This year, renowned fashion brands -- Balenciaga, Topshop, Chanel, Tory Burch -- made it clear that there was a simple trick to staying on top of the major trends of the season: When it doubt, cut it out.

Designers went scissor-happy this past year, first with spring's cutout bodycon dresses. Next came summer's peekaboo monokinis. Now that fall is here, boots are making their way back as the season's staple accessory. And, yes, the trendiest ones are cutouts.

The cutout bootie trend is an easy way to transition into the cooler months without going full-on winter snow boots. You can even add some bold, printed socks for a stylish and whimsical peekaboo look.

Besides, the Chanel fall 2013 runways predicted the trend would happen -- and we wouldn't want to disappoint. Here, your chicest ways to follow through.

There's a reason these cutout Balenciaga boots were spotted on the streets of Paris Haute Couture fashion week. Très chic.

Chanel's Fall 2013 runway show paired the edginess of military buckles with the chicness of a cap toe boot. Together, these knee-high boots stole the show.

Becky Lovering from the blog Hold Up Now (HUNOW) spotted these pointed toe cutout booties in classic black. Our take: These are the shoe version of the perfect little black dress.