In some boots, these buckles perform a function, taking over from the zippers of yester-year for a more custom and comfortable fit, while in others, these buckles are purely ornamental. In the coming season, you’ll see booties sporting the smallest sliver of a metallic buckle, and those where nearly the entire boot is taken over by these classic closures.

Either way, buckle up and enjoy the ride!

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Coming in at an unbelievable $15 (with change!), the Berry by Restricted is a simple, classic bootie with a delicate, tone-on-tone, blink-if-you-miss-it buckle tucked just under the ankle. Available in black and tan, this shoe-boot is more than worth the money! If you’re looking for something a little more bold, however, consider the Brilynn by Candies, which clocks in at just over $30 and features textured criss-crossed straps at the forefoot anchored by an oversized metallic buckle closure.

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For those willing to spend a little more, we love the Passa Fry by Luichiny, which boasts a smooth suede upper accented with on-trend stud detailing and slender, intersecting straps that snake up the shaft at the boot before being tethered by a delicate, metallic buckle closure. And all for under $50! Another great option in this price range is the Willey by Martinez Valero, which features a soft fabric upper accented with patent leather at the heel. Two slender straps with metallic buckle hardware add interest at the peep toe and again at the ankle-height collar.

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When money is no object, consider splashing out on the rustic-chic Joy by Christin Michaels, which boasts a sherling-lined suede upper complete with patent leather seam detailing at the squared toe and shaft and an adorable buckle closure slung low across the forefoot. A 4 inch tapered heel keeps these shoes from getting too lumberjack! If you’re in the market for something a little more party-ready, we love the Aroxana by Steve Madden, which boasts a series of intersecting leather straps atop a suede base, each anchored by their own metallic buckle closure. A soaring 5 inch heel and more than 1 inch platform midsole ensure you’ll be turning heads, where ever you go!

Lianne Woolley

Snakeskin

Snakeskin or faux snakeskin is an excellent pick when you’re feeling flush. It is daring, attractive, and looks expensive, which is what you need when you are pulling out a pair of heels that you scrimped and saved for. Are you a snakeskin lover? We want to hear from you, and that includes telling us why you choose it!

Custom Shoes and Boots

Custom footwear is a great choice when you want to show off your curves and contours. Many people believe that you don’t have to look for boots with flattering silhouettes, but items with a heavier ankle (like a work boot or a Western boot) won’t streamline like a custom, slim boot. Look for boots that allow you to order your calf size and foot width.

Toe Cleavage Pumps

Do you like the look of toe cleavage? A lot of expensive shoes feature an extremely low vamp, and toe cleavage is a good way to show off a little bit about your investment. Toe cleavage pumps look great in nude, because they’ll also make your feet look smaller, your legs longer, and your ankles skinnier.

Box-Toe Heels

Boxy heels are great for a new look this season, and this style (with a seam right up the center of the toe) is another favored by big designers. It’s a style that you’ll either love or hate, but it is a suggested one to try when you’re shopping for shoes that look like you spent the amount you did. Try them out!

Sumptuous Higher-Than-High Heels

Stilettos are a smart buy. You can get pairs with a faux red Louboutin sole that are pricey but not too expensive, but knock-offs aren’t the only way to go. High heels with hand-sewn details and perfectly-balanced heels are excellent when you have the cash to splash. Who doesn’t want to avoid blisters?

What shoes will you buy with some extra cash?

Meieli Sawyer

Know what you want.

There’s no worse shoe journey than when you’re aimlessly ordering items with no clue if they’ll work. Think about what you need out of winter boots. You need a skid-resistant sole so you can stay upright down the slick city streets and you need boots that will keep your feet dry and warm. You select the color, fabric and price point (all which can be done at MyShoes) and go from there.

Be realistic.

Are we all going to end up with jaw dropping winter boots? No! But we can end up with dry, warm feet. If you talk to any woman who’s lived through brutally cold winters, you’ll know that keeping your feet dry and warm is just as important as what a pair of winter boots look like.

Keep an open mind.

You may not find exactly what you’re looking for when shopping. Keep an open mind and order things that fit what you’re looking for, for the most part. If you find faux shearling lined boots, but wanted shearling, keep in mind the money you’re saving by going faux, as long as the boots keep you warm enough.

Know how to style your winter duds.

Winter boots are going to be chunky, clunky and there’s no getting around that. They have to tread through the snow! Instead of opting for a wimpy pair of boots that will be gone in one winter, go with the chunky pair of boots and style around them. This means a chic, lined trench with a belted waist, faux fur hats, skinny dark jeans that perfectly tuck into the boots and bold accessories in terms of scarves and gloves. Looking good while wearing winter boots is possible, you just have to experiment and give a bit more effort than when styling gold strappy sandals!

