Style Guide: What To Wear With Ankle Boots - THE STYLE INSIDER
Posted by LAURA AYRES
Ankle boots are the ultimate versatile shoe. When you swap your wardrobe around from season to season, your ankle boots stay in a prominent position exactly where they are.
Why? They’re a wardrobe staple that can be styled with everything from trousers to jeans to dresses and skirts of all lengths. When paired with the perfect outfit, they exude effortless style. You may be surprised to discover just how many options you have available when it comes to selecting an ankle boot.
Different styles work for various outfits – from casual to effortless glam, all the way through to a more opulent dressy vibe. If you’re still unsure what to wear with ankle boots, don’t worry, we’ve put together this style guide to offer up some inspiration and show you just how easy it can be to get the look.
WHAT TYPE OF ANKLE BOOTS ARE THERE?
Before we get started with the finer details, it will pay to keep in mind the height of where the boot lands on your ankle. Some sit lower, some higher and some ankle boots have wider openings than others. Many boots are perfect for tucking jeans into because they have a wider opening. The way in which you dress your ankle boot can create gorgeous long lines with your legs and accentuate the ankle, which is the slimmest point. Your styling options are diverse with ankle boots, purely due to how many types of footwear you have to choose from. So let’s take a look.
NO OR FLAT HEEL
Boots with a flat heel or no heel at all look fabulous with flowy dresses and A-line shapes. When styled in the correct way, this type of boot can also look great with jean legs rolled up or shorts when the weather is warmer. By nature, flat or no heel boots do tend to have a more relaxed, bohemian feel so they’re perfect for casual occasions. However, if you’re looking for a more high-end, luxurious look go for a leather boot with a pointed toe to take you into the evening with ease.
LOW BLOCK HEEL
This type of boot is probably the most accessible and wearable of the bunch. The heel is high enough to make you stand up tall and accentuate your curves, while also being low enough to be comfortable for all-day wear. They can also be worn with most items of clothing – all lengths of dresses and skirts, as well as jeans and trousers – all great options to wear with a low block heel. Give your jeans a double roll at the bottom to reveal a subtle flash of ankle and you’re onto a winner.
HIGH BLOCK HEEL
A higher heel brings with it a dressier finish, elongating your whole body, and improving your posture. It depends on the height of heel you feel comfortable with as to whether you opt for a low or high heel. Again, these boots really do go well with any outfit and they add extra femininity, class and elegance along the way.
WEDGE HEEL
Wedge heels are a touch more limiting with what they can be paired with. They do, however, offer a fantastic alternative to other heels if you want extra comfort or just something a little different. In some cases, they can be worn instead of other ankle boots, but you will need to experiment with what suits you when it comes to a wedge heel boot.
STILETTO HEEL
This type of heeled boot offers up a lavish, glamorous look, they’re better suited to evening wear or a more upscale daytime look. The thin heel adds an edgier vibe, look for patent leather this season to tap into upcoming luxe inspired trends.
ROUNDED, POINTED & PEEP TOE
Open-toed ankle boots make the transition from the warmer months into autumn and winter seamless. They’re perfect with elegant tea dresses in the summer or a fitted playsuit when the temperature drops. Boots with pointed toes offer a more opulent and glamorous option no matter the material or colour. On the other hand, boots with a rounded toe can cross over in the categories of casual and dressy depending on the material and heel height.
COLOURS & FINISHES
You’ll find a myriad of options when it comes to the colour and finish of your ankle boots. But the main, versatile colour finishes you could choose from are black, grey and brown in a variety of shades. If you want to get adventurous with pops of flamboyant colour, choosing a bright hue adds an eye-catching finish to any outfit. Animal print ankle boots are also a fabulous on-trend choice to beautifully upgrade a look. Both leather and suede finishes are popular – leather can offer a more polished look while suede offers a casual-cool finish.
WHAT TO WEAR WITH ANKLE BOOTS
- An all-black outfit
- A skirt above the knee
- A midi or maxi length dress
- Your favourite jeans
- Floral print dresses
- Classic jeans and a t-shirt
We’ve pulled together a list of our favourite ankle boot looks to inspire you for the year ahead.
1. ELONGATE LEGS IN AN ALL-BLACK ENSEMBLE
Lengthen your legs by wearing a black ankle boot with black tights, leggings, jeans or trousers. This is the perfect opportunity to embrace an all-black look and have fun with the winter 2018/19 trend of layering for an overall effortlessly chic, yet edgy, look. You know what they say – if you can’t find something to wear, then wear black!
Rob’s Top T
GET THE LOOK…
Great Plains Ripple Jersey Pleated Hem Top
2. SKIRTS ABOVE THE KNEE
Showcase your legs with a dress or skirt that falls above the knee. The fabulous thing about this length of skirt means it can give off a more casual vibe or an evening look, depending on how you dress it. We love an edgy leather jacket and ankle boot pairing contrasted with a feminine floral dress.
Rob’s Top T
GET THE LOOK:
3. MIDI DRESS OR SKIRT
In the autumn months, create a fabulously feminine outfit with either a closed or peep toe boot and a pleated midi skirt with a chic jumper tucked in. In the summer, pair a midi dress or skirt with a cami top and have a lightweight jacket to hand. Or you could take a rebellious tone with your style by pairing a long dress with edgy combat or flat ankle boots. So many possibilities!
Rob’s top tip: A midi-length hemline teamed with cute ankle boots is the absolute ideal outfit to transition between seasons. Have fun experimenting with this look.
4. OPTIONS FOR JEANS
Roll up or cuff your jeans so that your ankles peek out (this also looks striking with the previously mentioned all-black layering) or you could tuck your jeans into the boots for another super chic and effortlessly cool look. This works with all heel heights and what you choose totally depends on the overall finish you’re looking for from your ensemble. If you’re going for cocktails with the girls, opting for a higher heel would be perfect but if you’re going shopping for the day choose a lower heel for comfortable style. Adding a tote bag completes this look with style.
Rob’s Top T
GET THE LOOK:
5. FLORAL MIDI/MAXI DRESS
Floral dresses with ankle boots are the ultimate mix of feminine style and edgy glam. In the summer keep a light or leather jacket to hand to pair with as the temperature cools. As the season transitions, layer the look by wearing the dress and boots with tights and a long wool coat.
Rob’s Top Tip: This look can work for both the office and a night out with subtle changes in accessories. Add a cute crossbody bag with a delicate chain to make this look translate into the evening with ease.
GET THE LOOK:
5. CASUAL GLAM
These looks feature clever layering for cosy-yet-chic styling options. Pairing your boots with jeans and a casual tee leaves a fantastic canvas to layer over the top with. For an ultra cool and casual vibe choose a denim jacket, leather backpack and a scarf. For a more polished finish select a trench, chic wide brim hat and a tote. As this is a more casual look, keep in mind that plaid is in vogue for winter 2018/19 – the addition of a plaid shirt or scarf would look gorgeous with either of these outfit choices.
Rob’s Top Tip: Both of these looks are fabulous for year-round casual style. As the w
TAGS:
SHARE:
