What Your Fall/Winter Shoes Say About You

By now you've probably heard of the fancy pants (or would it be fancy shoes?) study conducted by the University of Kansas and Wellesley College in Massachusetts. After much research, the study revealed that it is, indeed, possible to judge a person by the shoes she's stomping around town in.

We're not just talking about arbitrary judgment, here. The study says you can actually get a pretty good idea of the shoe wearer's personality, age, social status and even income bracket. In short, researchers presented photographs of complete strangers' shoes to study participants. They were then asked to guess certain traits based on the shoes alone and, surprisingly, they did so with 90% accuracy.

We've decided to combine Fall 2012 / Winter 2013 shoe trends and this whole "shoe judgment" idea. Below are our picks for best fall/winter shoe trends along with an idea of what those particular shoes say about your personality. Peruse through the pictures first (all of which are available for purchase, by the way), and then read the descriptions after you've chosen your favorites.

Let us know if they were accurate assumptions in the comment section below. Do keep in mind that this is mostly conjecture and just for fun, as the study focused on how well kept the shoes are, whether they were uncomfortable looking, etc. and not necessarily particular trends.

Knee High Boot

What This Shoe Says About You: Calm, Classic, Down to Earth
Our Trendy Picks: Arden B. Blocked Platform Knee High Boots ($62.30), Mossimo Kailey Flat Slouchy Boots ($30), Michael Antonio Women's Bundy-Pu Knee-High Boot ($79)
Style Tip: Mix things up by wearing a pair of funky-colored tights (mustard yellow, burnt orange or red) and either short shorts or a skirt.
Browse More Styles: Knee-High Boots | Knee-High Flat Boots

Studded, Spiked and Bedazzled

What This Shoe Says About You: Confident, Fashionably Daring, Eccentric
Our Trendy Picks: Steve Madden 'Kstudd' Flat ($49.95), Charlotte Russe Spiked Velvet Heel Bootie ($40), C Label Hudson-10 Flat ($34.95)
Style Tip: Since these shoes are a statement piece in and of themselves, keep your other accessories and garment bedazzlements to a minimum.
Browse More Styles: Studded Shoes | Spiked Shoes | Bedazzled Shoes

Metallic Flats

What This Shoe Says About You: Edgy, Practical, Detail-Oriented
Our Trendy Picks: BC Footwear 'Limousine' Metallic Flat ($44.95), Rocket Dog Monica Metallic Flat ($34.95), Mia Alexis Oxford Flat ($49.95),
Style Tip: Keep up the metallic theme by incorporating metallic jewelry and accessories into your ensemble.
Browse More Styles: Metallic Flats | Metallic Oxfords

Furry Shoes

What This Shoe Says About You: Self-Aware, Extroverted, Bubbly
Our Trendy Picks: Style&co. Witty Faux-Fur Cold Weather Boots ($65), Guess Oleto Faux Fur Cuff Booties ($104), Skechers Women's Grand Jams-Unwritten Faux Fur Knee-High Boot ($91)
Style Tip: If you're on a budget, opt for faux fur over the real deal. There are great deals out there on quality, faux fur.
Browse More Styles: Furry Boots | Faux Fur Boots | Shearling Boots

Reptile Print

What This Shoe Says About You: Smart, Focused, Successful
Our Trendy Picks: Ellen Tracy Ellen Tracey Cody Reptile Pump ($69.95), Lucky Brand Ballet Flats - Emmie ($59), Chelsea Crew Hull Bootie ($89)
Style Tip: Choose a reptile print in a neutral hue. It'll pair with more of your wardrobe.
Browse More Styles: Reptile Shoes | Snakeskin Shoes

Chelsea/Wedged Boot

What This Shoe Says About You: Open Minded, Lovable, Tenacious
Our Trendy Picks: River Island Wool Effect Chelsea Boots ($46.50), Express Covered Wedge Zip Bootie ($41.93), Michael Antonio Women's Cane Ankle Boot ($37 - $44)
Style Tip: Wear these with your favorite pair of skinny jeans and a complementary blazer or jacket that shows off your figure.
Browse More Styles: Chelsea Boots | Wedge Boots