Do You Have a Passion for Boots?
Do you adore pairing ankle boots with your favorite spring outfits and slipping into over-the-knee boots as soon as the weather cools down? If so, this comprehensive boots style guide is tailor-made for you! Whether you're already a boot enthusiast or looking to incorporate boots more frequently into your wardrobe, this post is your go-to source for endless inspiration on how to wear boots all year round.
In this comprehensive boots outfit guide, I'll provide you with insights into various boot types, styling tips for booties, creative ways to rock dresses with boots, stunning over-the-knee boot outfit ideas, and, naturally, a curated selection of must-have boots along with shopping tips to guide your choices!
Exploring the Various Types of Boots
Before delving into styling various types of boots, let's begin by examining the wide range of boots available for purchase. This section will provide an overview of the different boot types, identify essential styles, and offer guidance on what to consider when selecting each type of boot.
When it comes to shopping for boots, there are two primary approaches. You can opt for a pair of boots designed to withstand the test of time, serving you faithfully for a decade or more. Alternatively, you might seek out trendy boots that perfectly complement the current season's fashion, knowing you may only wear them for a season or two. Whether your preference leans towards trendy or classic, both styles come in a range of price points. In the following sections, you'll find shopping options for both trendy and classic boots. If you're on the hunt for trendy boots, it's often wise to explore more affordable choices, unless you have an ample shopping budget, and consider investing in the timeless, classic boots that will remain a staple in your wardrobe for many years to come.
Ankle Boots and Booties: Stylish Choices for Every Occasion
These are arguably the most popular boots for everyday wear. They're typically versatile and can be effortlessly paired with a wide range of outfits, making them my personal favorite type of boot.
First, let's distinguish between booties and ankle boots. Booties terminate right at the ankle, while ankle boots can extend anywhere from one to four inches above the ankle. If the boots go higher than that, they fall into the mid-calf boot category. It's straightforward to remember—the name of the boot corresponds to where it ends on your leg. Ankle, mid-calf, knee, and thigh-high or over-the-knee boots are the primary types to be aware of.
Timeless Ankle Boots: A Wardrobe Staple
Ankle boots and booties are undoubtedly a footwear essential! If you're in search of classic ankle boots, consider getting both brown and black pairs. When opting for a classic brown ankle boot, look for options in leather or suede, such as the ever-popular Marc Fisher Alva Boot in brown. This is an excellent classic choice due to its slightly pointed toe, which is more flattering for boots you'll wear frequently. Additionally, the boot features a thick stacked heel, making it comfortable for extended walks without fatigue. The side detailing on the boot adds an interesting dimension without being overwhelming. You'll also find this same boot available in black leather, black suede, and black embossed leather options.
Discovering Classic Brown Ankle Boots: Your Perfect Shopping Guide
These boots typically come with a price tag of $200 or more, but it's important to remember that you're investing in timeless quality. The intention is for them to remain classic and durable, allowing you to wear them extensively without quick wear and tear, which justifies the higher cost.
When searching for your classic black ankle boot, prioritize high-quality black leather without excessive embellishments. Opt for a chic style that seamlessly transitions from an evening date to casual hangouts with friends, or even a day at work. These boots should empower you and make you feel ready to conquer the day. They should convey a confident vibe, saying, "I'm here, and I mean business because I'm rocking my chic black boots
Seek out sleek black ankle boots that don't feature excessive studs, contrasting zippers, or any accents that disrupt the clean lines of the leather. The goal is to embrace simplicity and maintain a clean, streamlined look.
Discovering Timeless Black Ankle Boots: Your Ultimate Shopping Guide
Stylish and Trendy Ankle Boots: Elevate Your Look
Now that we've covered the two classic ankle boot options, let's explore the trendy styles. When in search of trendy ankle boots, seek out styles that incorporate vibrant colors, prints, patent leather, studs, zippers, or even sequins for a playful and fashionable look.
These boots add a fun and eye-catching element to your outfits, allowing you to express your personal style. Trendy boots draw inspiration from current runway trends and are often tied to specific seasons. While a few trendy boot styles, like the enduring Valentino Rockstud designs, can remain popular for several years, this isn't typically the case for most trends.
If you have the financial flexibility to indulge in designer trendy boots, by all means, go for it. However, if you're working with a budget, I would suggest keeping your spending under $200 for this category of ankle boots.
