How to style ankle boots: 7 outfit ideas you can rework time after time
A heavy white T-shirt, a soft wool jumper, some great jeans and a pair of ankle boots – these are the building blocks of a wardrobe that will work harder for you than any other pieces you own.
While the ankle boot might not be an obvious choice of every day footwear in comparison to say, a practical flat or pair of trainers, its versatility is second to none. The right ankle boots will help to elevate any outfit; whether you opt for a curved stiletto, to-the-point kitten heel or elegant block style, a pair of ankle boots can take you from the office to evening excursions, weekend walks and beyond.
That said, matching the proportions of an outfit with your ankle boots can be tricky to master at first. Below, we've pulled together an edit of the very best ankle boot outfits that merge effortlessness with elegance to set you on your way.
Contemporary casual
An easy way to elevate a low-key cardigan and pair of jeans is by adding a few accessories — a sleek belt, delicate necklace and oversized tote bag will do the trick — and most importantly, a pair of slanted heel ankle boots, which will complement an array of styles from straight-leg to barrel and wide-leg jeans. While the rest of the outfit can be worn casual and slouchy, a pair of boots like the below from Khaite will ensure the overall outfit retains a put-together feel.
Nevada leather ankle boots
Harper mid-rise jeans
Napoline knitted cropped jacket
Studio bowling bag
Luxe layers
When the colder weather calls for bundling up in layers, lean on a pair of ankle boots to bring some structure to your outfit. A pair of Maison Margiela's iconic Tabis will add a point of interest to your look, or opt for an understated classic with an elegant block heel.
Tabi 60 leather ankle boots
Cashmere turtleneck sweater
Forest wool-blend wide-leg pants
Brown cashmere coat
Mixed proportions
Mini, maxi, micro, this outfit has it all. Contrast the solid nature of a pair of combat or lace-up ankle boots with a mini skirt or micro shorts, adding a sheer pair of tights to incorporate a different texture into the mix. Throw a loose-fitting jumper and an oversized coat over the top — the more it looks like you've borrowed it from your grandad, the better, so opt for a classic style like this shearling.
Lace-up leather ankle boots
Will merino-wool jumper
Asymmetric shearling coat
Wool and silk gabardine shorts
Heritage checks
Chunky-soled boots lend a more laid-back approach to an outfit, and contrast beautifully with classic pieces and wider proportions (think shoulder pads and trouser legs); The Row's Zipped 1 ankle boots have become a highly sought-after style thanks to their timeless, no-frills design, blending comfort and utility with the brand's signature aesthetic. In warmer months, swapping out a coat for a blazer in a similar checked design will work just as well, styled with a plain or logo T-shirt for a casual look, or a cream roll-neck for something a little more sophisticated.
Zipped 1 leather ankle boots
Double-breasted checked wool-blend blazer
Colorado wide-leg trousers
Le Teckel leather shoulder bag
Monochrome moment
Embrace the practicality of the rain boot while making a statement by layering one vivid colour throughout. Green, whether verdant or muted in hue, makes for one of the most flexible shades to incorporate into your wardrobe, working well with black, white and denim. If you aren't comfortable with brightly-coloured clothing, fall back on your accessories as an outlet for more playful shades, such as Acne's acid green scarf.
Raina rain ankle boots
Teddy oversized quilted jacket
Axon dress
Logo wool-blend scarf
A polished pairing
Rather than choosing the path most trodden and matching your shoes to your bag, may we suggest pairing your jacket to your footwear choice instead: a trick which makes for a sleek ensemble and allows you to be more experimental with your choice of bag. Case in point, this burgundy-toned look with cuffed jeans. The jacket can be swapped out for a range of other colour choices, allowing for an endless array of outfits; minimal blacks, rich reds and suedes could all work as alternatives.
Toteme Leather sock boots
Alina embroidered wide-leg jeans
Deja leather jacket
Sartorial sunset aviator sunglasses
Leather accents
Opting for all-black pieces is the easiest way to pull together a subtly elegant look that takes no time at all. Pepper the outfit with black leather accessories to tie the outfit together: think soft leather ankle boots, sophisticated gloves, a tie belt and slouchy bag. Try styling this look with a maxi skirt or knitted dress to sit in line with the bottom of a tailored wool coat.
Armadillo leather ankle boots
Igam cashmere maxi dress
Virgin wool-blend coat
Cashmere wool-lined leather gloves
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