As summer draws to a close, it's time to put our sandals and summer shoes on the shelf and get ready for fall fashion. Jeans and sweaters. Jackets and hats. And most importantly? Boots.
As hemlines fluctuate and denim looks come and go, ankle boots still look good with all of it!
Chances are, you already have a great pair of black ankle boots in your wardrobe. And while we do love a classic, there's something to be said for kicking your fall wardrobe up a notch with a pair of unexpected ankle boots. "A bright or even patterned ankle boot can really elevate any outfit and make you feel especially confident," said TODAY Style contributor Bobbie Thomas.
Fashion expert and editor of Wit & Whimsy, Meghan Donovan, agrees. "A colorful or printed bootie can amp up your standby wardrobe essentials and make them feel refreshed for the new season," she said. "Your basic black pants will take on a new life when paired with a burgundy velvet bootie or a bootie in a fun leopard print!"
Colorful Booties
Add a pop of color at your ankles with boots and booties in bright, unexpected hues. "This season I'm looking for a pair of red ankle boots I can wear with my favorite jeans and camel jacket," said Thomas. From bright pink to mustard yellow or royal blue, don't be afraid to think outside the box!
Silent D Careful Stretch Ankle Boots, $138, Anthropologie
The "sock boot" trend isn't going anywhere, and it's easier to wear than you think! A pair of red boots like these would work perfectly with vintage Levi's or your favorite denim mini skirt!
Leith Gillis Stretch Bootie, $100, Nordstrom
Bold and feminine, these Leith ankle boots in vibrant fuchsia are meant to be noticed. Wear them with an all-black ensemble for the ultimate pop of color.
New Look Pointed Heel Boot, $48, ASOS
We've been seeing this bright shade of mustard yellow everywhere lately, and these ankle boots from ASOS are a great way to try out the trend without breaking the bank. Sport them with cropped jeans or your favorite bohemian maxi dress.
Leather Ankle Boots, $149, & Other Stories
These ankle boots almost look electric. Dress them down a bit with dark denim and a comfortable t-shirt to strike a casual-cool balance.
ASOS Design Rome Leather Ankle Boots, $111, ASOS
The heel of these ASOS boots is almost like a work of art! This rich but not overwhelming shade of blue will look sharp with black and grey pencil skirts at the office, or with colorful fall layers on the weekend.
UO Kennedy Heeled Lace-up Ankle Boots, $89, Urban Outfitters
These UO booties are an ultra-feminine take on combat boots, especially when rendered in pale, millennial pink. The stacked heel means your legs are going to look a mile long, so be sure to show them off!
White Booties
One of the biggest fall footwear trends is the white ankle boot. With a nod to the mod 1960s, they get a modern twist when you pair them with casual denim or cropped pants. Metallics and clear booties round out the trifecta of new neutrals for the season.
Public Desire Ring Detail Boots, $56, ASOS
Are you getting 1960s mod flashbacks with these crazy-affordable ASOS booties? Us too. For an updated take, pair them with cropped, wide leg pants and a tucked-in top.
Babe Block Heel Boots, $65, Topshop
If you're into the look of white ankle boots but want something a little less vintage-inspired, these Topshop boots have a subtle crocodile embossing that gives them an extra edge.
Metallic Booties
A New Day Dominique Metallic Ankle Boots, $35, Target
We couldn't believe we found these incredibly trend-forward ankle boots at Target for just $35! Try wearing them on date night with your favorite dark denim and a pretty top.
Louise et Cie Sonya Pointy-Toe Booties, $150, Nordstrom
With a slightly higher stiletto heel, these gold ankle boots are not for the faint of heart. Dress them up with your favorite going-out looks, or dress them down with boyfriend jeans and a sweatshirt for the perfect weekend look.
Clear Booties
Jeffrey Campbell Hurricane Rain Booties, $60, Shopbop
Yes, clear boots! We are kind of obsessed with these Jeffrey Campbell rain boots with a stacked heel. On less-than-desireable weather days, be sure to wear them with a pair of colorful novelty socks and embrace their transparent appeal!
Velvet Booties
Ah, velvet. We love that this trend has stuck around, and so does Thomas. "Velvet is rich and lush-looking, which makes it a great pairing with this season's vintage-inspired denim trend," she said.
Vikki Velvet Boots, $48, Circus By Sam Edelman
You might be surprised to know that a pair of grey ankle boots are almost as easy to wear as black. You can dress them up or down for day or night.
Taye Heeled Ankle Boots, $72, Sam Edelman
The midnight blue shade of these ankle boots from Sam Edelman looks so much more luxurious than their $72 price point.
Kendall + Kylie Kaden Velvet Booties, $78, Saks Fifth Avenue
Have a little fun with this trend and try a peachy velvet pair of boots. We're imagining these looking especially killer with a black and white ensemble.
Schutz Velvet Ankle Boots, $110, The Outnet
Not quite royal, not quite navy—these dark blue velvet ankle boots from Schutz are sophisticated and unique. We especially love the silver detail on the heel.
Printed & Patterned Booties
If you want to take your affection for colors and textures to the next level, we found some super-unique ankle boots in prints and patterns like camo, floral and python!
Seychelles Floodplain Ankle Boots, $148, Anthropologie
These aren't quite "Diamonds on the Souls of Her Shoes" level, but they do have quite a bit of sparkle! Wear these Seychelles booties when you want to celebrate ... for no reason at all.
Jeffrey Campbell Siren Ankle Boots, $125, Nordstrom
If you ask us, camo print will never go out of style, and can often function like a neutral. You could wear these sock-style ankle boots with just about anything and look incredibly chic and modern.
MIA Amore Rosebud Ankle Booties, $90, Amazon
Where are all our bohemian ladies? These floral embroidered ankle boots feel like something you might see Stevie Nicks wearing on tour with Fleetwood Mac.
Brinley Co Side-zip Ankle Boots, $45, Walmart
We love these low-heel ankle boots from Brinley Co that combine all-day wearability with a little bit of sass.
Forever 21 Glen Plaid Ankle Boots, $33, Forever 21
It wouldn't be fall without a little bit of plaid. These insanely affordable boots from Forever 21 will give your everyday uniform a serious jolt of autumnal energy.
Western Booties
Western style is one of the biggest trends this year, so we encourage you to lean into it!
Soto Boots Janis Ankle Cowboy Boots, $75, Amazon
These ankle boots will look chic with everything from black skinny jeans and an oversized sweater to a mini dress and tights.
Matisse Vegan Going West Ankle Boots, $88, Free People
For all the urban cowgirls out there, these ankle boots are for you. The style is western, but the shiny dark green croc-embossed fabrication is sleek and modern.
Betty Western Ankle Boots, $70, Topshop
Easy and neutral, these western boots from Topshop are the perfect pick for someone who wants a little something different in their fall footwear without getting too crazy.
Jane and the Shoe Kara Ankle Boot, $90, Amazon
Mint green and western? These affordable ankle boots are just different enough to take your fall looks to the next level.
Band of Gypsies Jericho Bootie, $109, Nordstrom
Belt buckles are the stand-out feature of these Band of Gypsies ankle boots, and we'd let them shine under a flowy, dark floral midi or maxi dress layered with a denim jacket.