I love shoes, but it’s gotten to the point where I have to dig through an overflowing pile of mismatched boots and sneakers to find my go-to pairs. Having a solid capsule wardrobe is a quick solution, which requires letting go of outdated styles in favor of more versatile options that can be worn to the office or for a night out.
Instead of investing in shoes you’ll rarely, if ever, wear, we asked personal stylist Samantha Dawn to weigh in on the must-have fall boots this season, and which pairs it’s time to retire. For her, the one style, which “most of us have in our closet,” that she suggests ditching is a pair of riding boots. While a classic, riding boots are somewhat outdated and don’t always match well with current trends. “It’s safe to say we can upgrade to a more modern style of boots,” she tells PEOPLE.
Dawn recommends three boot styles for fall, including cowboy boots (or Western designs), Parisian looks, and anything with a pointy toe. Check out our top picks inspired by her tips below. Everything is available at Amazon’s fashion store for less than $75.
Stylist-Inspired Fall Boots at Amazon
Pasuot Western Cowboy Boots
Amazon
Cowboy boots aren’t going anywhere this year, according to Dawn who says “Western boots are big this season.” Rather than sport a plain pair of shoes, she finds these “create fun mixed elements in an outfit” thanks to the embroidered designs along the uppers.
This best-selling pair from Amazon has a slip-on design with tabs on the top for gripping, so you can slide your feet in faster. There are 15 shades to choose from whether you’re looking for a neutral brown to wear with jeans and your favorite sports tee or a statement pink to show off at a concert. One shopper called the fit true to size, adding that there was “some extra room for the toes.” They also described the shoes as “so comfy on [their] feet especially walking long distances.”
Lucky Brand Basel Ankle Booties
Amazon
If you prefer something simple, Dawn recommends Parisian style boots, which she explains “still continue to be popular for that elegant look.” The smooth design pairs easily with a slip skirt for work or bootcut jeans for a coffee run.
These boots typically have a lower, wide heel and smooth construction — much like this pair from Lucky Brand that’s on sale. The ankle boots have nearly 10,000 five-star ratings, including from one reviewer with bunions who wrote “I ordered the wide width, and they are so comfortable I can wear them all day.”
Amazon Essentials Tall Boots
Amazon
While riding boots may be “out” this season, you can still get your tall boot fix, but with a slightly taller heel. For Dawn, she leans toward chunky styles with a pointed toe box, which she says are “great to pair with your wide-leg denim.”
Amazon Essentials’ knee-high boots come with a flexible upper to accommodate different calf sizes, and have a slouchy design to create a relaxed appearance. One shopper wrote the boots are comfortable right out of the box, “do not irritate my bunions, and are wide enough in the toes to wear toe spreaders and warm socks with them.”
Shop these fall boots at Amazon while they’re still available and keep scrolling to discover more shoe picks inspired by Dawn’s recommendations.
Modatope Knee-High Boots
Amazon
Mysoft Slip-On Ankle Boots
Amazon
Cushionaire Sock Boots
Amazon
Dream Pairs Cowboy Boots
Amazon
Wetkiss Chunky Knee-High Boots, $63 with code
Amazon
Toetos Chunky Ankle Boots
Amazon