Samantha Cabrera

Flat:

Why pick one shade of grey, when you can have several? The Yazz by 7 for All Mankind is just the ticket, pairing alternating shades of smoky grey and near charcoal, with hints of a soft grey-blue poking through towards the heel.

Pump:

Make those trips to the copier just that little more fashionable with the Shelby by Bronx, a D’Orsay modified wedge pump that features a shiny patent leather upper and a peep toe. This pump will work well with both skirts and tailored trousers, and will also take you from boardroom to bar with nary a shoe change in sight!

Party:

Get ready to hit the dance floor in the adorable Connie 10 by Stefani, which features a shiny, near silver upper complete with cutout detailing at the vamp, an open toe, and a covered heel with strap and buckle closure for a comfortable fit. A foot-friendly 2.5 inch heel completes this look.

Bootie:

You’ll be sure to turn heads in the Mischa by Klub Nico. This dazzling shoe-boot boasts a soft, grey leather upper and so many cut-outs, this boot could almost be classified as a sandal. Gold metallic hardware and a wood-look tapered 4 inch heel add an extra element of interest.

Boot:

Step out in style in the so-chic Flo by RSVP. This boot boasts a soft upper complete with a flirty peep toe and foldover cuff at the knee-height collar. The dark, inky grey hue will look fab paired with crisp black leggings or dark skinny jeans, or flying solo with bare legs and a mini for fall.

Lianne Woolley

Opaque Tights from We Love Colors

There’s nothing better than high-quality tights, and they look amazing with shoes that might be a little too summery to wear with bare legs. Footless tights look perfect with low boots with cut-outs, and you can wear full tights when you choose strappy shoes or shoes with toe caps. Anchor that wardrobe with a fabulous pair of tights.

New Laces

Putting new laces in shoes is the easiest way to spruce up old ones. Have a pair of black leather shoes with a tiny laced front? You can switch plain cotton laces for waxed ones, or ones in rolled leather. They’re look dressier, plus they’ll look great when paired with simple, darker styles in fall. You might also want to try thick, squared-off laces to wear with boots.

Dyeing Fabric Shoes

Toss a pair of white cotton shoes in a tub of RIT dye to make your shoes more fall-appropriate. You can pair these with anything from black leggings to skinnies, and a vest or a trimmed jacket is the perfect touch. Tie a scarf on to bring those separates together, and don’t forget to switch the laces if you dyed a pair of weekend casual shoes.

New Soles

A cobbler can add a colored inner sole in your shoes, and they’ll look far more fall-appropriate when they have a little boost for the season. A flat sole won’t make it when the snow starts to fall, but you’ll love the ones that have an almost platform-like style sole—low but still filled with something to make them pop.

Chunky Socks

If you can’t do anything with your shoes, chunky socks are a nice way to make shoes look more fall- or winter-friendly. There are a lot of thicker socks, leg warmers, and tights that you can wear with heels or boots that make them great for frosted grounds or snowfall. Try heathered knits with pewter buttons or gray tights with mini cables.

Do you have any other suggestions?

Meieli Sawyer

Studs

Studs are popping up on everything from wedge boots to combat boots. They add shine and glitz without being over-the-top or coming off as “too much” (unlike rhinestones or other shiny details). When wearing shoes with studs, use them as the focal point of your look or embellish the studs with additional shiny accents like studded bracelets or studs on a handbag. Don’t be afraid to juxtapose studs with classic pieces. This is key in keeping the look relevant and not looking like a Hot Topic reject.

Distressed Leather

Distressed leather is a favorite for fall and winter mostly because it doesn’t matter if we rough it up a little more. If leather isn’t for you, there are many affordable pleather options on the market that have the same effect of authentic leather has undergone some distressing. When wearing distressed leather, you don’t want your look to come off as too disheveled, so keep the silhouette sleek and timeless and avoid overtly bohemian pieces like a baggy peasant top or long skirt.

Buckles

Boots with buckles are popping up everywhere. Some are functional buckles, some aren’t, but either way they add that edge to your look with minimal effort. Like with studs and distressed leather, buckles can work with any outfit and the more classic, the better. Buckled boots with a knit sweater and trim pants looks just tough enough, but can still go to brunch or shopping with your family. For embracing a truly bad girl look, enhance the buckles with a motorcycle jacket and jeans.