Here are a few of my favorite trendy ankle boots that I'd be delighted to add to my shoe collection:
Exploring Trendy Ankle Boots: Your Shopping Guide
Timeless Booties: A Wardrobe Staple
As I mentioned, booties terminate right at the ankle. Now, let's delve into some classic bootie styles. I adore pairing booties with skinny ankle jeans or with a long, flowy dress in the spring. They also work beautifully with sleek trousers and a button-down shirt for the office.
When seeking out classic booties, once again, leather or suede in black and brown stand as the top choices. They offer the utmost versatility and can effortlessly transition through the seasons. In the realm of booties, you'll primarily encounter two main types of heels: the slender high heel and the low block heel.
You might consider options like the Christian Louboutin Leather Red-Sole Ankle Boots or the Saint Laurent Kate Pointed-Toe Zip Booties. It's worth noting that black booties tend to have a dressier appearance compared to brown ones, so take that into consideration. If you frequently dress up or are looking for booties suitable for events or work, investing in a black pair is a wise choice.
If you frequently opt for casual attire and don't often dress up, then I would suggest making brown casual booties your essential choice. The Vince Brannen Leather Ankle Booties could be an excellent option if you prefer a bootie with a high heel. On the other hand, if you prefer a lower heel, the Acne Studios Leather Ankle Boots are a stylish alternative.
Exploring Classic Booties: Your Ultimate Shopping Guide
When in the market for classic booties, prioritize high-quality leather or suede materials. Pay close attention to the stitching, seams, and the overall quality of the sole. While these booties may have a price tag exceeding $150, keep an eye out for sales and discounts. It's advisable to never pay full price; always be on the lookout for deals. You can often discover designer booties at 30% to 60% off, and there's nothing quite like the thrill of finding a fantastic deal!
Mid-Calf Boots: Versatile and Stylish Choices
The mid-calf boot! These are among my least favorite types of boots. They tend to stop right at the thickest part of your calf, and if not styled correctly, they can create the illusion of shorter, stouter legs. Typically, you'd prefer boots or clothing to end at the slimmest points of your body. However, it doesn't mean they can't be worn differently; it just requires a bit more finesse and consideration.
Cowboy boots, rain boots, Ugg boots, and the beloved Frye Harness boots are among the most popular styles of mid-calf boots. Among these well-liked mid-calf boots, I've only ever owned the harness boots. However, I definitely have my eye on a pair of cowboy boots—I do live in Austin, Texas, after all!
If you're considering getting a pair of rain boots, I'd recommend opting for the classic Hunter boots in a neutral color. However, if bright colors align with your personal style, don't hesitate to go for rain boots in vibrant shades like yellow, green, or even pink.
If you're looking for boots to keep your feet warm during the winter, then a pair of Uggs is an absolute must. While I've never personally owned a pair, I did purchase some for my younger sister. The Bailey Button Shearling boot in Brown is one of the most popular styles and a great choice for staying cozy in the cold weather.
Lastly, let's talk about cowboy boots! I genuinely admire stylish cowboy boots, and although I wish I could confidently rock them on a weekly or even monthly basis, it takes a little extra flair. Living in Austin, I often spot so many chic outfits paired with cowboy boots that I can't wait to incorporate them into my own wardrobe. Classic colors like brown or black are a must for cowboy boots, and Ariat offers some fantastic timeless styles that will last for years.
However, if you're in the mood for cowboy boots with vibrant patterns and a variety of colors, consider checking out Heritage Boots! They're known for their fun and funky designs, and I absolutely adore them. Personally, I have my eye on a pair of brown boots with floral embroidery print. Yes, please!
Exploring Mid-Calf Boots: Your Essential Shopping Guide
Knee Boots: Elevate Your Style
I believe the higher the shaft of the boots, the sexier they become. Now, let's talk about knee boots. Knee boots get a big thumbs up from me. I absolutely adore a sexy pair of knee boots. Pairing them with super skinny blue jeans or a skirt creates an incredibly stylish and sexy look. As for my favorite type of knee boots, you guessed it—brown and black suede or leather boots.
I prefer knee boots with a super straight and stiff shaft, featuring minimal design and no fabric slouching. The sleeker the boots with straight lines, the better. I find that a thicker stacked heel complements knee boots beautifully, as it balances the height of the shaft and creates a well-balanced look. Consider these Naturalizer Kalina Boots as an excellent choice for a classic black knee boot.
