To be sure, gardening boots are work boots above all else.

Gardening boots need to be waterproof and easy to clean. Leather and suede are out; rubber and vinyl are in.

They should slip off and on easily – but not so easily that you pull your feet out of them when you walk through mud. So they can't be leg-hugging, knee-high, side zip boots.

The soles of your gardening boots should be sturdy and thick enough so you can step on the top edge of a shovel.

Is it possible for boots that work so hard to be fashionable? Perhaps.

Wellingtons – The Mother Of All Gardening Boots

Okay, so Wellington's aren't the height of fashion, but at least they come in some fashion colors now. Worn for decades by royalty on their long country walks, Wellington boots now come in red, green, navy blue, and classic black. They are fully lined and have an adjustable strap to adjust the tightness of the boot top.

When you're outside gardening in rainy weather, you'll find that you wouldn’t trade your Wellington boots for the most stylish boot around. Wellington gardening boots will cost you about $70.

Western Chief Waterproof Gardening Boots

Western Chief makes a variety of novelty gardening boots that, while they may not be fashionable, are definitely very cute. The boots are made of sturdy rubber. A pair of shopping-bag style handles at the top of each boot makes them easy to pull on and off.

The ladybug boots are red with black polka dots, with red eyes, antennae, and a red smile. Turtle boots are green with a turtle print. These boots are also great for rain wear with jeans or a colorful skirt. A pair will run you around $25 to $30.

Classic Cloggies

Gardening boots are great, but sometimes you just want a simple shoe you can step in and out of, like a clog. Women's Classic Clogs by Town and Country are just $9.99. These injection molded shoes have a cushioned insole and come in three bright colors: red, green, and navy blue.

Don't Forget The Boot Stand

Gardening boots are meant to stay outdoors, on the back porch, or in a mud room. Get a boot stand to keep all your gardening boots and clogs organized. A good boot stand will have shoe trees so you can dry your boots out, upside down, and wire racks for drying other shoes.

Most racks have enough room for scarves, hats, and gloves. Boots dry faster when you place the stand near a heat vent or wood stove.