These boots are made for … looking great!

It’s easy to put your best foot forward this fall — just step into the season with one of the most important fashion essentials, a pair of fabulous boots.

So, walk right up — there are plenty of options around to instantly update your wardrobe.

Can’t make up your mind which one’s right for you? Don’t worry — we have the answers right here in the latest edition of our weekly fashion-and-beauty update.

NineWest.com / NineWest.com Cowboy-style boots can segue from fall into winter.

Go west
Add a little Western chic to your wardrobe with an ultra-trendy pair of cowboy boots. We’re seeing them on the streets of Manhattan right now with short skirts and bare legs, and come fall, they’ll be de rigueur with a pair of jeans (tucked in) or a long, fuller skirt. So easy!

Trend Tip:
You’ll find a herd of “purty” cowboy boots right now at your local mall, from JC Penney (prices start $47.99) to Nine West (prices start at $159) to Jessica Simpson’s “Daisy Dukes” from Frye (prices start at $305).

NeimanMarcus.com / NeimanMarcus.com They make take a couple of minutes to put on...

To the laces
To-the-knee boots are a sexy and elegant choice for fall (earn extra style points if they lace up the front!). These beauties can be worn with practically everything — tucked-in jeans, of course, but also with cropped pants (another key fashion trend) and as a sassy update to a basic slim skirt or dress.

Trend Tip:
We love these perfect lace-up boots from Kors Michael Kors ($365 at Neiman Marcus).  Kenneth Cole makes a similar style ($275). And if you’d like a lean and mean pair without the lace-up detail, go directly to Isaac Mizrahi for Target ($34.99).

Nordstrom.com This bootie (from Cole-Haan) is a cutie!

Bootie call
The short boot comes on strong for fall in a number of different ways, so your chances of finding a perfect pair are, well, perfect.  If your style is casual and slightly “downtown,” go for the new look of a round-toed boot in a bright color. If your style is more classic, then you’ll love pointy-toed booties, either sleek and chic or embellished with jewels and metallics.

Trend Tip:
You’ll find both round-toed and pointy-toed booties in brightly colored suede at Ann Taylor Loft for an affordable $89.  Or spring for a slouchy pair (another hot trend) from Anthropologie at $328.

Nordstrom.com You'll look edgy in a wedgie.

Set the wedge
For all-out comfort, you can’t beat the wedge heel, so we’re delighted to report that this style is still hot for fall in all shapes and sizes. Keep things simple with a to-the-knee wedge-heeled boot and you’ll wear them until the spring thaw, but you can also get a bit more fancy — boots trimmed with faux fur or embroidered with a floral motif are also hot.

Trend Tip:
The tall, slim wedge-heeled boot is front and center at Aerosoles (prices start at $99) and Dr. Scholl’s ($119.95). If you’d like something a little more exotic, our favorite finds are leather-wrapped styles from Via Spiga ($269) or leopard-printed versions from Pons Quintanas ($395 at Vivre.com).

Neimanmarcus.com Buckle up!

Flat and fabulous
If you prefer, go for the new breed of fashionable flats (great for every lifestyle from suburban to urban). Traditional at heart? We suggest a scrumptious pair of flat riding boots in rich brown or black leather (pricier versions include Cole Haan [$345] and Burberry [$625]) or go for a great pair of suede boots with wrapped buckle accents at Target for just $34.99.

Trend Tip:
If winter weather is in your forecast then you can gear up with a great new pair of cold-weather boots with embroidery from Tory by TRB ($350) or cozy winter white suede ones with a faux shearling lining.

Only on TODAY.MSNBc.com! Style editor Judy Gordon brings you the latest news and advice about apparel and beauty. LAST WEEK: Love is in the air — and in your closet GO TO ALL FASHION FRIDAY COLUMNS

Judy Gordon is a New York-based style consultant and the “Today” show’s style editor. She has been covering the fashion and beauty beat for the past decade. To learn more about Gordon, you can visit her Web site, TheTrendReport.com, which highlights style trends in America and across the world.

firstVIEW is the primary supplier of photos to Fashion Friday. Go to www.firstVIEW.com for the latest pictures from top fashion shows around the world, including New York, Los Angeles, London, Paris, Milan, Brazil, New Zealand, South Korea and more.

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