I like the idea of ankle boots but how can I avoid straying into mum boot territory?

[naturelover]

I warn you I am really clueless.
I own skinny jeans (that I usually tuck into knee boots in winter) - can I wear them with ankle boots (they are tapered - very narrow at the ankle)? Or is it better to wear with straight jeans?
I'd like a heel but not sky high - something I can walk in but dressy enough to go out in.
Is black leather with denim too mum-boot?
I love the idea of grey nubuck or something but worry about the effect of rain on it .
I also have black skinny cords so maybe black is best after all?
Of course my budget is tiny so have to limit myself to one pair of boots full stop.

Thank you to anyone who can point me in the right direction, preferably with some links. I'd like to spend much less than £100, ideally about £60.

Bump anyone?

Topshop have some good ones also office and new look. I wear skinnies tucked into my ankle boots.

I think there may be ankle boot fatigue on this board as there have been 80000 threads on ankle boots this week alone!

I think you have to go wearing your skinnies and try lots on - won't take long and you'll see the ones that flatter you and are comfortable.