Every season has one prized article of clothing. Remember a few summers back when gauchos were all the rage? Or even this summer when stores started busting out the colored skinny jeans?

You have all probably noticed the one thing you've got to have that will both put you on the best-dressed list and keep your shoes safe from the snow, slush, and all-around wetness.

Sleek black boots from Victoria's Secret.com. (click to enlarge)

BOOTS!

I love boots! Boots are the official hot thing, and they have been since the weather started getting colder.

Even though people start wearing boots more often in the colder seasons, this is the first time in a while that there has been such an obvious demand for boots. Some even say it has to do with the popularity of Flo Rida's "Low," with the chorus referring to "applebottom jeans and the boots with the fur."

But for whatever reasons, boots have been popular everywhere, from the catwalk to the sidewalk. The best thing about boots is the wide variety that you can find them in.

If you have a more sophisticated, clean-cut style you can find some boots with piping, such as the Christian Louboutin Trottinette ankle boots.

Or if you love boots with buckles then you can check out these wrapped platform buckle boots.

Boots are great for a person who loves comfort. Instead of Crocs (which may be comfy, but really aren't that cute), go for boots with a furry lining. These boots will keep your toes toasty as well as provide comfort and a sense of style.

Naturally with the weather, rain boots are pretty useful, too. Last year, with more sleet than snow, rain boots with an interesting design started showing up everywhere. They had every pattern from plaid to polka dots to peacock feathers!

But this year we in Champaign-Urbana have been lucky enough to occasionally catch a glimpse of the pretty, white snow. So of course some pretty white snow boots with what looks like a small platform attached to the bottom will protect your feet from the cold.

The most popular style for wearing these is to tuck the pants into your boot for a fun, confident look.

So you want to know what boot length is best for your style?

Boots are often worn to add a little attitude to your outfit. The key is knowing the proper way to wear them. Length is super important when buying the right pair of boots. Check out some advice "confirmed" by fashion lovers everywhere:

Ankle High: I personally am not a fan of wearing these with skirts. A lot of people like to wear ankle boots with long skirts, but doing so can make your legs look much shorter and tends to be matronly, so I don't recommend it.

Lately I've also seen people wearing ankle boots with leggings and a skirt or dress. If you really want to wear them with a skirt it should be a couple inches above the knee. Trousers are the most recommended bottom to go with these. Any pants actually, as long as they aren't cropped.

Calf High: Very versatile. I recommend these if you are just getting used to wearing boots. They are not too high or too intimidating. Shorter skirts, skinny jeans tucked in, or even dresses look very nice and simple in these.

Knee High: My personal favorite! The most dramatic of all the boots. If you want to wear these with a dress, tight or billowy, be sure the hemline of the dress is slightly above the boot — but not too much. Otherwise, your silhouette will look heavier and lose the streamlining effect that boots normally give you.

Wear these snugly around the leg, too, or else there is just an awkward giant gap. It is all about finding your personal balance.

If you are wearing these with skinny jeans, wear the boot over the jeans. If you are wearing these with a bootleg cut, it is probably better to simply wear the boot under as opposed to cramming your pants in the boot.

Thigh High: Thigh highs have been so popular with designers on the runway. If any of you are bold enough to wear them with a skirt, dress, or tight pants you really need matching accessories to balance out the overall look.

Adding these with a pair of tights can give you a more European look. Wearing thigh highs to formal occasions isn't usually a good idea.

So you want to know what boot style is best for you?

Cowboy: I have never worn these, but I have to admit they can be so much fun. They give your outfit a great bohemian flair. They are a classic that can be worn with denim and skirts. Click here for some great ways to wear these.

Pointed: So rock and roll. Perfect if your are into the "rock chick" look. These can hurt your toes, though, so be sure to leave enough space at the toe box when you are picking out a pair of these.

Round Toe: Very 1920s, 1940s. They are so comfortable, and they come in different styles: Chelsea, pirate, and riding boots, for instance. (Chelsea boots are a little more matronly, though. Pirate boots can look weird if they don't correspond properly with the outfit. You probably wouldn't want to wear these.)

These boots can give you a great simple and elegant look. WARNING: These boots are probably better for adults. They aren't exactly the hippest thing around.

Sheepskin or "Ugg" Style : These boots were actually first worn in New Zealand to keep feet warm after being at sea. These are great for simply walking out the door. My favorite style are the crochet boots.

All versions are so warm, but when worn with tracksuit bottoms they tend to look a little more like bedroom slippers. Wear the taller ones with knee socks or leg warmers that are slightly peeking over the boot in contrasting colors for a funky look. These also work well with a flirty, cute short skirt.

Biker Boots: Rebel, rebel! But, seriously, these boots, in a higher style, worn in a very feminine way, can look so hot. Try these with a short dress or tight pants. Now all you need is the bike to match …

So here are a few "dos and don'ts":

• Do be seasonally consistent.
• Do realize you are going to have different outfits, so buy different boots with different textures, heights, and lengths.
• Do consider that because we are at Uni with all of our fitness running, our calves can get bigger. There are new extended calf options, so be on the lookout for those.
• Do shop off season. You can get some really good deals at the end of winter that will look just as good next year.
• Don't buy boots without walking in them for a while to see if they really are comfortable.
• Don't buy high vinyl or plastic boots on a whim. These can cheapen a cute outfit so easily and really, really hurt your feet.

So here you go! A bunch of information about the fabulous clothing item that has been seizing the country. I admit that I probably could've written this earlier, but hopefully this can give you a few more ideas when you are buying boots or coming up with outfits.

Remember that everyone has their own style, taste, and body. Some of the advice that I've given might not suit you. It's up to you to decide what works and what doesn't. It's all about the balance.