A Professional Stylist Reveals the Essential Fall Wardrobe Item You Need in Your Closet

As you transition your wardrobe for autumn, you might have found yourself stuck on where to begin. To help, I consulted Brenda Cooper, a renowned fashion expert known for crafting Fran Drescher's iconic looks on the 90s hit show The Nanny. Cooper advises, "For fall 2024, the must-have item I’m recommending to my clients is a stunning ankle boot."

Cooper describes this timeless shoe as "the ultimate style hack" for the season. "I own both flat and heeled ankle boots in various colors for any occasion, from daytime to evening wear. They’re versatile, comfortable, and a practical addition to your wardrobe that pairs seamlessly with countless outfits. I always encourage my clients to invest in ankle boots that align with their personal style and lifestyle—they never regret it!"

Ankle boots are available in countless styles, so we scoured Amazon to bring you a selection of stylish and budget-friendly options. Below, explore 12 designs endorsed by fashion experts.

Top Stylish Ankle Boots to Buy on Amazon

• Lucky Brand Baley Ankle Boots, starting at $48 with coupon (originally $129)
• Hisea Short Rain Boots, starting at $33 with coupon (originally $38)
• Dr. Scholl's Rate Ankle Boots, now $60 (was $90)
• Allegra K Lug Sole Ankle Boots, $48
• Kenneth Cole Reaction Side Way Low Heel Ankle Bootie, $31 (originally $79)
• Amazon Essentials Lace-Up Combat Boots, starting at $30 (was $40)
• Soda Pilot Lug Sole Chelsea Boots, starting at $25 (originally $40)
• GlobalWin Cowboy Ankle Boots, $55 (was $71)

Lucky Brand Baley Ankle Boots

Cooper describes this western-inspired yet timeless ankle boot from Lucky Brand as "effortless to wear and an ideal choice for those with larger calves who struggle to find knee-high boots with sufficient calf room." Additionally, it comes in a variety of finishes, from playful leopard prints to classic shades like black and brown.

Hisea Short Rain Boots

Cooper emphasizes, "Nothing combines practicality and style better than a pair of waterproof, easy-to-wear rubber Chelsea ankle boots." Made from PVC, these boots are fully waterproof. She recommends pairing them with "a vibrant raincoat, a chic umbrella, and a waterproof bucket hat for a complete look."

Dr. Scholl's Rate Ankle Boots

Dr. Scholl's low-heel ankle boots blend comfort and style seamlessly. Cooper explains, "The perfect ankle boot complements nearly every outfit, from casual to professional and even semi-formal attire, depending on its design." This adaptable style pairs effortlessly with various looks and is available in both slip-on and zip-up versions.

Allegra K Lug Sole Ankle Boots

For those who love bold styles, this chunky design by Allegra K is a must-have. Available in eye-catching metallic shades like rose gold and blue, as well as classic autumn hues like burgundy, these boots are a statement piece. Cooper suggests, "Pair them with a standout item like a leather jacket, puffer coat, blazer, duster, vest, or denim jacket to create a stunning, head-turning look."

But wait, there’s more! Below, we’ve curated additional stylist-recommended ankle boots that are definitely worth exploring.

Kenneth Cole Reaction Side Way Low Heel Ankle Bootie

Amazon Essentials Lace-Up Combat Boots

Soda Pilot Lug Sole Chelsea Boots

GlobalWin Cowboy Ankle Boots

Jeossy Low-Heeled Booties

Kathemoi Stacked Heel Ankle Booties

Coutgo Slip-On Ankle Boots

Soda Ability Wedge Bootie