Tucking jeans into boots stylishly this season has been challenging and is the topic of many questions on “Ask Angie“. How can we prevent “bunching”, “overstuffing” and discomfort, and get the look right?

The answer: a specific pair of jeans/pants and the correct pair of boots.

• Jeans/pants – need to be extra skinny, tapered and hemmed to your ankle. The trick is to have as little fabric as possible to tuck. If you have to fold any fabric over in order to tuck – think again.
• Boots – need to be wide enough at the calf and ankle so that your jeans lie fairly flat inside them. They can be slouchy, western, sophisticated, equestrian, knee high or calf high in style – as long as there is enough room for comfort when you tuck. 

You might find that you’ll have a pair of jeans/pants and boots devoted to this look alone. It’s always better to buy items that work across a range of looks, but sometimes it doesn’t work out that way. If you love this look – make sure that you match the correct jeans with the correct pair of boots.

The extra skinny ankle length jeans (Nordstrom) on the right are perfect for tucking into these comfortable riding style boots (J. Crew)

The ankle bootie is the shoe of the season. It’s not quite a shoe and not quite a boot, but somewhere in between. Ankle booties are another throwback to 80’s fashion and worn in the same way that they were then:

• For everyone – wear them underneath bootcut and flared jeans or pants like a normal pair of boots
• For the more fashion forward – pair them with skinnies, leggings and cigarette pants
• For the very daring – dress them up with opaque tights and knee length or mini dresses/skirts

Ankle booties come in a selection of styles. Those that reveal your ankle bone and close neatly around your foot and ankle are most flattering for dresses and skirts. They look best with 3 inch heels and are a good dressy option for autumn and winter.

If you are shoe-crazy and can walk in thin heels – make sure that you have a pair in your wardrobe this season. They’ll give your outfit a completely new look.

Elegant styles from Nine West are on sale for between $70 and $80.

The mini has returned. This comes as no surprise with the revival of 80’s fashion. While making a noticeable statement for Autumn and Winter, Spring 2007 fashion reports show that the trend of the mini is here to stay. Raised hemlines on catwalk collections were all the rage for the season ahead.

• Who can wear a mini? Those of you blessed with slim and shapely legs.
• What’s the shortest length you can go? Standing with your hands by your side, your hemline should never be shorter then the tip of your middle finger.

In general, the most flattering skirt and dress length for any body type is at the knee (just above, on, or just below the knee). Visually, you know your own best hem length is at the point at which your legs look their longest and slimmest. If you have superb legs – by all means raise that hemline!

Update the look of the mini this season by adding:

• Thick black opaque tights (you’ll look like you’re wearing cigarette pants under your dress) 
• Chunky heels, long boots or the new ankle bootie

Max Studio shows us how to wear mini’s the new way below.

Leopard and zebra prints are hot this season for all age groups and fashion personas – children included! You need at least one animal print accessory in your wardrobe. And while animal prints seem to drift in and out of high fashion, they’ll always be stylish for the modern classic.

Contrary to popular belief, hairy animal printed accessories are not made of real horse, leopard or zebra skin. They are usually made of cow skin (like normal leather) and printed. There are also great synthetic versions around that will do the trick.

Animal printed bags, belts, scarves and shoes are for everyone; while animal printed clothing, outerwear, boots, sunglasses, hats and hair accessories are for the more daring. Both categories are sure to increase you style quotient.

Bring out the animal in you with a few refined choices from J. Crew.