From the sleek streets of New York to the bustling avenues of Paris, boots have long held a revered place in the fashion world, offering both functionality and flair.
Boots remain a staple as we transition through seasons, bridging the gap between practicality and style. Like the effortlessly cool tote bag or an Apple Watch® paired with a stylish band, boots are one of the best examples of function-meets-fashion.
In this guide, we'll explore the various styles of women's boots that have stood the test of time and continue to dominate the fashion scene. Whether you're a fan of the classic elegance of Chelsea boots, the bold statement of over-the-knee boots, or the rugged charm of combat boots, we've got you covered.
We'll walk you through the unique characteristics of each style, offering tips on how to pair them with your outfits and make a statement wherever you go.
So, whether you're refreshing your wardrobe, planning your next outfit, or simply indulging in a love for all things fashion, join us on our chic exploration.
The Different Styles of Women’s Boots
There are many different styles of women’s boots — some are straightforward, while others are a unique blend of many different elements. To make things easier, we’ll be talking about six different styles. Let’s dive in.
Tall Boots
On the other end of the length spectrum, we have tall boots.
As the name suggests, these boots extend up to or slightly below the knee. Their elegant and elongating silhouette makes them a favorite for many, suitable for numerous styles and occasions.
The Vella Wedge Tall Boot combines the chic look of a heeled boot with the comfort of a wedge — it’s a bestseller for a reason!
Get the Wedge Tall Boots
The beauty of tall boots lies in their ability to add a touch of sophistication and polish to any outfit. You can find them available in a variety of materials, including leather, suede, and synthetic blends, each offering its unique texture and visual appeal. The choice of material can dramatically influence the boot's overall look, from sleek and professional in smooth leather to soft and casual in suede.
It’s hard to beat smooth leather for professional settings — like these Brenice Tall Boots from Anne Klein.
Get the Leather Tall Boots
How to Style Them:
Styling taller boots may seem tricky at first, but the reality is that they’re also a versatile option.
Tall boots can be paired with skinny jeans or leggings, tucking in seamlessly and creating a streamlined, chic look.
They’re also practically made for skirts or dresses of varying lengths, from mini to midi — like this Combo Vegan Leather Dress, for example:
It’s hard to beat smooth leather for professional settings — like these Brenice Tall Boots from Anne Klein.
Get the Vegan Leather Dress
In colder weather, pair your tall boots with cozy tights or leggings that offer warmth and style!
Ankle Boots
If you love a shorter boot, the ankle boot is for you!
Ankle boots are a remarkably versatile and popular footwear choice, suited to a wide range of styles and occasions. They typically stop at or just above the ankle, offering a stylish and practical option for your everyday outfits.
One of the key features of ankle boots is the diversity in heel types.
For example, flat ankle boots are perfect for daily wear, providing comfort and ease, especially for those who must be on their feet. They pair effortlessly with casual outfits, offering a chic, laid-back look.
On the other hand, heeled ankle boots come in different heel heights, from modest to high, allowing for a more elevated appearance. These are fantastic for dressier occasions or when you want to add a touch of sophistication to your outfit.
Heeled ankle boots can range from sleek stilettos to chunky block heels, each bringing its unique flair and level of comfort — it all comes down to personal preference!
There’s also a middle ground: wedge ankle boots. Combining height with more stability than traditional heels, these boots are excellent for those who want the added height but prefer a more comfortable, supportive base. Wedges can lend a contemporary, fashionable edge to an outfit while still being practical for longer wear.
The versatility of ankle boots extends beyond heel types to include a myriad of materials, colors, and embellishments. Leather and suede are common choices, providing durability and style, but you can also find ankle boots in fabrics like velvet or patent for a bolder statement.
Meanwhile, you’ll also find different design elements like buckles, zippers, and patterns that add personality and can transform a simple boot into a standout piece that transcends the passing of trends.
How to Style Them:
Ankle boots are incredibly adaptable. They look great with jeans — either tucked in or rolled up at the hem.
Ankle boots can complement skirts or dresses of different lengths, adding a dash of femininity. Meanwhile, teaming them up with tights or leggings when the weather turns cold results in a cozy and stylish outfit.
Chelsea Boots
Chelsea boots are an iconic and always-on-trend style of footwear. They are known for their sleek and minimalist design, distinguished by an ankle-high cut and notable elastic side panels that make them easy to slip on and off.
The key here is convenience without sacrificing style — these boots typically feature a loop or tab at the back to further aid in pulling them on.
