9 Tips Every Boot Lover Should Know

4. Over-the-knee boots can be tacky or terrific

I get asked about these a lot. Here's the truth: If you're a celebrity or ex-supermodel, the high-heeled versions make a great photo op for paparazzi and talk-show buzz. For us regular folks, flat-soled, black over-the-knee boots are the way to go — adding fashion sizzle and extra warmth. Over-the-knee boots look cool over skinny jeans or black tights; just add long layers of T-shirts, long tunic sweaters, a knee-length wrap dress or shirtdress that unbuttons or swings free for a flash of leg.

Lauren Hutton in a navy dress and block-heel ankle booties — showing a flash of ankle.

Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

5. Short boots make long dresses — ankle and midi — look cool on us

Short booties with a gutsy lug sole or menswear-like combat boots or lace-ups can add a fresh bohemian look to any ladylike feminine outfit. They keep sweet florals from getting wimpy while peep-toe booties infuse a little black below-the-knees dress with a sexy detail.  

Lolita Flores in jeans over low leopard ankle boots. Elizabeth Marvel in soft gray suede ankle boots, bare legs and a knee-length loose gray print dress.

Getty Images (2), Eduardo Parra; John Lamparski

6. Unexpected colors or prints can add some pizzazz

Yes, black boots, ankle boots and booties work with everything but sometimes it is good to jump out of your comfort zone. A warm burnished brown leather boot looks new paired with cool dark neutrals like black, charcoal and navy. Soft taupes, beiges and gray look chic and in sync in warmer climates and summer. Sparkly metallics give everything you wear a leg up. And animal prints ... well if the boots fit, grab them! You won't regret it.

7. Give your boots regular “facials" 

Whether real or faux, old or new, treat your leather and suede boots, ankle boots and booties with a routine of preventive care and maintenance. Enlist the services of a good shoe repair shop to reinforce leather soles on dressier leathers that don't already have rubber or lug bottoms with a very thin rubber extra sole to extend wear and provide more slip-resistance.

• Mist boots with a weatherproofing spray once a month or as needed to form a transparent water-resistant film on the surface. It’s not a perfect solution, but it helps counteract rain if you get caught without rubber or PVC rain or snow boots.
• Always remove grime and dirt before conditioning and polishing. No matter how great your boot style, any marks, worn spots or grit kill the effect. Rub suede boots with a kneaded or gum pencil eraser or a nail emery board to sand off dark marks, and then bring the texture back with a clean old toothbrush or terry facecloth. Dab dark leather scratches with a natural oil (like olive or safflower) on a cloth, a mix of 50/50 baking soda and water or a light dab of regular (non-whitening) toothpaste and water. Gently rub. Then use a clean cloth to buff the area.
• Condition leather boots — faux and real — with a soft cloth at least once every other week to maintain luster and restore softness. Creams and pastes moisturize leather, which can crack, dry out and get dull ... just like facial skin. Neutral polish, cream and wax work with any color leather and won't alter, deepen or change the color. Apply with a soft cloth, allow it to dry for 10 minutes and then buff to a shine with a separate clean cloth.
• Buff patent leather boots with a dab of petroleum jelly and a clean rag. Dab scuffs with a Q-tip dipped in rubbing alcohol or a tiny bit of nail polish remover (test first on a discreet spot).

8. Have an uh-oh plan

Expect to get caught in a downpour, trek through a slushy parking lot, drop your soup spoon on your toes or step in a puddle of trash when you are wearing your leather or suede boots. Just knowing what to do eases anxiety. For:

• Soaking wet boots: Stuff them with newspaper and let them dry away from heat. Make sure you add some to the toes to keep the shape from curling. Do not attempt to dry them with your blow-dryer or put them in the dryer (yes, people do it it !)  Let them dry thoroughly, air out and then condition them. Storing damp boots can cause leather to crack, peel or turn mildewy.
• Salt stain rings: Mix water and vinegar 50/50 in a cup, dip a cloth in and dab the stains. The vinegar breaks down the salt without harming the leather. Follow by wiping the boots with a damp cloth dipped in plain water.
• Food and drink spills : Apply baby powder, salt or sugar to stains to absorb any excess. Wait till dry and brush them off. Take them to a shoe repair shop for further work if the boots are still discolored.

Catherine Zeta Jones in leggings and wedge winter boots. Diane Kruger in rain boots. 

Arnaldo Magnani/Getty Images; Chad Buchanan/GC Images/Getty Images

9.  Invest in rain and snow boots 

Winter boots have always been clunky and more about storms and freezing toes than style. This year new technology has created sleeker silhouettes that are waterproof and provide good traction. There is chic puffer-inspired insulated booties with wedges, shearling collar boots with fashionable block heels, hiker and combat-inspired boots that lace up but have plush linings and unexpected colors like white and silver. Equestrian or Chelsea-style rain boots (ankle-high boots with an elastic side panel) that are barely distinguishable from leather ones make sense for work. And consider all the new waterproof leather boots and booties as a smart all-season investment, too.