Samantha Cabrera

A quick check online confirmed styles for both men and women from luxury staples including Gucci, Prada, Guiseppe Zanotti and Sergio Rossi, all at up to 50 percent off (from previous price of between $375 and $1,000).

Still think that price is too high? Then you’ll be thrilled to know that DSW is also offering the discounts on some more affordable luxury brands, including the oh-so-comfy Taryn Rose (where prices start at less than $100) and select styles from the fun and funky Kenzo line

Not in the market for shoes (we don’t believe you for a minute!) then you’ll be thrilled to see that this sale extends to Gucci purses, throws and Bric luggage.

However, it should be noted that this offer is only good while supplies last, so get to shopping!

Lianne Woolley

Part function (no more shoes slipping off) and part fashion (come on, they’re so cute!), these shoes should definitely be added to your repertoire.

For a low-cost option, check out the Harp by Volatile, which features an almond-shaped toe, and dual ankle straps that wraparound the ankle and metallic buckle closure.

Another great option is the Gigi by Hollywood, which takes the ballet concept to the next level with the addition of ankle ties and a cute bow at the peep toe.

If you’re in the market for something a little more modern, consider the Beetle by 7 For All Mankind, which features a rounded toe and a simple ankle strap with belt-buckle type detailing.

Lianne Woolley

Side-Tie Boots in Ruched Suede

Ruched suede is such a rich-looking upper, particularly when you get boots that come up to the knees at least. Ruched suede looks perfect when you select a pair with thick nap and in a rich color like eggplant, navy blue, or chocolate brown. Make sure that shoes in suede that feature ties or drawstrings have the ties in matching material.

Stretch Microfiber

If you are someone with thicker legs, stretch microfiber is for you. This material can be made to look like suede, but it’s always a super-soft fabric that hugs your curves. If you want a pair with microfiber uppers, but you think they look too plain, then scoop up a set with leather bands around the calves and at the back of the foot for contrast.

Patterned Fabric with a Covered Heel

Patterned fabric shoes are all-season perfect in calico cotton, and you can find some extremely successful shoes with a classic shape and a shapely heel. Your patterned heels can be daring in yellow and purple, classic in a black-n-black jacquard knit, or fun in a subtle rainbow pattern.

Tasseled High Heel Boots

Do you know how shoes can look 100 times better with one extra touch? One look we’re loving this season is the tasseled high-heeled boot, which is flirty and fun. Leather boots can feature a tassel at the back, on the front, along a seam, or jumping out from a side panel. A tassel can be rounded—very luxurious—or have more of an American Indian theme with a rustic, handmade look.

Metallic-Flash Leathers

Gold and silver leather-upper shoes never go out of style, so this season, find a pair with metallic piping. You don’t need a pair in 100% metallic leather—a bit of trim is perfect. For a neat look, get shoes with a ribbon closure and a few cutouts along the vamp. These shoes will actually work well for the end of the year, too—when it’s party time!

Which ones strike your fancy?

Meieli Sawyer

Instead of pumps try…kitten heels!

When your classic pumps simply aren’t getting you excited about your work gear anymore, it’s time to trade them in. This fall, when it comes to the office, it’s all about the kitten heel. The subtle heel adds height, but never strains the feet and is actually one of the most-recommended styles of shoes by orthopedic doctors. While basic black is always enticing, you’ll get good use out of a slick patent pair for a twist on the old favorite. If you’re willing to try color, opt for a berry hue or leopard print that will spice up a monochromatic suit or outfit at the office.

Instead of ballerina flats try….oxford shoes!

Ballerina flats are fabulous, but we all know they can’t endure truly cold or damp weather. For this type of weather, you need shoes that cover and protect your feet entirely. Oxford shoes work for transition weather, but will also serve you well once we’re in November, making them a wise investment if you live in an area with a brutal climate come winter. Black and brown are always smart picks, but also look for variations of both colors such as gunmetal or whiskey. Burgundy, navy and spectator versions (which incorporate bold black and white) are whimsical picks that will be cute for wearing with textured tights or skinny jeans.

Instead of flat boots try…rugged boots!

Flat boots are stylish, but can be a bit of a bore when everyone is wearing them. Instead of flat boots, opt for rugged boots. Look for studs, distressed fabrics, and tongues that are meant to be rolled down. Anyone can wear rugged boots with a little confidence, so choose a pair that mimic your style and tread forward. If you feel rugged boots are a little too trendy for you, remember that you can anchor the stylish shoe by wearing them with classic pieces such as a blazer or an oxford shirt.

Samantha Cabrera