Fall is all about bootie-liciousness, and it has nothing to do with Beyonc?'s curves.

Ankle boots — also called demi boots or booties — are showing up in an assortment of colors and styles to complement fall's monochromatic gray tones and classic styles. There's a mix of textures, such as suede with patent, tweed with leather and fur with animal-print, as well as a range of heels from chunky to stiletto.

Think of the ankle boot as new twist on a fall classic.

"It updates the look of boots," says Tootsies shoe buyer Wendy McKain. "Last year, everyone was buying high (calf) boots. Now, we're doing well with ankle boots by Moschino that are more like a shoe, less like a boot, but still considered booties. And the Giuseppe Zanotti peep-toe stiletto bootie is absolutely amazing."

Ankle boots aren't for the fainthearted. They are a little complex, even fussy, because they require some wardrobe planning, McKain said. They aren't for every outfit.

When booties are worn with skirts, color-coordinated tights are a must, McKain said. Wearing them with a different color tight or bare leg gives you that "cutoff look," she said. "A matching tight, skirt and a boot creates that whole illusion of length."

Ankle boots also work well with skinny jeans and just about any style pants.

"That's the beauty of ankle boots. You can create different looks," McKain said. "Every designer has shown ankle boots with skinny jeans and pants. I think we'll see it again for next fall. It's something that will carry through in different variations."

Cathy Shiroda of Dillard's said many customers like the versatility of ankle boots. She suggested a knee-length trendy dress paired with a textured tight and a stylish ankle boot, such as the Gianni Bini Kori pointed-toe boot with a buckle detail, $99, or the animal-print boot by MICHAEL Michael Kors, $189.

While Gina Jordan, owner of Gina's Shoes in Rice Village, offers only a few ankle-boot styles this fall, she said the quilted, patent Boutique 9 ankle boot, $179, has been a hit with her customers.

"When I saw it at market, it just popped out at me," she said. "It's really for a certain woman who is confident. I've seen it on young and old women. If they can wear the heel, they'll get it."

joy.sewing@chron.com