Giuseppe Zanotti Suede Eco Fur-Piping Low Boots: All the Trimmings

The fuzzy winter boot: a thing of beauty or a thing of blech, and very rarely in between. As much as Uggs have been trying inch their way into the realm of fashionable shoes, I’m sorry, the failure is epic. Maybe because they are coming at the cozy shoe from the wrong angle. You don’t try to take something frumpy and make it appealing; you take a seriously sexy shoe and take it from there. That’s why you need someone with the stiletto-loving sensibility of Giuseppe Zanotti to hold the reigns; only a designer who is all about hot can take furry shearling and make it as stunning as it is toasty.

It’s not hard to define the magic touch: the allure is in the wrap-around strap, the measured amount of shearling peeking out around the edges – enough to make a purposeful statement, not so much it looks like you’ve stuck stuffed animals in your boots – and, needless to say, the curvy spiked stiletto, which really drives the point home. Which is, of course, that you’ll never compromise style, whatever the elements throw at you.

Simultaneously, practicality isn’t compromised – the buckle is adjustable, so if you’re layering up and need to cram your boot around socks, tights, or narrow jeans, you have the room. I’m assuming “Eco Fur” means faux shearling, but in this case, I’m fine with it. Zanotti’s got the look, and that’s what matters. On Luisa Via Roma for $1,195.

Pair with: That’s enough shearling (faux or real) for one ensemble. Carven’s tweed clutch, trimmed in lovely hardware and a touch of pony hair, says winter without shouting it. Just enough nub for your fuzz. Carven Tweed Shoulder Bag, $600.