Fall Trend Watch: The Open-Toe Boot

I have to admit, I was not thrilled when I first saw open-toe boots hit the fall runways earlier this year. However, when Gemma Arterton wore a pair of open-toe ankle boots at the premier of Harrod's Summer Sale 2011, I was sold on the idea. Do not be fooled, the open-toe boot is not a winter boot. So don't think you can get away with wearing these cuties when the first snow hits. The open-toe boot is a fall trend and here are five stylish open-toe boots for you to peep this fall.

Lori Cuff Bootie by Comfortview, $99.99 - $104.99 at Roaman's

This open-toe boot made my heart flutter when I peeped it in my latest Roaman's catalog. This bootie has a leather-look body, padded insoles (comfort!), ruched cuff and a two and three quarter-inch heel. Colors are black, cognac and stone in whole and half sizes from 7-11 and size 12 in medium and wide-widths. This bootie is definitely on my shopping list since the pre-fall sale price is between $49.99 and $52.49. I have plans for this open-toe boot in stone.

Zula Open Toe Bootie by J. Renee, from $94.99 at Roaman's

I thought that open-toe boots pushed the envelop a bit for fall boots but J. Renee's open back and open-toe boot took me pleasantly by surprise. This bootie is for the fashionista who is not afraid to take risks with her wardrobe. This bootie comes in a black/brown leopard print, black embossed reptilian upper and a black/white/red zebra print. The shoe features a solid color trim, side buckle and a three and half-inch tapered heel. Sizes range from 6-13 in medium, wide and double wide-widths. One caveat with this shoe; it seems the larger the shoe, the less print options you have. So if you wear a 13WW be prepared to purchase this bootie in the black/brown leopard print only.

Buckle Wrap Peep Toe Bootie, $59.95 at Lane Bryant

This stylish bootie may revive last fall's military-inspired trend. This black open-toe boot features belt wrap style detailing with silvertone buckles, a side zip closure, non-slip sole and what appears to be a heel height between 2 3/4 to 3 1/2-inches in height (Sorry, the product description did not provide heel height when this shoe was researched on the Lane Bryant website). Want a style upgrade for fall? Wear this boot with a charcoal or black sweater mini dress and a pair of denim colored or white jeggings.

Nine West Shoes, Lauford Booties, $139.00 at Macy's

Another stylish military-inspired boot is the Nine West Lauford peep toe bootie. The wrap belt design and four-inch heel make this a trendy fall boot that works on campus, weekend fun or a casual date night. This suede/leather open-toe boot comes in a color-block gray/black in whole and half sizes from 5-10.5 and size 11 in medium-width. This is a very versatile open-toe boot so let your imagination run wild with style pairing options.

n by Nicole Miller 'Alexandria' Bootie , $100.00 at JCPenney

I am not a fan of wedge shoes at all. However, the Alexandria from n by Nicole Miller is conservative, yet stylish enough to make me reconsider my stance. This open-toe boot can be worn with casual office attire, jeans or a boho layered look this fall. The Alexandria features a sueded/leather upper, back zipper closure, belt buckle style details, a cushioned insole and a 3 15/16-inch wedge heel. The black/grey bootie comes in whole and half sizes from 6-9 and whole sizes 10-11 in medium width. This open-toe boot also takes advantage of the color- and texture-blocking trend of fall. So if you want to incorporate a little texture into your fall wardrobe, this bootie is conservative way to do that.

These five open-toe boots for fall are trendy and affordable. Don't be afraid of the notion of an open-toe boot, you can still get plenty of wear out of them. These boots will also work for early and mid spring temperatures so you are not just left with one season to wear this style of boot. As the fall retail season gets into full swing in August, you may be able to find cheaper open-toe boots that both fit your style and budget, so don't stop looking. Happy shopping!

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