A huge trend last year, statement booties are still an essential component of your fall 2009 shoe wardrobe. They’re also some of most fun shoes to buy: not only do you have tons of choices, so there’s almost no way you won’t find a pair you love at a price you can live with, but just for sheer ogling value almost no shoe outperforms the statement bootie.

Here are a few things to know about statement booties:

Statement booties are TRENDY: They conspicuously embrace one or more of this fall’s trends. Be prepared for boots with tons of hardware like buckles and studs; or lots of straps; or animal print; or that are slouchy. The only constants? The shaft is ankle-high, and the heels are going to be high.

You will not be inconspicuous in statement booties – they are meant to be noticed, so if you’re in the mood to blend in, these are not the shoes for you. If, on the other hand, you feel like being dazzling, there’s no better footwear choice than statement booties.

Unlike some trendy footwear, statement booties are actually pretty versatile. You can wear them with skinny jeans, leggings, skirts or dresses, and they’ll punch up your look whether you’re wearing a plain vanilla outfit or an outrageous one.

So, no, these are not the boots to slosh through winter weather in (see our guide to stylish weather boots if that’s what you’re shopping for). These are party boots; just remember to tuck a pair of Footzyrolls into your purse when you wear them.

Here are our top picks for statement booties:

1. Balmain Giuseppe Zanotti for Balmain Embellished Booties ($2280)
2. Dolce Vita Jayden Open Toe Booties ($200)
3. Donna Karan Collection Shoes Shearling Granny Booties ($890)
4. Omelle Fiori Suede Sling Back Booties ($745)
5. Tashkent by Cheyenne Felipe Open Vamp Booties with Shearling ($596)
6. L.A.M.B Jenner Houndstooth Haircalf Booties with Zip ($399)
7. Ash Impuls Suede Booties with Buckled Straps ($217)
8. Chloe Sevigny for Opening Ceremony Multi Buckle Suede Wedge Booties ($625)

But, these are not your only choices for statement booties. Check out our sister site BuyFantasticShoes.com — we’ve assembled over 300 pairs of statement booties for your browsing and shopping pleasure.