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Home » Style Guides » How to Wear Knee High Boots

Style Guides

How to Wear Knee High Boots

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Fall and winter are the perfect time for knee high boots. I find myself reaching for them time and time again, which is probably why I have several pairs. I wear them with jeans, dress pants, leggings, skirts, and even dresses. If you’re wondering how to wear knee high boots continue reading because I’ll cover knee-high boots styles, outfit ideas and style tips.

First, let’s take a look at the typical styles of knee-high boots, and then I’ll go over how to wear knee boots, offering up some stylish knee high boots outfits for inspiration.

KNEE HIGH BOOT STYLES

Knee high boots have a taller silhouette making you look long and lean and offering several cold-weather advantages over booties or even ankle boots. Because they come up higher on the leg, they tend to keep you warmer, and they’re much better at keeping rain, sleet, and snow from getting inside your boots (making for wet and uncomfortable feet).

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Classic Knee High Boots

The majority of the knee-high boots you find today are simple and classic; smooth leather or suede that reaches from toe to knee. They can have buckles or straps, are typically zippered, and come in a variety of colors, from your standard black and brown to tan, green, burgundy, and navy. Perfect for everyday wear with jeans, leggings, trousers, and skirts.


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Riding Knee High Boots

This is a classic boot, fashioned after English riding boots. They come up to the knee, with a rounded top edge. They have a heel, usually 1-inch or less in height, which was used to prevent the foot from sliding out of a stirrup. Typically found in black or brown, and often two-tone, like the ones you see here. They may have buckles or straps and are usually zippered. Sleek and stylish, riding knee high boots can be worn anytime, and pair well with jeans and leggings.


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Motorcycle Knee High Boots

Motorcycle-style knee high boots are heavier overall, with a thicker sole, are either zippered or laced and usually adorned with buckles. This is a casual boot and, while stylish, is not appropriate for the office. Pair with jeans or leggings.


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how to wear knee high boots with skirts - Love these outfit ideas and style tips on how to wear knee high boots
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Dressy Knee High Boots

Dress boots are those with some height, be it from a standard heel, stiletto, chunky heel, or wedge. They come in leather, suede and synthetic materials, with or without embellishments. Dress boots, despite their name, can be worn with just about anything, from jeans, leggings, and trousers to skirts and dresses.


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While there certainly are other styles of boots out there, most are not appropriate for everyday wear. Snow boots, Uggs, and moccasins are three examples. These more casual styles, while comfortable, are for more specific occasions, like snow adventures, wearing indoors, or for a more boho casual look.

How to wear knee high boots

You probably have one or more of the above knee high boot styles in your closet. Maybe they just sit in your closet, or you only wear them with jeans. The purpose of this post is to get those boots to see the light of day more often and help you style knee high boots outfits. So let’s get to it.

WHAT TO WEAR WITH KNEE HIGH BOOTS

Jeans are the quintessential pairing with boots. Worn tucked in or out, they can be worn with classic, riding, motorcycle or dress boots, depending on the look you are going for.

Pair those blue jeans with a pair of black motorcycle boots, tee, and moto jacket on the weekends, black skinny jeans with black boots and an oversized sweater for a comfy brunch look, or dark wash denim with dressy wedged boots and button-down for Friday casual at work.

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I’ve even worn white denim jeans with tan boots, which I find to be a better pairing than the darker black or brown boot. The options are limitless here. Whether it’s colored denim or classic blue jeans, boot-cut or skinny, you can pair them up with boots for a perfectly stylish fall or winter ensemble.

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Leggings are also the perfect complement to boots, as they are naturally tight fitting and slip easily into any style of boot. Top them off with a long tunic and scarf, grab your boots and you’re out the door for a lunch date in no time. I like to bundle up in a warm sweater, leggings, and boots or pair them with a long-sleeve tee, oversized cardigan, and boots when heading to the weekend farmer’s market or into the city for a shopping trip with my friends.

For work, you can pair your trousers with a classic, riding or dress pair of boots. Try a wide-leg wool pinstripe with pointed-toe dress boots, topped with a silk blouse, or navy dress pants with a crisp white button-down and brown riding boots.

Skirts are a bit trickier to wear with boots, but I think the look is chic and stylish if done right. Like this photo, where I am wearing a short tan leather skirt, simple tee and oversized cardigan with my heeled suede boots. This is appropriate for work or the weekend. Pencil skirts are also the perfect shape to wear with knee-high boots, and the look slims the figure as well. Top the skirt with a blouse, button-down or lightweight sweater for the office. Skirts that hit mid-calf also make a good knee high boots outfit. This style of skirt can be worn with a flat or heeled boot, depending on your destination and style preference.

And don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t wear boots with dresses. Of course, it has to be the right dress and the right boot, but imagine looking super chic and sexy in a slim LBD and knee-high stiletto boots! Those same boots would look great with a classic wrap dress as well. Just don’t pair ruffles and lace with moto boots (unless that is clearly your aesthetic), or summer florals with any knee boot at all!

