It’s FALL.

And with it comes pumpkins, apple cider, football, soups and BOOTS.

(Hello, LOVERS. It’s so good to see you again!)

Now, before you start a love fest with your UGGS, remember too much UGG can end up looking F-UGG-LY. It’s like wearing yoga pants with a nice black jacket. Sure, you can do it, but people wonder why you didn’t try a little bit harder.

At the beginning of the Fall/Winter Boot Season, I make it my quest to put together a boots guide for 40 Year Olds that doesn’t include one pair of UGGs. The Boots Guide includes trends that are HOT right now (hello, stacked heel) and leaves out trends we 40 Year Olds should avoid (Pretty Woman-esque over-the-knee and lace-ups).

So get ready to click, Pin It, or take notes, it’s time for the 2015 Boots Guide For 40 Year Olds.

Boots Guide For 40 Year Olds

Trend #1 – Stacked Heel

How Do I Wear It? Stacked heel boots are the “it” boot this season. They are taller than booties, but shorter then riding boots. Wear them with sweater dresses, boyfriend jeans (make sure to show a bit of skin), cropped pants, gauchos, or culottes.

Why It Works? The stacked heel (which makes them sturdy) coupled with the tapered shaft elongates the leg. Plus, if you have “oversized calves”, you don’t have to worry about sizing…these boots don’t touch them.

Lusting After: FRYE Patty Gore Bootie

Other Great Options: Dune London Quill | Nine West Sherbert | Vince Camuto Simlee | Vince Camuto Gravell | Vince Camuto Charisa

Trend #2 – Wedges

How Do I Wear It? Wedges go with about anything, including shorts, skinny, boot leg or flared jeans, leggings and skirts. Seriously, if it covers you lower half, you can wear wedges with it.

Why It Works? The wedge heel has been around for awhile (thank you Tom’s Desert Wedge), but this year it is everywhere. A wedge heel allows you stability and comfort while wearing a higher heel, plus they keep your pant legs out of snow and ice.

Lusting After: Toms Desesrt Wedges

Other Great Options: Dr. Scholl’s Ireland | Blowfish Bilocate | Lucky Brand Yoniana | Dr. Scholl’s Blaire | Vince Camuto Landri

Trend #3 – Chelsea

How Do I Wear It? The Chelsea Boot brings a bit of bad-ass to your work attire. Think of it like the motorcycling-riding brother of your prim and proper black pump. Pair it with tailored separates (think suiting) or slim trousers that are cropped.

Why it Works? Have you worn black pumps in the winter? It sucks. Your feet are cold and you might as well get out your insurance card when walking in a snow/ice covered parking lot. Thank you, Chelsea boot for making us look stylish while being safe and warm.

Lusting After: Naturalizer Jarrett

Other Great Options: Nine West Dopler | Franco Sarto Shandy | Anne Klein Kael | Ralph Lauren Sheli | Franco Sarto Holmes

Snow Boots To Replace Your UGGS

How Do I Wear It? When you want to grab your tried and trusted UGGS, grab one of these boots instead. In most cases, they are just as waterproof, comfortable, and aren’t just the “same ole boot” everyone else is wearing at drop-off, kid’s games, or errand running.

Why it Works? There is a time and place for snow boots…usually when there is snow on the ground. And one shouldn’t have to give up style for comfort…and these boots deliver on both.

Lusting After: Sorel Cate The Great Wedge

Other Great Options: Timberland Earthkeepers Amston Roll Top | Kamik Heidi | Baffin Charlee | Sorel Joan of Arctic Wedge | Sorel Toronto (I own these and LOVE them.)

Other Classic Boots That Should Be In Your Closet

Motorcycle Boot

It’s like bondage on a boot. Little dangerous. A few buckles. Looks tied-up…you get where I’m going.

Why do you need this boot? Because you wear leggings. And not every boot looks great with them. If the boot is too tall, it looks formal. If the boot is too short, it looks like you bought the wrong size leggings.

Best Buy: Steve Madden Damiannn (I own these and the look awesome with leggings or a sweater dress.)

Riding Boot

It is a great overall boot that can be worn with anything (leggings, jeans, skirts or dresses).

Why do you need this boot? Besides that it goes with everything, it’s a classic. Finding a riding boot you like isn’t hard; deciding how how much money you want to spend is the trick. Remember, these are a classic boot you’ll have for years to come, so a few extra dollars is worth it for quality and comfort.

High-End: FRYE Veronica Back Zip Pull Up
Mid-Range: Sam Edelman Penny
Budget Friendly: BareTraps Odissa

Fringe Bootie

This is a boot that says, “I bet she has a good time!”. Why? Because fringe equals a little rock and roll.

Why do you need this boot? Because we had a life before kids…that probably included a little rock and roll. Plus, they look great with skinny jeans, cuffed above the ankle, and a slouchy sweater or jacket.

Best Buy: Sam Edelman Louie (I also own these and they look AWESOME with skinny jeans.)

What do you think? Will you be adding some of boots to your collection? Which boots would you put on the “lust-worthy” list?  Leave a comment and let us know, we’d love to hear from you.

If you enjoyed this article, be sure to follow my Style & Fashion Trends For Women Over 35 on Pinterest where I share outfit inspiration everyday.

If you liked this article, be sure to check out our 2015 Fall Fashion Guide For 40 Year Olds.