I've recently received a few requests to do a post on practical day boots. One friend specifically asked for "a pair that is just as comfy yet a little dressier" than her indefatigable Isabel Marant Dickers. Think the holy grail of boots: ones that will go with everything, bridge the work/weekend gap, stand up to running around town and last for seasons to come. Talk about a tall order! Still, I searched high and low and actually found a bevy of options, some expensive, others not so much, in a variety of styles. In no particular order they are as follows: this stack-heeled Joie (with an interesting wraparound strap), this fringed Derek Lam, this simple suede Acne Studios, this chunky-heeled See by Chloe, this menswear-inspired Madewell, this low-heeled, ankle-strap Saint Laurent, this pointy-toe kitten-heeled Seychelles, this curve-heeled Chloe, this buckle-trimmed DV by Dolce Vita, this flat zipper-accented Report, this studded Valentino (more sizes here), this buckled J.Crew (on sale!), and this sleek Loeffler Randall.

Photo: New York Times Fashion/Altamira