Boot Kickin' Know How

Boots are getting a quick fashion kick-from classic equestrian styles to va-va-vroom biker boots, pumped-up wedge platforms and gem-encrusted evening peep-toes-there's a boot for every occasion. Laces, spats, buckles and buttons all make this year's collection a huge hit. With all this "booty" out there, one pair of boots is never enough!

But there are a few do's and don'ts when it comes to getting the most bang for your boot bucks. Fashion expert and author Amy Goodman knows a good boot when she sees one. In her latest book, Wear This, Toss That, (Simon and Schuster, $27) she kicks around a lot of advice on what to wear with all kinds of boot styles. Here are some of her tips:

the under-the-knee boot
DO slide on with nearly everything, she says. "It is the go-to, save-me option for women, as it slims the calf." Don't pair this boot style with knobby or chunky knees. "Because of where this boot ends, it draws attention to that area," she says.

the mid-calf boot
Do slide on with a shorter hemline to create leg length. Don't pair with a knee-length skirt because this style bisects your calves at the meatiest part of the muscle, making uncovered legs look stumpy.

the ankle/peep-toe bootie
Do slide on with skinny leggings or opaque tights in a matching (for playing it safe) or bright (for making a statement) color, jeans tucked into the boots, or frilled dresses that end at the knee and miniskirts. Don't pair with cropped or Capri pants, cocktail dresses, skirts or dresses that hit below the knee if you have shapely calves.

the over-the-knee boot
Do slide on with dark, opaque tights, tucked-in leggings or jeans, skirts or dresses that fall a few inches from the top of the boot. Don't pair with skirts or dresses that hit right at the top of the boot. "And beware if you dare to go bare," says Goodman. "Thighs might look larger than you'd like."

the rocker/biker boot
Do slide on with the shortest hemline you can muster, with leggings to show off the boots. Skinny jeans also hit the mark for a complete rocker chic ensemble. Goodman advises not pairing these chic boots with wide-leg trousers, which give too much of a clunky feel on the bottom half.

the equestrian/riding boot
Do slide on this classic favorite with leggings and other tailored pants that are tucked into the boot. Also wear with short skirts paired with leggings. Don't pair with wide-leg pants or three-quarter-length skirts or dresses, as they look frumpy with flat boots.

the western boot
Do slide on with all types of denim (tucked or untucked), long skirts, floral printed frocks, any casual look to rope in the cool factor. Don't pair with other Western pieces-the goal is not to look like an actual cowgirl. Whoopee!

Boots Pictured Clockwise from top Left: ? Kickin Cowgirls by Old Gringo, Porcupine, HHI, ? Booty Blues Cole Hahn, Divine, Beaufort, ? Classic Riders by Marc Joseph, Palmettoes, HHI, ? Chic & Sleek by Rowen, Gigi's, Bluffton. Sharon Mosley is a former fashion editor of the Arkansas Gazette in Little Rock and executive director of the Fashion Editors and Reporters Association.