This Year's Top 12 Boot Trends

A Trend with Teeth

Exposed zippers are everywhere—sometimes functional, sometimes decorative. On this midcalf boot, above left (Casadei, $990), they're both, enabling you to wear the pair half-fastened (the flare makes calves look slimmer) or at their full height. Dress, Michael Kors. Coat, J.Crew. Ring, Mawi.

Beastie Boy: The shoe-bootie with an animal-print cuff, right (Christian Louboutin, $975), is like a perfect pump that grew up and went to Hollywood. Skirt, Erin Fetherston. Rings, Mawi. 

Get the look: 7 great mid-calf boots and shoe booties we love

Give black boots some pop with brightly colored bags (fuchsia clutch, Krocoa; blue purse, Chanel) or mood-changing patterned tights (pinstripes, Hue; lace, Falke).