at my house, the surest sign it’s fall is when the boots come out of my closet.  this year, i’ve been especially anxious to try to round out my closet, and make sure i was covering all of the bases for classic, clean boot styles. enter the riding boot – really, the fairest of them all when it comes to the tall boot, riding boots are just full of styling possibility.

the trick with a tall riding boot, for me, is to really branch out with styling ideas.  there’s more to life than boots with skinny jeans, after all.  and so, i’ve spent the last few weeks playing with all sorts of clever combinations, and i’ve come up with a few tips, tricks and stylish cocktails to share.

if you’re still looking to fill the riding boot gap in your wardrobe, the hands-down best options are from frye.  they make all manner of gorgeous riding boots that are beautifully crafted, fit perfectly, and will last literally forever.  while i love just about every style they have, my current favorite is the dorado inside zip, a new style for frye.  for once, i have a riding boot that doesn’t require all of my bodily strength to remove, thanks to the very subtle inside zipper.  plus, i love the buckle detail at the top, and the clean, classic styling.

(a sizing note: these run a little on the big side, so buy accordingly.  plus, they have a slightly roomier calf, which means they’re built perfectly for layering over denim, and for those of you that are always complaining about boots being too narrow.)

now, on to the styling! of course, you can go with the classic skinny jean, but if you do, try edging up the style quotient a bit with a blazer and a great slouchy sweater layered underneath.  keep the colors neutral, add a bold pattern with a bag or a scarf, and you’re as classic as can be.  but don’t be afraid of getting a little creative with a riding boot – it has the potential to go from dressy to casual in a blink.  try it with a great shirtdress, a chic coat of the same length and some bold jewelry, and you have a look that would work in most casual offices, or is perfect for a weekend outing.

(get the details on all of these gorgeous pieces right here)

i’d also love to see these beautiful boots with a a sleek cowl or turtleneck sweater (though these styles only if you’re less busty…otherwise, stick to a v-neck!) and a pretty wide-legged trouser or full knee-length skirt for a little play on volume.  just keep the fabrics lush and textured…nothing too light or flowy for this style.

(from left: chloe fall 2010, lanvin fall 2010, both from style.com)

in the end, a great classic riding boot should work with just about anything in your fall wardrobe – that’s the genius of a classic.  the trick, i think, is to know they’re a staple and not be afraid to branch out a bit when you’re styling your own alternatives!

(i’d like to offer a very serious thank you to the frye company for providing a pair of those beautiful dorado inside zip boots to help me develop these styled alternatives.  i couldn’t have done it without their help!)

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