Want something different than standard heels and trying to avoid the bulk of boots? Ankle boots are the fashionable answer to that question. Ankle boots are a shorter version of the standard boot, where the top of the boot falls near the ankle bone. Available as flats or heels, ankle boots can be dressed up or down, and can be paired with nearly everything in your wardrobe.

If you're tall, you're in luck. Ankle boots will do nothing but flatter your legs, and you'll be able to pair ankle boots with just about anything. If you're shorter, don't fret. You can still work ankle boots into your wardrobe by keeping the leg line monochromatic. Just be sure to keep the line the eye follows from the foot up the leg clean and smooth. For women who choose black ankle boots, balance out the look with a black top or cardigan. Try to keep the overall look casual. Ankle boots just don't flatter formal wear, where your standard heels would be more appropriate. And most importantly, while the ankle boots seen on the runways for the winter season are certainly hot, the freakish fur and teetering platforms just don't translate to real life. Look for classic colors and materials that you can pair with the basics in your wardrobe, and you'll be able to wear them for years.

Ankle boots work best with short skirts that show lots of leg, from lengths that hit above the knee to microminis. Women with shorter legs can get away with shorter skirts and ankle boots if the skirt, stockings, and boots are all the same color. Women with full calves might want to avoid ankle boots with skirts because many ankle boots take away the ankle definition that heels and flats allow.

Long skirts can also work with ankle boots, but choose a fuller skirt that hides the leg completely. If you only show a little bit of leg, you end up with a harsh transition between the skirt and the leg, and the leg and the boot. Basically, avoid any skirts with lengths that hit at the knee down to lengths that hit at the ankle.

For a more versatile option for skirts, choose ankle boots with removable shanks. These shanks will essentially turn your ankle boots into standard boots. This option will allow you to wear your ankle boots with longer skirts and avoid that "short leg" look.

If your closet is filled with lots of different types of pants, then you’ll definitely get your money’s worth out of a pair of ankle boots. Ankle boots are wearable with just about any type of pants, from wide legged versions to tight cigarette pants, or even leggings. A rule of thumb: when wearing ankle boots with pants, do not tuck the pants into the boots unless the pants are very slim. Wide-legged pants balloon out when tucked into ankle boots, resulting in an unattractive look.

Be careful when pairing cropped pants or leggings with ankle boots. The abrupt change as the eye moves up the leg makes the overall leg look shorter, and for petite women, this can be undesirable. A good strategy is to keep the pants and boots the same color, smoothing the transition along the leg.

The Budget Babe says it's okay to show a little skin between the pants and boots if you'd like a trendy look, but this look won't work for all women.http://www.thebudgetbabe.com/archives/1783-Three-Ways-to-Wear-Ankle-Boots.html

You should always try on ankle boots before buying, to make sure the boots fit at all parts of your foot. Tightness in any part of the boot can make wearing the boots uncomfortable. Walk around a bit with the ankle boots on to see how they feel. Some women can confidently handle higher heels without wobbling, while other women are more comfortable with shorter heels.

When shopping for ankle boots to wear with pants, think about what kinds of pants you wear most often. If you’re a jeans and a T-shirt kind of woman, choose a more casual or funky style. If you’re planning to wear ankle boots with trousers to the office, choose a style that is a bit more classic and refined.

Choose ankle boots made from high quality leather, particularly if you're purchasing ankle boots in a classic style. Better materials generally results in longer life for your boots. Also, if you live in a location prone to snow and ice, look for non-slip or textured soles to keep you from sliding around when wearing your ankle boots.