Women’s boots, often known as booties, are essential clothing that go well with almost anything. However, how can you style them to appear elegant and refined?
Leather knee-high boots teamed with a skirt or dress are ideal for smart occasions. Avoid calf-length boots, which can make your legs look short and stumpy.
Ankle Boots
Ankle boots are a wardrobe staple for sleek leather styles or softer suede versions in earthy tones. They work with just about any pants or skirts and are incredibly flattering when worn with skinny jeans. Wearing patterned ankle boots can give your ensemble a dash of pizzazz. Pairing them with paper bag-waist pants and a dramatic blouson pullover creates modern geometry that will turn heads.
Heeled booties are another on-trend style of women’s boots for casual wear, particularly when teamed with a pencil skirt and oversized sweater. Or try a midi skirt in print or fabric that coordinates with the shoes, tights, and a waist belt for a more thoughtful look. Heel-high boots are also perfect for winter wear with a knee-length dress and warm knitted tights.
For a dressier look, ankle boots can be styled with pencil skirts and flannel button-down shirts for a relaxed yet polished ensemble. The key is to keep the rest of the outfit fitted, allowing the boots to be the focal point of your look. For a bolder look, choose a pair of brightly colored boots in orange, red, or pink. Pair them with slim-fit jeans or pants in the same shade and some chunky jewelry for a chic, statement-making outfit.
Over-the-Knee Boots
Over-the-knee boots have made a significant comeback since Pretty Woman’s thigh-skimming hooker heels, and they’re an incredibly flattering style on curvy women. But they’re also intimidating because finding a fit pair can be a fashion odyssey. And once you do, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the many OOTD options.
But fear not—it’s easier to style thigh-high boots than you think. It’s essential to keep the rest of your ensemble basic so that you can concentrate on using your shoes to steal the show. For a fall or winter date night look, pair your OTK boots with a chic plaid skirt and a matching turtleneck sweater for a cozy yet stylish ensemble. Then, add a little color by picking up one of the colors in your boots in a bag or jewelry for an eye-catching finishing touch.
If you don’t want to show too much skin but are still craving a thigh-skimming silhouette, opt for a shorter dress with a thigh slit that fits perfectly under your OTK boots. Add a simple blouse or blazer to complete the look.
Flat over-the-knee boots are great for a casual outfit because they can double as pants. To pull this look off, choose leggings long enough to cover your boot tops. Then, layer a tunic shirt or long-sleeve V-neck over the leggings, followed by a shawl or peacoat for extra warmth.
Chelsea Boots
Chelsea boots are a classic footwear staple and a versatile styling option for any wardrobe. They feature a seamless design with elastic side panels that eliminate the need for visible laces and fasteners, making them effortless to slip on and off.
They can easily add a polished look to jeans and a T-shirt or dress for casual everyday style when dressed down. They also work well with midi skirts to create a calm, rock ‘n’ roll outfit that looks great at dinner parties and other formal events.
To create a sophisticated and sleek look, try tucking your Chelsea boots into skinny jeans to create a flattering and elongated silhouette. You can experiment with different denim washes to find your favorite combination. Alternatively, pair your Chelsea boots with tailored trousers or chinos for a smart-casual or business-ready ensemble.
Another easy way to elevate your Chelsea boots is to wear them with a patterned coat or bold accessory. This is a charming look in the fall, when a coat in a rich or vivid hue may give your ensemble a pop of color while keeping you toasty. If you want to try something more unique, you can even opt for a pair of Chelsea boots in a non-traditional shade like camouflage or animal print.
Biker Boots
Biker boots are a must-have for those looking to add a bit of edge to their wardrobe. These thick-sole boots are reminiscent of the ’90s grunge culture and can be styled with skinny jeans or a mini skirt for an on-trend look that is perfect for the upcoming season. Biker boots also work well with vintage tights or a shearling coat for a cozy and chic style that will keep you warm throughout the colder months.
While many different styles of women’s booties are available, it’s essential to make sure whatever you choose is form-fitting. When wearing knee-high boots, you want to avoid your jeans or leggings bumping up or puddling over the top of the shoes, as this looks sloppy and can be pretty uncomfortable. For this reason, you should always opt for a bootie with a side zipper to make it easier to put on and take off.
Booties with heels are great for adding height to an outfit and can help you stand out at any formal or professional event. They can be found in various colors and designs, from neutral black booties worn with trousers or a dress for a more professional look to rhinestone-encrusted styles perfect for date nights or galas.
