What Do I Wear With Ankle Boots?

Like the rest of the world, I'm obsessed with ankle boots. (Don't worry. You can still keep your knee high boots, just move them further back in your closet for this brief hiatus.) Your ankle boots are quickly going to become your go-to shoe.

Researching an upcoming Seattle Sunday post, I visited re-soul in Ballard earlier today. One of my very favorite shoe stores, owners Maggie and Legh also launched their own line last spring. The fall collection is to die for. Expect more of that in the post. Until then, my visit with Maggie and Lee got me thinking a lot about the challenges that clients face with ankle boots. 

As a personal stylist, I witness client after client getting simultaneously excited and apprehensive about the trend. After all, they are a departure from knee high boots and can feel a little more challenging to pair. Not to worry, Dear Reader. Here are five ways to pair the re-soul Brenda Chelsea boot to get you started. Enjoy!

 

Five Easy Ways to Wear an Ankle Boot

1. With a dress.

Believe it, friends. You can rock ankle boots with a dress or skirt. It's true, you don't want your boot to cut you off mid calf. However, there are ways around that. (More on that in a future post.) For now, look for boots that hit at the ankle to get you started. Feel free to wear them with bare legs and no show socks. For the more adventurous set, ankle socks are great and in the colder weather tights or hosiery work well, too. For a more subtle approach, you can opt for ankle pop socks that have a small pop of color rather than ankle socks that are a more dominant voice in your outfit. If you need a little more guidance about hosiery, "how can I wear this without freezing?" and/or "how can I wear summer dresses when my legs are still winter white?" can help.

Remember: These shoes will be a focal point of your outfit. So, make sure the style of boot you choose expresses your personal style. 

2. With leather or vegan leather leggings.

I'm a big fan of this trend on an especially dreary day. Try an oversized cozy sweater to complete the look. And, of course, a great coat. Wearing knee high boots over leather or leather-like pants is simply too much. But an ankle boot, well that's just right. Feel free to opt for a colored option to mix things up. And showing no skin in between the pant and the boot works just fine.

Remember: Leggings are not pants. Your top should hit mid thigh. 

3. With boyfriend jeans.

Roll them up! Show those ankles! When you've invested in a great pair of boots, you want to show them off and your ankles are a main focal point this year. There's a fine line with boyfriend jeans. You want your jeans to feel relaxed, but not simply too big. A pair that are slightly too big adds five pounds. Tailored but baggy. Feel free to go with distressed, if that's your jam. 

The final touch? I'm a sucker for a tunic. In warm weather, it's a dress and in cold weather it's a tunic. Now, that's what I call functional.

Remember: If you opt for distressed jeans, keep everything else clean and sophisticated. 

4. With skinnies.

You still have them. You still love them. If you have a triangle shaped body, opt for high waisted skinnies to prevent a muffin top. I'm a big fan of a fitted turtleneck or funnel neck, as well. So show off your shape with a fitted t-neck, skinnies, your favorite ankle boots and an oversized coat. After all, if you are showing off your shape with your outfit, the oversized coat is especially sophisticated.

Remember: Grey skinnies are current and cool. It takes a little searching to find a pair. (Of course, I can always help with that.) 

5. With a midi or a maxi.

Yes! I love a great long skirt. Whether you are rocking a midi or a maxi, it feels like wearing pajamas, yet somehow manages to elevate your entire look. If you are going for a round toe or flat boot, keep things effortless. Try a basic tee, a cardigan and a scarf. A shorter jacket is the way to go. Show off your curves and don't let the clothes overwhelm your frame.

Remember: Motorcycle boots are actually my favorite ankle boots with a maxi. They are tough next to something more feminine and delicate. Regardless, you'll be able to scale Seattle's hills and still rock something feminine and cozy.

Is this helping? Let me know! 

And, keep your eyes peeled for more ideas for pairing pieces with the re-soul collection. Really, I can't help myself. 

Enjoying the blog? If so, sign up for the Poplin email list and receive e-newsletters, fashion tips and invitations to exclusive events. 

Like what you see on the site?

Please remember to click on items directly on poplinstyle.com when you decide to buy, as Poplin may receive a commission on your purchase. Thanks for supporting Poplin!