It’s time to buckle down and strap up, ladies! This season, don’t fall for the utilitarian, bulky boots that weigh you down. Instead, opt for fierce, sexy styles that will elevate your head-to-toe winter wear approach. We’re talking slick rainboots that meld durability with grace and sky-high stilettos that will make you saunter above all your fellow partygoers as you countdown to 2013. From fringe bootie steals at Nine West to over-the-knee splurges from Altuzarra, here are the best boots to kick start your winter wardrobe.

clockwise from top left
Altuzarra croc-embossed leather over-the-knee boots | $1,700 at Net-A-Porter.com
ZARA studded knee-high riding boot | $99.99 at ZARA.com
Madewell “Chelsea” bootie in calfhair | $350.50 at Madewell.com
Pollini metallic brocade and leather wedge ankle boot | $313.25 at SaksFifthAvenue.com
Aldo “Almarza” leather cowboy boot | $69.99 at AldoShoes.com
Marc by Marc Jacobs multi-buckle biker boot | $629.07 at MatchesFashion.com
Nine West “Icelandic” fringe ankle boot | $59.99 at NineWest.com
B Brian Atwood “Fragola” cap toe ankle boot | $237.49 at Nordstrom.com
Re-belle in the Rain boot | $59.99 at ModCloth.com