Whether they are your trusty black knee-highs or a pair of somewhat impractical sky-high booties, you can't go past a good pair of boots for winter.
Knee-high boots should be an investment purchase - a more expensive pair is money well spent if they see you through multiple winters, are comfortable
and work with a range of outfits.
If you want to brighten up your winter wardrobe with something a bit different, have a look at some of this season's ankle boots. Lots of different colours, styles and shapes are available.
At the other end of the spectrum, over-the-knee boots have been popping up in shops for about a year. They can be a bit intimidating, but if you find the right pair, you won't have to worry about looking like something out of Pretty Woman.
If you get some that are tight-fitting, wear them as if they were leggings, with a tunic top. Otherwise, over-the-knee boots look casually chic over skinny jeans with a long jumper.
5 STEPS TO FIND THE PERFECT BOOT
* What colour will you get the most wear out of? Black is versatile but brown or even dark grey are good options for something a bit different.
* Do you have a part of your leg you're less than fond of? Boots that finish mid-calf make your legs look bigger, but a loose-fitting ankle boot can be slimming, especially worn with a knee-length skirt. Over-the-knee boots are a sexy way to hide problem knees. If you really struggle to get your calves into boots, look online for specialist suppliers like WideWidths.com.
* Choose a heel height that works for you. High, stiletto heels are sexy but if you are on your feet all day, a shorter or wider heel could be more practical.
* Think about the material - leather is hard-wearing and traditional, but for thigh-high boots some of the synthetic materials are more stretchy and enable you to get a closer fit. Faux fur or sheepskin-lined boots are perfect for winter mornings.