Put the boot in

7:00am Saturday 22nd November 2008

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Treat your legs to the latest boot trends this winter.

By Lisa Haynes Red carpet fashion isn't all about evening gowns and glitzy Gina shoes. This season has seen celebrities stepping out in coveted boots to make an entrance.

Alexa Chung is rarely snapped without her beloved shoe boots and Fendi's £730 suede over-the-knee boot - worn by Daisy Lowe, Alice Dellal and Brandy, to name but a fashionable few - has practically caused a celebrity stampede.

Boots are firmly in the style spotlight for A/W 08. Shoots, bovvers or OTKB - you know a fashion trend is big when boot styles have their own nicknames.

If you haven't bought your seasonal pair yet, it's time to hot foot it to the shops and fill your boots!

:: SHOE-BOOT CHIC Half shoe, half boot, the 'shoot' has survived another season to become one of this winter's most fashionable must-haves for your feet.

To qualify as a shoe-boot, it must end well below ankle-sock level so it traces a line under the anklebone. Avoid the rub factor by ensuring you get a good fit.

Stay bang on shoot trend for this winter with shiny patent or lace-up styles.

TRY: J by Jasper Conran at Debenhams black patent shoe boots, £75 (116 Euros); Miss Selfridge purple suede shoe boots, £45; Next black patent shoe boots, £25; Moda in Pelle Nightfever shoe boots in red, purple or black, £80.

:: ANKLE BITERS There's plenty of variation when it comes to ankle boots.

This winter's love or hate trend is the peep toe boot, as sported by Cheryl Cole. Don't be afraid to team them with contrasting tights to keep your toes frostbite-free.

Bovver or biker boots, as inspired by the likes of supermodel Agyness Deyn, are perfect for tough cookies who want a rocky edge. Look out for Doc Marten-styles with chunky heels.

And for those who just want versatile boots, look for leather or patent styles in your favourite colour - red, black, grey and brown all work well for winter.

TRY: Miss Selfridge grey suede peep toe boots, £45 (70 Euros); Faith Swape tan ankle boots, £75 (110 Euros); ASOS leather plaited gladiator boots, £60; Office Ace black leather heeled bovver boots, £70.

:: CALF CLASSICS If you're unfazed by fashion fads and want something more classic, there are still plenty of plainer knee-length boots around that you'll wear again and again. Even with one of the world's most enviable wardrobes, Kate Moss can't get enough of her old faithful scuffed black leather boots.

Fans of comfortable flats will be pleased to know that riding boot styles are huge this season - keep them chic and simple in sturdy leather for added longevity.

In keeping with the military trend on the catwalks you'll also find soldier-style heeled boots with brocade or button detailing.

TRY: Next black buckle long boots, £80; River Island grey studded drummer boy boots, £124.99; Freemans black knee high boots, £110; French Connection Leticia tan riding boots, £130.

:: OVER-KNEE NICHE Fendi, Halston and Stella McCartney all sent models stomping down the A/W catwalks in over-knee boots.

Dubbed panto boots or OTKB (over the knee boots), the thigh's the limit with these high-fashion wardrobe additions.

Super-long boots will help take lightweight dresses effortlessly into winter mode but how you wear them is all-important. First off, opt for flattering black suede or leather - black glossy patent could easily verge on 'Pretty Woman' territory.

Don't forget thick opaques if you're teaming them with a short dress or skirt to keep your look catwalk cool.

TRY: River Island thigh high patent lace up boots, £150; Moda in Pelle black suede over knee boots, £150; Bertie Pie over knee black leather boots, £135 at The Shoe Studio; Topshop Dixon black suede over knee boots, £85.

:: STOCKISTS ASOS: www.asos.com Debenhams: 08445 616 161/www.debenhams.com Faith: 0800 289 297/www.faith.co.uk Freemans: www.freemans.com French Connection: www.frenchconnection.com Miss Selfridge: 0845 121 4517/www.missselfridge.co.uk Moda in Pelle: www.modainpelle.com Next: 0845 600 7000/www.next.co.uk Office: www.office.co.uk River Island: www.riverisland.com Shoe Studio: www.shoestudio.com Topshop: www.topshop.com :: ASK THE EXPERT Q: I'm six months pregnant and dreading dressing for the party season with a bump. Where can I find a range of smock-free pretty frocks?

A: Christmas has come early for mums-to-be at ASOS.com. Everyone's favourite shopping site has launched an on-trend capsule maternity collection, right on time for the party circuit. The maternity collection features fashionable dresses from the main ASOS range including gorgeous prom, babydoll, lace and one-shoulder styles. Heck if you're not pregnant, they're even perfect for the post-turkey dinner bloat on Christmas Day! Visit www.asos.com to view the new collection.

:: BUY IT NOW Unleash your inner groupie with Evans new rock icon tees. You'll find the likes of Blondie and Bowie to front on your chest, £20 each (www.evans.co.uk). Rock on!

FASHION FLASH :: CLOTHES SHOW Grab your comfiest shoes and shop 'til you drop at this year's Clothes Show Live. Don't be afraid to sport your gladrags either, as the annual event is celebrating its 20th anniversary. The fashion spectacular includes 500 fashion and beauty brands, runway shows and celebrity appearances. Clothes Show Live takes place on December 5-10 at Birmingham's NEC. For tickets visit www.clotheshowlive.com :: SUITS YOU If your bloke is suffering from the credit crunch blues, perhaps some non-costly retail therapy will perk him up. Moss Bros are offering a wallet-friendly suit, shirt and tie package for the princely sum of £49. The pound-saving deal includes a choice of six of the season's contemporary suits from Moss, as well as a choice of three shirts and selection of silk Dehavilland ties. The suit offer is available while stocks last and limited to one package per customer. Visit www.moss.co.uk.