KNEE HIGH BOOT STYLE TIPS

  • Knee-high boots look best when fitted well. Look for styles that hug the ankle and calf and don’t bag or sag.
  • For women with larger calves, look for boots that have a wide calf or shaft, so they don’t pinch and help look legs look longer and leaner. Thicker or wider heels or wedges can also help balance out larger calves.
  • Thin calves can be disguised with details like buckles or straps that draw attention away from the calf. Boots that tie are also a good option, as they can be cinched in to fit thinner calves.
  • For shorter women, look for boots that have a higher heel or wedge to elongate the leg. You’ll also find that rounded or pointed toes will also help elongate, so steer clear of boxy or square-toed boots.
  • When dressing for the office, stick to classic, riding or dress boots. Leave the moto boots, Uggs, and other casual styles for weekend wear.
  • For a more boho look, opt for slouchy boots, suede, or laces.
  • Pant length should be about ½ to 1 inch off the floor, with a bit of a break where they hit the boot. (For wide length pants, go slightly longer, so only the toe of the boot peeks out.)
  • Wearing a patterned or colored tight with your skirt and dress can add some personality and texture to an outfit.

Are you ready to get those boots out of the back of your closet and give them a chance? I hope I’ve given you some good knee high boot outfit ideas to get you started!

If you need more outfit inspiration on other boots styles make sure to take a look at 20 Stylish Ways to Wear Boots! And if you’re looking for more fall outfits for your style inspiration take a look at my fall outfits category!

Stay Stylish!
—V

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  • Scott
    November 30, 2020

    Please can someone tell me where to find the boots in the first picture!! Thanks!!

    Reply
  • Sharon Collado
    October 18, 2020

    Me encantaron los estilos… de donde son las botas que están modelando??

    Reply
  • Cindy
    January 13, 2019

    Where can I get a link to the clothes nbn in the pics?

    Reply
  • Lilyanne Rice
    December 17, 2018

    Pencil skirts are also the perfect shape to wear with knee-high boots, and the look slims the figure as well. Top the skirt with a blouse, button-down or lightweight sweater for the office.

    Lilyanne Rice
    Thenetline

    Reply
  • Aleshire Mueller
    July 10, 2018

    I appreciate it when you said that knee-high boots look best on a person if they hug the ankle and calf properly and does not sag over time. The same principle probably applies if the person ever intends to get western boots. After all, this tip is made for women, and the one who will be wearing them is my younger sister for her company’s costume party. Thank you for the advice on how to look her best.

    Reply
  • Georgia Howard
    April 5, 2018

    Love this post. Knee high boots are so attractive, and they really go well with denim and other outfits. Thanks for sharing these tips.

    Reply
  • Joanna
    March 29, 2018

    Is it acceptable to wear knee high boots with overalls? My boots have a heel on them.

    Reply
  • Navya
    March 26, 2018

    Great style tips. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  • Lia Marie
    December 18, 2017

    Great suggestions, Vanessa. I like the way you have listed all the types and provided the style tips. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  • Ines
    November 28, 2017

    Knee-high boots are pretty versatile and extremely functional. I like the way you wear them with knee ripped jeans, white sweater, and plaid scarf, another outfit I like is the one that features a maroon sweater, black skinnies tucked in black boots and the last but not least is the long cardigan, white tee tucked in front buttoned short skirt completed with knee-high boots.
    Best,
    Ines from http://inestrend.com/

    Reply
  • Rose Ann Selvana
    September 21, 2017

    awesome read! well you know that winter is coming, and boots will be all the rave! I have read this in The Beauty Insiders, thanks for this great boots guide

    Reply
  • Christine
    September 6, 2017

    Good ideas. thank you for sharing this 🙂

    Reply
  • Nasha
    July 11, 2017

    Love Your style!
    http://angtiyang.com

    Reply
  • Nicole
    June 30, 2017

    Flat knee high boots are my absolute favorite. Love all the outfits

    Reply
  • Desiree
    May 23, 2017

    My favorite pair are the suede boots! Too cute. They look great with everything <3

    Xoxo,
    Desirée | http://www.fashionlingual.com

    Reply
  • Ann
    February 23, 2017

    Great style! I love my knee high boots. I could wear them everyday all day. Check out my blog to see how I wore them!

    Reply
  • Lyosha
    February 15, 2017

    Very nice ideas! I do wear knee high boots often during the winter because of climate I live in. Thanks for your ideas!

    P.S. would you like to follow each other?

    Reply
  • Wardrobe Stylist Kent
    February 8, 2017

    I think nearly every woman has at least 3 pair of boots in their wardrobe and this is fab guide to take you though every look available.

    Reply
  • Miss Pippi
    January 26, 2017

    I love riding boots. So comfy in winter.

    http://misspippisstyle.blogspot.hu/

    Reply
  • Oroma
    January 19, 2017

    I love all these outfits. You style high knee boots so well!

    / O.R.R. – Life & Style Journal

    Reply

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