Must-Have Boots For Fall

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Payless. All opinions are 100% mine.

I took a trip to Las Vegas a couple weeks ago for a conference for work. Before we had kids, my husband and I would frequent Vegas at least twice a year, and stay for at least a week each and every time. I love Las Vegas because of the nightlife, the lights, the shows, the energy, the food. . .and the shopping. While I’m not a crazy shopping addict, when I go to Vegas I make it a point to visit several of my favorite shopping spots because I’ve found things in Vegas I’ve never seen anywhere else.

It’s also so much fun to people-watch as you walk through the hotels, casinos and stroll along the strip. This season, it seems ankle boots or booties are ALL THE RAGE and are the must-have boots for fall. Because I was in Vegas for work, I didn’t have a whole lot of time to go shopping, but I knew when I got back home, I was going to have to take a trip to the mall to find my own pair of ankle boots to go with the leggings and jeans I just pulled out of my storage bins last week. Beyond that, my favorite pair of boots from last season were looking pretty sad.

I took my time just window shopping on my trip to the mall when I came across Payless. Right there at the entrance, front and center, was a display of ankle boots.

So, of course, that was the end of my window shopping, and it was time to get down to business. I was pleasantly surprised when I saw all of the fun, on-trend styles available. . .might I say. . .at a fraction of the price I would have paid in Vegas. Yep, I’m going in.

It wasn’t long before I stepped into the store that I was approached by a Payless associate named, Cali. She immediately asked if she could help me find something, and I told her I was looking for a fun and stylish pair of ankle boots. She knew I had already seen the display at the front of the store, so she took me to another display where I saw these.

Okay, now we’re talking. I wanted something I could wear for work or to go out. I was super impressed by the selection! Let me show you four of my favorite finds. Even though I was on the search for a pair of black ankle boots, I’m showing you some of these in brown here so you can see the detail. That’s the other thing I love – most of the styles I was looking at were available in both black AND brown or black and gray. Love that.

A. Miki Platform Bootie – I loved the button accent on these!

B. Topsy Gore Bootie – Cute and felt dressy and casual at the same time.

C. Viola Dress Boot – Super cute and love the ruffle detail.

D. Ramona Bootie – Sexy and classic. Goes with anything.

Alright, so I don’t have photos of ALL of the boots I tried on but I’m going to show you two of them. Bear with me on the angles. I mean, I was going to ask Cali to help me with some of the photos and I’m sure she would have gladly helped, but decided I could go at this on my own so she could help the other customers in the store while I put on my own little fashion show.

So here’s the Miki Platform Bootie. I’m awkwardly trying to bend my foot so you don’t see my bright white socks. More about this later. 😉

I liked the button detail on these boots like I had mentioned before. They were cute and they felt good. I could picture them with a skirt and leggings.

Next up were the Ramona Booties. And here’s where the fashion show ended. I only had to put on one bootie and compare it against my favorite boots from last season I wore into the store. . .and I was SOLD. I mean, there’s really no comparison right? It’s time to retire my tired, ole’ boots.

I loved the classic look. They were cute, sexy, professional, casual – they worked for everyday and special occasions. Kid you not, there was a family in the same aisle as I was, trying on shoes, too, and when I put on the Ramona Booties, they looked at me and said, “Those are the ones.”

Between Cali and the other shoppers I interacted with at Payless, this was truly a fun experience. It’s not often that I find myself talking with other strangers shoppers, but everyone was so nice and it felt so comfortable here – almost like we all were friends. Could it be a Midwestern thing?

Regardless, I pulled Cali aside, lifted my pant leg a little and whispered, “So, what do I do about these white socks?” She smiled and led me over to yet another display where she showed me these shoe socks and told me that they are the perfect solution because they protect your foot from sliding, and are short enough that they are completely no-show. Perfect. Yes. You. Sold. Me.

This was honestly one of the most positive shopping experiences I’ve had in a long time. I stepped out of the store completely satisfied with my purchase and am so looking forward to rocking my boots this fall.

I paired them with my boot cut jeans and a fun faux-fur lined vest.

If you’re looking to refresh your closet with new shoes or boots this season, you need to give Payless a try! I may be returning for those Viola Dress Boots along with some cute scarves and other accessories to get me through the holidays! I hope you’ll join me again on my next trip to Payless!

For more fall shoe and boot inspiration, follow Payless on Pinterest!