How to Wear Ankle Boots: Heeled or Flat?

Are you looking to wear ankle boots and wondering how to style them effectively? What clothes should you pair them with?

You're in the right place.

As a fashion enthusiast, I'm always on the lookout for clothing and accessories that are easy to mix and match, perfect for everyday wear and capable of showcasing more unique pieces!

Ankle boots, whether heeled or flat, are one of those essential staples for any wardrobe, and that's why I'm dedicating this guide to them today.

No matter the occasion, ankle boots can be worn with most of your winter and autumn outfits. You can certainly pair them with a dress, whether it’s a long bohemian gown or a short skater dress. They also work wonderfully to elevate an elegant outfit with a short skirt or even a longer pleated skirt, especially if you’re on the taller side. Very versatile, they can also be worn with jeans or tailored trousers. Just choose ankle boots that fit your style and flatter your figure!

Want to learn more? Keep reading to find out:

  • When to wear
  • How to choose between boots and ankle boots,
  • Which styles will enhance your silhouette,
  • How to select your ankle boots based on your style.
  • Chic and feminine outfit ideas featuring ankle boots.

outfit with ankle boots for women

When and Why Should You Wear Ankle Boots?

Very versatile, ankle boots are worn by many women, regardless of their style. In the following sections, find out more about them!

Ankle boots: the “Swiss army knife” of your winter wardrobe

Easy to match, ankle boots can be worn from autumn through to spring, with a wide variety of outfits. Depending on your style and preferences, you can wear them with or without heels. They can complement both a dress and trousers, making them incredibly handy for those days when you’re not sure what to wear with your outfit.

what to wear with ankle boots

When Should You Wear Ankle Boots?

The beauty of ankle boots lies in their versatility; they can be worn in most situations:

  • To get to work,
  • To go out,
  • To go shopping

➡️ Zip-up or elasticated styles are easy to put on and take off, which makes them really convenient for trying on clothes!

👉 Are you wondering which pair of shoes to pack in your suitcase? Ankle boots are a perfect choice if the weather is looking a bit cool. You can easily dress them up for a nice outfit and wear them the next day for everyday activities without any hassle.

Boots or Ankle Boots: How to Choose?

Are you torn between wearing ankle boots and long boots? Here are some tips that might help you make your decision:

🔸 If you plan to wear a short garment (shorts, mini skirt), then boots will be perfect for highlighting your legs. Conversely, a long garment (pants, maxi dress) will be complemented beautifully by ankle boots.

🔸 If you want to visually lengthen your legs, wear ankle boots. In contrast, longer boots will tend to balance the length of your legs with that of your torso.

women's ankle boots

How to Wear Ankle Boots Based on Your Body Shape

Would you like to know what type of ankle boots to wear to enhance your silhouette? I've put together a handy selection of personalised tips to help you flatter your shape with this style of footwear.

You’re petite

If you’re under 1.60m, I recommend opting for ankle boots that are fairly low, with a heel. The combination of these two elements will help you appear taller by lengthening your legs and improving your posture.

If you’re not a fan of high heels, you might like to wear some low heels of 3 to 5 centimetres, which are more comfortable. They’re also great for relieving your back when you have to spend a lot of time on your feet.

women's heeled ankle boots

You’re tall

On the other hand, if you're over 1.75 m, I recommend ankle boots with a small heel, or even flat ones (also known as "boots"). If you choose a pair that is high enough around the ankle (like mid-calf height, for instance), they will enhance your legs without making them look excessively long.

If you want to wear heels, it's definitely possible, but avoid chunky heels, as they may make your walk feel heavier.

You have strong calves

Do you have generous curves, especially in your legs? Consider this a real asset! With ankle boots, the shape of your calves will be enhanced, giving you a chic, sexy, and very feminine look. If you want to emphasise this even further, don’t hesitate to wear heels!

👉 Unlike boots that can sometimes uncomfortably squeeze larger calves, ankle boots remain comfortable all day long, even for those whose legs tend to swell.

Round women's shoes

How to Choose the Colour and Material of Your Ankle Boots?

There are countless styles of ankle boots, ranging from simple classic black leather pairs to more unique designs featuring various patterns and cuts. In the following paragraphs, I’ll guide you on which ones to choose to enhance your wardrobe.

Depending on Your Style

Do you have a defined style? If so, it's a good idea to choose a pair of ankle boots that match it:

  • Rock n’roll, grunge ➡ Go for black leather boots!
  • Bohème, romantic ➡ Choose lighter shades (camel, cognac, beige, off-white) and materials like suede.
  • Classic, casual ➡ Dark brown boots will be perfect for matching all your outfits.

trendy ankle boots

Enhancing Your Features Based on Your Physical Characteristics

Is your style more classic, or does it change depending on the day and the context? If so, you can use this simple tip to find the boot colour that will enhance your look: choose a shade that is close to your hair colour. By creating a connection with the top half of your body, you’ll bring cohesion to your outfit and look effortlessly stylish!

how to style ankle boots

What to Wear with Ankle Boots?

Are you wondering what type of clothing to wear with your ankle boots? Here are a few outfit ideas that you can personalise to suit your style!

With a short dress for a feminine and sexy style

Worn with a short dress, ankle boots will draw attention to your legs and give you a captivating and feminine look. Skater dresses are particularly suited if you're looking to add a romantic touch to your outfit. On the other hand, if you're wearing black leather biker boots, don't hesitate to pair them with a fitted dress that will enhance your style.

women's ankle boots short dress

Wearing a Bohemian Dress in Winter

Are you a fan of bohemian style and looking to incorporate it into your everyday wardrobe, even during winter? To wear your long bohemian dresses on chilly days, team them up with a pair of suede ankle boots. To complete your outfit, feel free to add a leather or denim jacket, along with accessories like a fringed bag, a hat, or a colourful crossbody satchel.

👉 Are you looking for original and stylish bohemian clothing? Check out our online store dedicated to this style to discover the latest must-have pieces for your wardrobe!

With a Skirt for an Adorable Look

Boots are not only really lovely with a dress, but they also look great with a skirt. No matter the length or style of your skirt, pairing it with boots will give you a chic and sophisticated look. For a short black or grey skirt, opt for black boots. Otherwise, feel free to mix up the colours to add some flair to your outfit!

bohemian women's boots

Boots and Jeans: A Timeless Combination

Are you one of those who love wearing jeans every day? Ankle boots should quickly become your best allies. Indeed, they pair exceptionally well with any type of jeans, whether they are:

  • skinny or slim for a casual chic look,
  • flare for a boho-chic style,
  • boyfriend for an ultra trendy outfit!

Boots will add a touch of femininity and elegance to your outfit while keeping it really comfortable.

women's denim ankle boots

I hope this article has helped you choose ankle boots that will perfectly complement your wardrobe and create unique and stylish outfits with these super practical shoes! In the meantime, (re)discover all our fashion tips on our blog, so you can finally feel confident every day!

Need some inspiration? Explore trendy ways to style ankle boots, whether they're heeled or flat. Explore Our Ankle Boot Inspirations