Boot covers give greater variation to women's foot fashion. (Jiji)

Boots have long been a staple item on the winter fashion scene. But today accessorizing boots is all the rage among people who want to wear something stylish on their legs. Boot covers and gaiters are being worn over short boots and pumps, giving them the appearance of long boots. Boot covers are hot this fall and winter, especially among women in their twenties, and a Tokyo department store has reported selling about 20 pairs of them each day at prices ranging from ¥1,500 ($12.50 at ¥120 to the dollar) to ¥3,800 ($31.70).

Leg Warmers Redux?
Boot covers are made from a wide variety of materials, including fake fur, denim, leather, suede, wool, and synthetic leather, and they can easily be attached and removed using zippers and other fasteners. These new boot covers appear to have evolved from leg warmers, fashion accessories that were hugely popular in the 1980s and made a reappearance last winter. Some of today's popular boot models also stick closely to the leg-warmer blueprint with their soft materials and loose fit around the calves. Some of these boots have the appearance of boot covers, allowing the wearer to adjust them comfortably to fit her legs.

By changing the color and material of the boot accessories worn, wearers can enjoy a single pair of boots as part of several fresh looks, a key to the popularity of the accessories. An increasing number of shops are carrying boots even in the spring and summer, and more than a few young women wear boots year-round. Even if the same pair of boots is worn throughout the year, simply changing the accessories according to the season means that they will never lose their freshness. The most popular style this fall and winter is black fur. But even plain boots can be altered by the addition of an accessory, bringing the current vogue within reach without splurging on an expensive new pair.

Western-Style Fringe Leads the Way
Another characteristic of this year's boots is their wide variety of designs even without attaching any accessories. Blouses and skirts with fringe or embroidery that have a folk or Western look are popular now, and hard, Western-style boots have been drawing attention in department stores and specialty shops. And the boots these days are not just the ever present black and brown; tucking the hems of jeans into colorful boots is fashionable now.

Other kinds of boots can be found in stores as well. Some feature the pin heels that were popular for mules and pumps this past summer, while other fancy models come complete with ribbons and belts. The Western look was all the rage a few years ago, and many young women could be seen sporting this style head to toe, wearing jackets with fringe, dungaree shirts, jeans, and Western boots, topped off with a cowboy hat. These days, though, frilly blouses and skirts are in, and many women like to combine this soft, feminine image with hard Western boots to achieve a mixed look.

While some models are popular, the days of everyone wearing the same kind of clothes are over; people nowadays want something nice that expresses their own individuality. Whatever clothes women may wear, boots and their accessories add a bit of spice.