The absence of laces or additional fastenings also contributes to their clean and streamlined appearance, making them a versatile choice for various fashion styles.
Chelsea boots are made from high-quality materials like leather or suede, ensuring durability and a refined look. They also often feature a low heel that adds to their comfort, making them suitable for extended wear, whether you're navigating the city streets or attending a casual event.
How to Style Them:
Chelsea boots are one of the most adaptable boot styles out there for women. They can be paired with many outfits, effortlessly transitioning from casual to more formal settings.
For a classic and understated look, try them with slim-fitting jeans or trousers, allowing the boot's silhouette to stand out.
The Melange Slim Leg Pant would blend perfectly with stylish leather Chelsea boots.
Get the Slim Pants
In more formal settings, pair Chelsea boots with suits, tailored pants, or other professional women’s attire to lend a modern yet sophisticated touch to traditional business attire.
Are you looking to experiment a little bit? If so, try your Chelsea boots as a stylish accompaniment to shorter skirts or dresses. This look offers a nice balance between edgy and elegant.
Over-The-Knee Boots
Bold and head-turning — that’s the best way to describe over-the-knee boots.
Over-the-knee boots make a dramatic fashion statement and are a favorite in the world of high fashion and street style alike. These boots are known for their ability to add an element of glamour and sophistication to any outfit, with a striking silhouette that elongates the legs.
You can find over-the-knee boots in various materials, including leather, suede, and stretch fabrics — each offering a different look and feel. Leather over-the-knee boots give off a more polished and sophisticated vibe, while suede and stretch fabric boots provide a softer look.
Heel styles in over-the-knee boots also come in many different styles, ranging from flat and comfortable for everyday wear to high and slender for a more dramatic impact.
The choice of heel height can drastically change the boot's overall aesthetic and the wearer's comfort level.
How to Style Them:
Styling over-the-knee boots offers endless possibilities.
For starters, if you want to make them the focal point of the outfit, pair them with a short dress or skirt where they can take center stage.
You can also create a more understated look by tucking skinny jeans or leggings into your over-the-knee boots — this is especially helpful in colder weather!
Combat/Moto Boots
Combat and moto boots are a distinctive and robust style of footwear known for their rugged and edgy aesthetic. They are popular for those looking to add a tough, streetwise edge to their outfits.
Combat boots, originally designed for military use, are characterized by their sturdy construction and lace-up fronts. They are typically made from durable materials like leather or synthetic equivalents, ensuring they can withstand rough use. The soles are often thick and treaded for extra grip and stability, making them practical for various terrains and weather conditions.
Moto boots are built in the same vein and share similar rugged features, but their design inspiration comes from motorcycle gear. They also often include additional elements like buckles, straps, and sometimes reinforced panels for extra protection and style.
How to Style Them:
Both styles of boots can be paired with a wide range of outfits to create a striking and stylish contrast. For these boots, we recommend sticking to casual outfits.
For instance, combining combat or moto boots with feminine short dresses creates an appealing juxtaposition of hard and soft styles — and one that will surely turn some heads.
However, the real fun is turning them into a classic, edgy look that never goes out of style by pairing them with your favorite denim or leather pants.
Western-Style Boot
Western-style boots, often referred to as cowboy or cowgirl boots are a classic and iconic type of footwear deeply rooted in American cultural heritage.
Known for their distinctive design and historical significance, they have transcended their utilitarian origins to become a symbol of style and individuality in the fashion world.
The most recognizable features of western-style boots include a high shaft, typically reaching mid-calf, a pointed toe, and a stacked heel that is often angled.
The materials used are traditionally leather, varying from smooth and polished to distressed and textured, adding character to each pair. Intricate designs, embroidery, and tooling are common, making each pair a work of art in its own right.
Western boots are not only about aesthetics; they were initially designed for practicality. The pointed toe made it easier to slide into stirrups, and the high shaft protected the legs from brush and other elements.
However, today, they’re an incredible boot option for those looking for that specific Western flair!
How to Style Them:
In terms of fashion, western boots offer a unique way to add personality and flair to an outfit.
The safe choice is a pair of denim — it’s hard to go wrong with the age-old jeans and cowboy boots look!
They can also work with dresses and skirts to create a playful, bohemian vibe. The variety of colors and intricate designs make them versatile for casual and more dressy occasions.
The Wei Western Boot from Anne Klein has a more upscale look while maintaining some of the western classic flair.
Get the Boots