Ankle boots are a winter style for good reason: they look stunning, are effortlessly practical, and pair with almost anything. As the cold weather draws in, ankle boots are a perfect way to keep your winter wardrobe looking hot.
In this guide, we'll showcase some of our favourite ladies ankle boots, as well as give styling tips to build outfits that will provide you with the confidence and style to greet even the chilliest winter.
Here's what we'll cover:
- Different types of ankle boots
- Ankle boot outfits
- Do's and Don'ts for wearing ankle boots
Different types of ankle boots
There are many types of ankle boot, from the understated Chelsea to the bolder brogue. In this section we'll introduce the different types and why we love them.
Heeled ankle boots
Ankle boots with heels are great for adding height and elegance to winter outfits and can easily be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. Different heel styles are available too, from block to stiletto and all in between.
Some heeled ankle boot pairing ideas:
- Pair a leather boot like the Kalamata or the Neptune with a skirt or dress for a formal, elegant look
- Pair heeled ankle boots with skinny jeans or leggings and a thick jumper for a chic winter outfit
Chelsea boots
This classic ankle boot style features elastic panels at the side to facilitate easy fitting. Chelsea boots also contribute to a memorable and distinctive aesthetic that works well with a range of outfits year-round.
Here are some Chelsea boot pairing ideas:
- Pair a true classic like the Kefalonia with skinny jeans or straight-cut trousers for a streamlined silhouette
- Pair Chelsea boots with a dress or skirt to make the overall ensemble feel more casual
Brogue boots
The decorative, formal design of brogue shoes work excellently in boot format. These boots are durable and elegant, lending themselves perfectly to smart casual and semi-formal winter outfits.
Here are some Brogue boot pairing ideas:
- Pair something like the Melrose with some well-tailored trousers for a refined smart casual aesthetic
- Pair Brogue boots with jeans and a wool coat for a more rugged (and maybe warmer) winter outfit
Leather ankle boots
Leather boots are durable, stylish, and timeless. They provide warmth and support, and contribute to a sleek, polished appearance. Wearing-in a pair of leather boots is a fantastic feeling, as is going back to them each winter.
Here are some leather boot pairing ideas:
- Pair a suede leather boot like the Manda with skinny jeans and a big jumper for a cosy winter look
- Pair a more formal leather boot like the Kalista with a skirt and a structured blazer or even a trench coat for a nice mix of chic and formal
Flat ankle boots
Flat ankle boots combine comfort and practicality, making them a great choice for winter days when you're on the move or maybe where there's a risk of slippery weather!
In terms of styling tips, flat ankle boots work well with most types of outfit: anything from jeans, leggings, skirts, dresses and beyond. They're also great for layering under wide-legged trousers for a comfortable yet stylish look.
Ankle boot outfits
Now we've looked at types of ankle boot, let's explore some ways to style them with various outfits.
How to wear ankle boots with dresses and skirts
Wearing ankle boots with dresses and skirts in winter guarantees style and practicality. Depending on the length and style of the dress or skirt you choose, you can create an impressive array of outfits and looks, for example:
- Ankle boots with midi dresses: for a chic, bohemian look, pair heeled or flat ankle boots in a neutral tone with a midi dress, and layer it up with a cosy cardie to keep you nice and snug.
- Ankle boots with maxi skirts: for a flowy, wintery outfit choose some heeled boots to extend your silhouette and complement the length of the skirt. Combine with a big sweater and a chunky scarf to complete the look.
How to wear ankle boots with jeans
Ankle boots with jeans are tried and tested, and there's a very good reason the combination remains popular. This is true for various jean styles, too:
- Ankle boots with skinny jeans: tuck the jeans into the ankle boots for a streamlined look, and add a long coat to make it effortlessly stylish for winter.
- Ankle boots with cuffed jeans: not a fan of tucking-in? In that case, cuff your trouser legs slightly for a more casual look, this is perfect with a pair of Chelsea boots.
How to wear ankle boots with leggings
Leggings are a great choice for warmth and comfort in winter, with no expectation to sacrifice style. Ankle boots with leggings are fantastic for active winter days when you want to stay warm and look good.
- Leggings with big jumpers: flat or heeled ankle boots with a thick, snug sweater will lean fully into the cosy aspect of wearing leggings.
- Leggings with long coats: for a sleeker, more modern look, wear a long coat with black leggings and some stylish leather ankle boots.
How to wear ankle boots with trousers
Striking a balance between the cut of the trousers and the style of the boots is the secret to building a good ankle boot and trousers outfit. Here are a couple of suggestions to get you started:
- Ankle boots with tailored trousers: for a smart casual winter outfit wear a pair of sleek leather ankle boots with tailored trousers. A formal blouse or blazer in the mix can make things a little more formal, too.
- Ankle boots with cropped trousers: for a modern look, choose a pair of ankle boots with a heel to raise your legs and accentuate the crop length. Wear with a cosy jumper and a smart casual blazer to complete the look.
Do's and Don'ts for Wearing Ankle Boots
If the styling tips above have got you inspired, here are some things to keep in mind when building your own outfits.
- Do experiment with different combinations! Our suggestions above are very much a starting point, and you'll get the best results when you let your imagination and creativity roam free.
- Don't forget about your silhouette: this is a crucial part of building an outfit, and some decisions (like tucking wide-legged trousers into ankle boots) can disrupt your silhouette.
- Do invest in high-quality ankle boots to ensure durability, warmth, and comfort all winter long!
- Don't forget about warmth! Pairing short ankle boots with a high hemline may work with your planned outfit, but you might regret your decision when the snow starts falling.
Step into Winter
Ankle boots are a versatile and stylish addition to any wardrobe, and winter is a season where they can truly come into their own. With our styling tips and your creativity, you'll be able to assemble some dazzling outfits when the cold draws in this year - whether it's based around a Chelsea boot, a brogue, a leather boot, or anything else.
Check out our extensive range of ankle boots to find the perfect pair for you. We're proud to offer a wide selection with all styles represented. Like always, if you have any questions about trainers just get in touch with our team - we'll be happy to help.