For many women, autumn brings happy thoughts of crunchy leaves, crisp fresh air and – of course – boots! For maximum versatility, add an ankle-high boot to your wardrobe. Booties complement a variety of outfits and can easily transition from the office to a night on the town. Here’s what you need to know about booties this season:

Fresh looks 
At New York Fashion Week, top designers showed wave after wave of ankle boots in their fall collections. From Michael Kors’ suede caramel-colored Rosalyn bootie to Alexander McQueen’s bow-embellished stiletto ankle boot (also in suede – and hot pink!), this style was paired with dozens of fall outfits. This versatile shoe looks great with skirts, jeans or pants; it’s tough to go wrong with a great pair of booties! No matter what your personal style, there’s a sexy ankle boot to complement your look this fall.

Darling details
In keeping with the rich, dark colors and luxe fabrics that characterize fall 2012, look for a pair of booties with a fresh twist. Vogue recommends ankle boots with fur trim or python skin to add a touch of drama to your look. For those who like to rock a tougher look, add a touch of biker babe to your fall wardrobe with booties featuring studs or buckles.

If the thought of squeezing your feet into 4-inch stiletto ankle booties fills you with terror, fear not. Booties don’t have to be uncomfortable to look great. For example, the Buffy ankle bootie from Dansko Shoes is both fashion-forward and comfortable enough to wear all day long.

What to wear
The most exciting thing about the bootie trend for fall is its versatility. A great pair of booties can be worn to work with tailored trousers and a blouse, then worn with a miniskirt and tights for a night out on the town. Just choose wisely to make sure your booties are office-appropriate; animal prints or strong metal detailing may be too bold for conservative workplaces.

Remember a few simple rules when choosing an outfit to feature your ankle boots. Booties look best with ensembles that show off your legs. Whether you pair them with a short skirt or skinny jeans, this style can seriously elongate your silhouette. Wearing booties with tights, a cute dress and a structured blazer also creates a long, lean look that’s fabulous for fall. The biggest no-no when wearing booties is pairing them with skirts or pants that stop at mid-calf. This creates an unflattering proportion that can make your legs look short and stumpy.

Ankle-cut boots are a wise investment for your fall 2012 wardrobe. With a variety of bold colors and luxe details, it’s easy to find a pair to suit your personality and style. Wear your booties with nearly anything in your wardrobe to create a bold, sexy silhouette that will stop fellow fashion-lovers in their tracks.