With knee boots, you'll also notice a wider range of options featuring low heels, typically around one or two inches. If you prefer knee boots with a low heel, you'll have plenty of great choices to consider. However, if you're on the hunt for knee boots with a high heel, it might take a bit more searching, but rest assured, there are some fantastic options available. Take, for example, these Kenneth Cole Edina Knee High Boots in sleek black leather—they are absolutely stunning!
Exploring Knee Boots: Your Ultimate Shopping Guide
Over-the-Knee and Thigh-High Boots: Elevate Your Fashion Game
Over-the-knee and thigh-high boots are quite similar to ankle boots and booties, with the main distinction being a matter of a few inches. While the exact definitions may vary, based on extensive research, I define the difference between over-the-knee boots and thigh-high boots as follows: Over-the-knee boots typically have a shaft height ranging from 20 to 25 inches, whereas thigh-high boots feature a boot shaft exceeding 25 inches.
You can also distinguish the difference by looking at how the top of the boot is designed. In thigh-high boots, the shaft tends to widen as it reaches the top, creating a shape that truly extends up to your thighs.
These ultra-sexy boots may not be suitable for everyone, so I wouldn't categorize them as essential. They belong to a more daring and playful category of boots that can add a lot of attitude to your overall look. If you're interested in incorporating this style of boot into your collection, I'd recommend going for a 100% black option. Black is known for its sleek and chic appearance, and given that these boots cover your entire leg, it's the best color choice for creating a tall and lean look. However, when selecting black, opt for a non-shiny black leather or suede finish, avoiding patent boots.
Exploring Over-the-Knee and Thigh-High Boots: Your Ultimate Shopping Guide
Styling Outfits with Boots
The possibilities for cute outfits with boots are endless, and this guide will provide you with ample inspiration for boot-based outfits throughout the year.
This is a collection of my favorite boot outfits that I've featured on the blog, including everything from booties with jeans to over-the-knee boots outfits, as well as brown and black boots ensembles.
Depending on your style and personal preferences, a classic black or brown riding boot could potentially serve as the only boot you need. However, if you're a boot enthusiast like myself, you might find yourself wanting to own a variety, including flat embellished ankle boots, heeled ankle boots in both black and brown, some furry boots for snowy days, and a pair of sleek black suede over-the-knee boots.
Below, you'll discover over 30 boot outfits, each accompanied by an explanation of why the outfit works. To view more photos of a particular outfit, simply click on the image or the link in the outfit title. This click will take you to the original outfit post for a closer look
How to Style Booties with Jeans
Wearing booties or ankle boots with jeans is one of the most commonly researched and preferred approaches. It's also one of the simplest and most effortless ways to style booties. If you're seeking inspiration on how to wear booties with jeans, you'll find plenty of ideas below!
Styling Booties with Jeans
One of the most popular fall outfits featured on my blog showcases a stunning pair of brown ankle boots from Sole Society (no longer available). I paired them with an oversized turtleneck, a matching brown blazer, a belt, and distressed jeans. This ensemble exudes a cozy vibe, perfect for a casual date or hanging out with friends. The blazer plays a crucial role in balancing the distressed jeans, resulting in an outfit that's relaxed yet not overly casual. The oversized sweater adds softness and comfort, while the blazer introduces structure to the overall look.
Notice how the brown booties conclude near the slimmest section of my leg; this technique creates the illusion of longer and leaner legs. It's crucial to avoid booties that cut off higher than a couple of inches above your ankle, as they can make you appear shorter.
Additionally, given the oversized nature of the turtleneck sweater, I opted to pull my long hair back into a side French braid bun. This hairstyle maintains the overall look of the outfit. If you're in need of braid ideas or tutorials, be sure to check out: "21 Braids for Long Hair with Step-by-Step Tutorials!"
Outfit with Black Jeans and Black Booties
In this outfit featuring boots, I embraced the menswear-inspired trend by combining black ankle boots with menswear accessories, including a boyfriend blazer and a men's watch.
The blazer boasts a loose fit and a charming polka dot print on the inside. To introduce a feminine touch to this ensemble, I incorporated a white silk blouse because I aimed for a balanced look that wasn't entirely masculine.
Styling Flat Brown Booties with Jeans
For a laid-back booties with jeans outfit, I opted for cuffed denim jeans paired with flat brown boots and a coordinating bomber jacket. It's a perfect ensemble for a weekend spent outdoors. I sported this outfit while exploring Point Lobos State Reserve in California—an incredible destination you should definitely visit if you haven't already.
