GET BOOTED!

Here’s the ultimate guide to seasonless booting.

The Pseudo-Boot; The Toe-less Boot; The Strappy Boot; The Open Weave Boot: Seems an oxymoron, no? I love this look for spring, because it splits the difference between naked and covered and provides a gentle entrée to sandals! To look polished but still let your toes breathe, wear Givenchy's fabulous knee-high gladiator, pictured above on the Spring 2008 runway. For an edgy rocker chic vibe, try Gaultier’s open-toe platform (pictured at right, available at shopbop.com). For a dressier vibe, don Manolo Blahnik’s or Miu Miu's pink patent open-toe bootie. See left hand column of CoutureCarrie for other almost-boots!

WEATHER OR NOT:

Rain: Wellies are essential. Rely on J. Crew (I absolutely adore the Riding Wellington), Burberry (see brown rubber riding boot at left, available at Neiman Marcus), or Hunter. The Original Hunter Boot is a classic in green, but now comes in a whole rainbow of colors; my favorite is the midnight blue sparkle.

Snow: UGGS are cute, but they don’t really protect against the elements, so go with Merrell or Timberlands here. Alternatively, take an UGG fur insole and put it in your Wellie - a warm, waterproof solution to the slush pit that is New York City in February and March!

TO BOOT: What type goes with . . .

Jeans: something with a heel! I love the look of a stiletto peeking out under the cuff of boot-cut denim. For skinny jeans, opt for something less dainty, perhaps a platform bootie.

Skirts: I suggest a knee-high flat boot or an ankle boot (see Stella McCartney's patent zippered boot at left, available at Barneys).

Dresses: A high-heeled toeless bootie is perfect! And with a bare leg, a nude boot is ultra-flattering. May I recommend Christian Louboutin's open toe cutout bootie, for purchase at Bergdorf Goodman (pictured at right)?

BOOTING UP: Here are the brands you can rely on.

Classics: Loeffler Randall (See gorgeous zip-back boot at left, courtesy shopbop.com); Christian Louboutin; Frye (not just for cowgirls anymore!)

Hip:
Miu Miu; Pedro Garcia; Givenchy; Pierre Hardy