For seasons now, the boot has ruled women’s fall footwear. And that hasn’t changed. Thigh high, stiletto, wedge, suede, laced and zippered, boots and winter still go hand in hand. But this season, we’re seeing even more of a style that’s been creeping into the fashion scene, the ankle bootie. Shorter, less restrictive and infinitely cosmopolitan, the ankle boot pairs easily with pants and, depending upon the dress or skirt, can add an ultra modern look.

The ankle bootie and its even shorter cousin, deemed the “shootie,” come buckled and motorcycle boyish, sporty in spectator suedes with military cues or ladylike in skyscraper heel heights. Obviously shorter than a typical boot offering, ankle boots come with seemingly endless accessorizing options. Show off your patterned tights, scrunch down a tall, colorful sock, try a thick leg warmer or hide them gently inside your pants for the effect of a typical shoe.

Colors run the gamut from the season’s star burgundy hue to enviable green, but some of the most fun ankle boots come in subtle to dazzling color block and texture pairings, like pebbled leathers with snakeskin patents, or gritty grey suedes with bright orange leathers.

Throw a dark little leather jacket across your shoulders to balance black ankle booties under a shorter dress. Stay away from longer, fuller skirts and dresses with these shorties, sticking instead to pants or mini skirts either bare-legged or with tights.