I elevated the classic white t-shirt and jeans combination by incorporating a brown leather jacket and complementing it with brown ankle boots. The result is an effortlessly comfortable and stylish casual outfit.
Styling Black Jeans with Embellished Booties
Embellished boots don't require much additional flair in the outfit; they serve as the focal point. To complement these beauties, I kept the blazer, jeans, and long-sleeve shirt simple, free from extra embellishments or prints. Taupe flat ankle boots, combined with bright green, tan, and black, create the perfect fall outfit ensemble.
Styling White Jeans with Booties
I adore this unexpected combination, especially during the fall season. When considering wearing ankle boots with white jeans, pay attention to the color palette of the clothing and the booties themselves. In this outfit, I maintained a predominantly light color palette, featuring a light gray turtleneck and a coordinating white and gray scarf. The booties, adorned with a charming buckle detail, are a soft brown shade. The sole pop of color comes from the crossbody bag. For more ideas on styling white jeans, don't forget to explore "What to Wear with White Jeans: Your Ultimate Guide.
How to Style Booties with Skinny Jeans
The foundation of this fall outfit is quite straightforward: black skinny jeans paired with a black tank top. To transform this ensemble from simple to cute, I took several steps. First, I introduced a generously sized Aztec-printed cardigan. The oversized nature of the sweater provides a lovely balance to the outfit, particularly since the tank top and jeans are form-fitting. Next, I adorned embellished booties with intricate details to add visual interest to the lower half of the outfit. Finally, I completed the look with a black bucket bag, some bracelets, and my hair pulled back into a bun. This ensemble showcases how to style booties with skinny jeans effortlessly.
How to Style a Dress with Boots
If you're seeking outfit inspiration on how to wear a dress with boots, here are a few ideas that you can incorporate throughout the year. In the outfit ideas below, I've included a range of boot styles and dresses that you can combine effortlessly. From ankle boots paired with form-fitting or loose dresses to options like a sweater dress or a chambray dress styled with mid-calf boots, there's something for every season and occasion.
When creating these dress and boot outfits, keep in mind the importance of balance and maintaining a stylish appearance every day. It's all about achieving harmony and coordination. The objective is to ensure that your boots coordinate seamlessly with your outfit, allowing you to achieve the desired style effortlessly.
How to Style a Dress with Boot
Fo a bolder fall look, consider going bare-legged and match your beloved black ankle boots with a form-fitting dress. This long-sleeved dress paired with a leather jacket made for the perfect accompaniment to these incredibly stylish ankle boots. The leather jacket complements the black leather boots, and I maintained a predoFminantly dark color scheme throughout the outfit.
I adore the fact that these black ankle boots feature a thick stacked heel and charming tie accents near the top. These additional details inject personality and character into the ankle boots.
Casual Fall Outfit: Dress with Ankle Boot
Once more, I wanted to infuse some fun into my fall outfit, so for this particular look, I opted for a slightly trendier approach. I wore a pair of flat embellished booties with a dress to add a touch of style to the ensemble.
I matched this black dress with a lengthy sweater, a scarf, and a coordinating gray hat. If you appreciate this style and it suits your taste, I believe that combining a dress with booties creates a pretty remarkable combination. It may seem a bit contradictory, but when the outfit is well-balanced, it can be incredibly stylish.
Styling a Sweater Dress with Boots
Suede boots and tights complement each other perfectly, so why not combine them with a neutral sweater dress and a warm cardigan? These relaxed suede boots naturally exude a casual vibe, so instead of attempting to make them more formal, I chose to wear them with a sweater dress and added a long cardigan layer. Pairing a sweater dress with boots creates a fantastic fall outfit combination.
Outfits with Knee-High Boots
When wearing knee-high boots, the key thing to remember when assembling an outfit is that whatever you wear underneath the boots should be form-fitting. This entails opting for skinny jeans, leggings, tights, or going bare-legged under the knee boots. The objective is to maintain clean lines when wearing knee boots, so you don't want the bottoms you're wearing underneath to bunch up at the top of your boots or inside them. It not only looks messy but also feels uncomfortable.
I have a fondness for various styles of boots, ranging from brown suede knee boots to black flat knee boots. If you've been looking for inspiration to create a brown boots outfit but are running short on ideas, you'll find plenty of them below. A couple of years ago, I purchased a pair of brown suede knee boots from Ugg that I wore extensively. You'll discover a wide range of ways to style brown boots in the examples below!