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Ankle Boots for Women

Top Picks in Women's Ankle Boots for 2011

By , About.com Guide

Ankle boots can be a little difficult for a lot of women to wear because they tend to make the calves look thicker. But when they're worn well, ankle boots are also one of the most dynamic looks going. Below are some of the season's hottest styles in ankle boots for women.

For advice on how to wear them, you can have a look at my tips on what to wear with ankle boots, and if you're interested in shorter styles, be sure to check out my top picks in women's booties.

1. Naughty Monkey 'Misfit' - Cute Ankle Boots for Women

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Because of their wider throats and slightly slouchy shafts, a lot of women will find these sexy ankle boots from Naughty Monkey more flattering than other styles, and they'd be a great match for skirts, dresses, skinny jeans or leggings. Available in black, chocolate, navy, gray or taupe suede, these pull-on ankle boots feature 3" demi-wedge heels.

2. Dolce Vita 'Jemma' - Platform Ankle Boots for Women

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Since platform shoes and boots made their comeback several years ago and never really went out of fashion again, it's become difficult to refer to them as a footwear "trend," but whatever you call them, platform soles on boots and booties are popping up everywhere for 2011. One of my favorite styles is this retro-styled ankle boot from Dolce Vita.

With chunky, covered 5" heels, and ultra-thick 1.5" platform soles, it would be impossible not to feel like a pinball wizard in these sassy boots, and they'd look fantastic paired with skinny jeans or tights.

I'm crazy about the red suede version, but the black version is also great, and would certainly be more versatile.

3. L.A.M.B. 'Puffy' - Sexy, High Heeled Ankle Boots

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These sexy ankle boots combine several of the season's biggest trends, including combination uppers, hidden platform soles, and sky-high 5" heels -- needless to say, they're not for anyone with a fear of heights.

Available in navy, black, and dark brown, these L.A.M.B. boots are screaming to be worn with skinny jeans, leggings or tights.

4. Dressy Ankle Boots for Women - Calvin Klein 'Jane'

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For versatile ankle boots that aren't too busy, have a look at these 'Jane' boots from Calvin Klein -- they're dressy enough for the office, and easy to pair with everything from jeans to longer skirts or suits. Available in distressed black leather or black suede, these classic boots have wearable 3.5" heels, side zippers, and slightly pointed toes.

5. Matisse 'Victor' - Cool and Casual Ankle Boots

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Looking for a pair of casual ankle boots with lots of style? Check out these motorcycle-inspired boots from Matisse. The leather uppers are something to behold in black or espresso, and the slightly slouchy design is totally reminiscent of the grunge era. To top it all off, these boots have trendy straps that hit right below the ankle. Naturally, they'd be perfect with jeans, or the ideal choice for dressing down skirts and tights.

6. Pour La Victoire 'Bardot' - Ankle Boots with Stiletto Heels

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Luxurious and stylish, these women's ankle boots have a classic design that would allow you to wear them for years to come, while their hidden platform soles add a bit of trendiness and make them glamorous without being too fussy.

Available in black or gray, these sexy ankle boots have plush suede uppers, 4.5" stiletto heels, and 1.5" concealed platform soles. Either shade is bound to get attention, but the black version is nearly too perfect to pass up.

7. RSVP 'Savvy' - Lush Ankle Boots with Wedge Heels

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If you're jumping on the wedge heel bandwagon this season, then you should definitely check out these lush ankle boots from RSVP. In addition to being really cute, they're extremely versatile since they're perfect for dressing up or down. And, despite having trendy wedge heels, they're classic enough that you can wear them even when wedges aren't all the rage.

Another thing I love about these ankle boots is the fact that the 3.5" heels are covered in the same suede as the uppers, which gives these boots a flattering, unbroken silhouette.

Available in brown or black, these boots have side zippers, .5" hidden platform soles, and are reasonably-priced at just under $100.

8. Joe's Jeans 'Grant' - Trendy Ankle Boots for 2011

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Denim is a staple in a lot of women's fall wardrobes, and there is nothing better for adding a bit of polish to those jeans than a pair of casual, heeled ankle boots. It's also especially nice of those boots have low or chunky heels, so they're as comfortable on your feet, as they are on your eyes.

The style you choose will depend a lot on what cut of jeans you prefer, and whether or not you plan on wearing them with other types of clothing.

Personally, I'm crazy for these belted-shaft boots from Joe's Jeans, because they'd be great with wider or skinny legged-jeans, and they have a unique and trendy look. But if you're looking for ankle boots that can also work with dressier fare, go with a simpler, more traditional shaft design.

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