A hot pair of boots (or three!) is a definite college girl essential. Though especially practical in winter because of the cool temperatures, boots are great year-round because they’re low-maintenance and cute, and can be worn in every season.

Whether you prefer short boots, medium height, or above-the-knee styles, there is a perfect pair of boots out there for you! This guide will help you choose a pair and learn how to wear them.

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Short: Booties & Ankle Boots

Booties and ankle boots were huge last year, and the trend doesn’t show any signs of cooling down. Ankle boots, like their name would suggest, sit at or slightly above ankle-height. Though high-heeled ankle booties have been seen on celebrities and fashionistas alike, flat ankle boots, especially with embellishment have become increasingly popular as well.

Hot Picks

Product Information: Dolce Vita Flash Bootie, Heels.com. Qupid Muse16 Ankle Boots, Cutesygirl.com. Leopard Suedette Ankle Boots, Dorothy Perkins. Minnetonka Tramper Ankle Hi Moccasin Boots, Net-a-Porter.

Tips for Wearing Ankle Boots

• Choose your heel height wisely. For most of us, flat ankle boots will be a more practical option than their high-heeled counterparts. For fancier occasions, ultra high-heeled platform booties are a stylish, showstopping option.

• Watch the proportions. Because they are so small, ankle boots can look awkward with fuller silhouettes up top (think boyfriend jeans or a full skirt), but are a great option if you’re trying to showcase your legs. Show off those legs by paring ankle boots with leggings, skinny jeans, or short skirts and dresses. They also look amazing when worn with tights.

• Notice the rise. As I mentioned earlier, ankle boots can hit at, below, or slightly above your ankle. Though all of these rises look cute with pants or leggings, getting the rise-to-leg ratio right with skirts and dresses can be a little confusing. It doesn’t have to be! For the most part, the higher the rise of the boots, the shorter your skirt or dress should be. Boots with a higher rise paired with a longer skirt shortens the look of your legs. Worried about revealing too much in a micro-mini? Add a cute pair of tights to your look!

Outfit Inspiration