Olivia’s Closet: These boots are made for walking …

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Clockwise, from top left: Francesca suede boots by Loeffler Randall, $895 at shopbop.com; Taylor peep toe booties with pyramid studs by Twelfth St. by Cynthia Vincent, $295 at shopbop.com; Britany leather thigh-high boot by TopShop, also in black, $250 at topshop.com; Perine zip front pump by Paul & Joe Sister, $504 at shopbop.com

It might still feel like summer outside, but winter is just around the corner. So before chilly temperatures creep up on us, now is the perfect time to prep your winter wardrobe and check out the season’s latest boot trends.

Before making their debut last fall, over-the-knee boots were perceived as more trampy than trendy. But this year they’re back as a trademark of winter fashion. And now that the trend has had a year to catch on, more stores are carrying them at affordable prices.

They may not be quite as versatile as classic riding boots, but over-the-knee boots are a great deal more fun. The common concern, however, is how to wear them without looking like Julia Roberts in “Pretty Woman.” The best way to ensure that you won’t get propositioned on a street corner is to avoid over-the-knee boots in patent leather and to wear them with a pair of skinny jeans, a top with a high neckline and perhaps a blazer for a touch of sophistication. The more daring can tastefully pair over-the-knee boots with a skirt (no shorter than a couple inches above the top of the boot). To make legs appear longer, add opaque tights the same color as the boots. If you love the look but are still concerned abut the tramp factor, opt for a suede or natural leather pair without heels in brown or grey shades, rather than black.

Another tricky winter trend is booties, which reach between the top of the foot to the top of the ankle. The beauty of booties is that they go perfectly with this season’s leggings and minis. The challenge is that they can chop inches off your height and add bulk to your legs. Though booties and bare legs have shown up on many runways and photo shoots, what is often featured in fashion magazines on six-foot super models is often impractical for most people. To avoid looking stump-legged, wear booties with matching, colored opaque tights or leggings. Taller people have an easier time pulling off this trend with skinny jeans or a mini skirt. But regardless of your height, don’t wear booties with skirts that fall below your knees-you’ll look frumpy.

Riding boots have always been a quintessential part of any winter wardrobe, so it should come as no surprise that they’re also one of this season’s hottest trends. What sets them apart from other boots this fall/winter season is their comfort and versatility. In addition to wearing them with skinny jeans or leggings, riding boots can be worn with skirts and dresses. Just make sure the hemline of the skirt or dress ends above the boot shaft to avoid a formless and unflattering look, as riding boots are low-heeled with wider openings and commonly have buckles or tabs.

While being able to wear boots is one reason to look forward to the upcoming winter months, a reminder of their price tags might make you wish it were still summer. So before you throw down a few hundred dollars (or more) at a department store, it’s a good idea to explore other venues.

Since they are in demand every year, riding boots are commonly found at fractions of their original prices in vintage shops throughout Los Angeles. But your best bet for vintage, used and sometimes-new boots at discounted prices is eBay.com, where you can bid on tons of styles. Buying used riding boots is actually advantageous if you prefer a more rustic look. Plus, they will already have been broken in for maximum comfort.

Another Web site you might want to explore is Zappos.com, which provides free shipping and free 365-day returns on shoe purchases. If the return policy still doesn’t make you feel comfortable buying shoes without trying them on, site users leave feedback on shoes they have purchased to help guide your decision.

But whether you buy them brand new at Neiman Marcus or used from the Salvation Army, quality boots are sound, smart investments for winters to come.