How to Wear Ankle Boots: Heeled or Flat?

Are you looking to wear ankle boots but wondering how to style them? What outfits should you pair them with?

You are in the right place.

As a fashion enthusiast, I am always on the lookout for clothing and accessories that are easy to mix and match, suitable for everyday wear, and can showcase more unique pieces!

Ankle boots, whether heeled or not, are one of those essential basics for any wardrobe, which is why I'm dedicating this guide to them today.

Whatever the occasion, ankle boots can be worn with most of your autumn and winter outfits. Of course, you can wear them with a dress, whether it's a long bohemian dress or a short skater dress. They are also perfect for elevating an elegant outfit, pairing beautifully with a short skirt or even a longer pleated skirt, especially if you are tall. Very versatile, they can also be worn with jeans or tailored trousers. Simply choose ankle boots that match your style and enhance your figure!

Would you like to learn more? Continue reading to discover:

  • For which occasion to wear ankle boots,
  • How to choose between boots and ankle boots,
  • Which styles will enhance your silhouette,
  • How to select your ankle boots based on your style.
  • Some chic and feminine outfit ideas featuring ankle boots.

outfit with ankle boots for women

When and Why to Wear Ankle Boots?

Highly versatile, ankle boots are worn by many women, regardless of their style. In the following lines, 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 preferences and habits, you can wear them with or without heels. They can complement both a dress and trousers, making them very practical for those days when you’re unsure what to wear with your outfit.

What to wear with ankle boots

In what context should you wear ankle boots?

The appeal of ankle boots lies in the fact that they can be worn in most situations:

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

➡️ Zip-up or elasticated models are easy to put on and take off, which is very 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 looks a bit chilly. Indeed, you can easily pair them with a smart outfit and wear them again the next day for everyday activities, without any fuss.

Boots or ankle boots: How to choose?

Are you unsure whether to wear ankle boots or knee-high boots? Here are several tips that can help you make this choice:

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

🔸 If you want to visually elongate your legs, opt for some ankle boots. In contrast, taller boots will tend to equalise the length of your legs with that of your torso.

women's ankle boots

How to Wear Ankle Boots According to Your Body Shape

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

You Are Short

If you are under 1.60 m, I would recommend opting for ankle boots that are quite low, with a heel. The combination of these two elements will make you appear taller, by elongating your legs and improving your posture.

If you don't like wearing high heels, you can opt for low flat heels of 3 to 5 centimetres, which are more comfortable. They will also help relieve your back when you need to spend a lot of time on your feet.

women's heeled ankle boots

You are tall

On the other hand, if you are over 1.75 m, I recommend ankle boots with modest heels or even flat ones (often referred to as "boots"). If you choose ones that are fairly high on the ankle (like mid-calf, for example), they will enhance your legs without making them look excessively long.

If you wish to wear heels, it is certainly possible, but avoid chunky heels, as they may make your walk feel heavier.

You have strong calves

Do you have Curvy shapes, especially around your legs? Consider it an asset! With ankle boots, the shape of your calves will be enhanced, giving your look a chic, sexy, and very feminine touch. If you want to emphasise this, don't hesitate to wear heels!

👉 Unlike boots that can sometimes pinch the calves uncomfortably, ankle boots remain comfortable throughout the day, even for those whose legs tend to swell.

Women's round shoes

How to choose the colour and material of your ankle boots?

There is an infinite variety of ankle boots, from simple classic black leather styles to more original designs featuring unique patterns and cuts. In the following paragraphs, I'll help you explore which ones to choose to elevate your wardrobe.

Depending on Your Style

Do you have a well-defined style? If so, it's wise to choose a pair of ankle boots that complement it:

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

fashionable 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 ankle boot colour that will enhance your look: choose a shade similar to your hair colour. By creating a connection with the top half of your body, you will give your outfit a sense of cohesion and appear effortlessly stylish!

how to style ankle boots

What to wear with ankle boots?

Wondering what type of clothing to wear with your ankle boots? Here are a few outfit examples that you can make your own according to your preferences!

In 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 seductive and feminine look. Skater dresses are particularly suitable if you want to add a romantic touch to your outfit. On the other hand, if you choose to wear black leather biker boots, feel free to pair them with a figure-hugging dress, which will enhance your style.

women's ankle boots with a short dress

In a Bohemian Dress in Winter

Are you a fan of bohemian style and want to incorporate it into your everyday wardrobe, even in winter? To wear your long bohemian dresses on chilly days, team them up with a pair of suede ankle boots. To complete your look, don't hesitate to add a leather or denim jacket, along with accessories like a fringed bag, a hat, or a colourful crossbody messenger bag.

👉 Would you like to have original and stylish bohemian clothing? Take a look at our online shop dedicated to this style to discover the new favourite pieces for your wardrobe!

With a skirt for an adorable look

Boots are not only very pretty with a dress, but they also look great with a skirt. Whatever the length and style of your skirt, pairing it with boots will give you a smart and sophisticated look. With a short black or grey skirt, opt for black boots. Otherwise, feel free to mix and match colours to add some originality to your outfit!

bohemian women's ankle boots

An Enduring Partnership: Ankle Boots and Jeans

Are you someone who loves wearing jeans every day? Then ankle boots are sure to 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,
  • flared, for a boho-chic style,
  • boyfriend, for an ultra-trendy outfit!

Boots will add a touch of femininity and elegance to your outfit, while remaining truly comfortable.

women's denim ankle boots

I hope this article has helped you choose ankle boots that will perfectly match your wardrobe, and create original and stylish outfits with these incredibly practical shoes! While you wait for the next article, be sure to (re)discover all our fashion advice on our blog, so you can finally feel confident every day!

Need some inspiration? Explore chic ways to style ankle boots, whether they are heeled or flat. View Our Ankle Boot Inspiration