for your winter wardrobe, choose a style that has a wider or stretch upper. So as not to be a “Negative Nelly,” mid-calf boots are a good option for petite women as they are very proportionate for your frame.  Pair with tights that match your outfit to create a lengthening block of color. Also, a skirt that meets exactly at the top of the boot can look a bit odd.  It is better if the skirt is longer or shorter.

Anne Michelle by Journee Mid-calf, target.com ($29.99)

Mossimo Kiley Boots, target.com ($29.99)

Nine West Blushy Bootie, endless.com ($117.90 - $135.95)

Riding boots, over-the-knee, classic-heeled . . . tall boots are the hottest trend to brave falling temps this season.  There’s just something about this calf-covering style that says “winter sitting by the fire with a steaming mug of hot coco.”  This style is about as close to “one size fits all” as you can get, but shorter women may have to do some experimenting to find a silhouette that doesn’t overwhelm them: wear the style, don’t let it wear you.

American Eagle Paisley Boot, payless.com ($49.99)

Merona Kaylie Tall Boot, target.com ($32.99)

Worthington ‘Ace’ Quilted-Shaft Boot, jcpenney.com ($64.99)

a.n.a.  Colt Tall Button Silver Wedge, jcpenney.com ($64.99)

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