How to Wear Ankle Boots: Heeled or Flat?

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

You’ve come to the right place.

As a fashion enthusiast, I’m always on the lookout for simple clothes and accessories that can be paired easily and worn on a daily basis, while also showcasing more unique pieces!

**Ankle boots**, with or without heels, are one of those **essential basics** that every wardrobe needs, and that's why I'm dedicating this guide to them today.

Regardless of the occasion, ankle boots can be paired with most of your winter and autumn outfits. You can definitely wear them with a dress, whether it’s a flowing bohemian gown or a short skater dress. They are also perfect for elevating a classy look with a short skirt or even a slightly longer pleated skirt, especially if you're taller. Very versatile, they can also be worn with jeans or tailored trousers. Just choose ankle boots that complement your style and flatter your shape!

Do you want to find out more? Keep 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.
  • Chic and feminine outfit ideas with ankle boots.

outfit with ankle boots for women

When and Why to Wear Ankle Boots?

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

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 pair well with both dresses and trousers, making them very practical for those days when you’re not sure 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 models or those with elastic straps are easy to put on and take off, making them really convenient for trying on clothes!

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

Boots or ankle boots: How to choose?

Are you unsure whether to wear ankle boots or long boots? Here are several tips that can help you make your decision:

🔸 If you plan to wear a short outfit (shorts, mini skirt), then boots will be perfect for highlighting your legs. On the other hand, a long outfit (trousers, maxi dress) will be beautifully complemented by ankle boots.

🔸 If you want to visually elongate your legs, wear ankle boots. On the other hand, higher boots tend to balance 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 handy selection of personalised tips to highlight your body shape with this style of footwear.

You are petite

If you are less than 1.60 m, I recommend opting for low ankle boots with a heel. Combining these two elements will help you appear taller by elongating your legs and improving your posture.

If you’re not a fan of wearing high heels, you can also opt for some low heels of 3 to 5 centimetres, which are more comfortable. They will also help ease 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 taller than 1.75m, I recommend ankle boots with a small heel or even flat ones (often referred to as "boots"). If you choose ones that are fairly high on the ankle (for example, mid-calf), they will enhance your legs without making them look too long.

If you want to wear heels, that is certainly possible, but avoid thick heels, as they may make your walk appear heavier.

You have strong calves

Do you have curvy legs? Consider it an asset! With ankle boots, the shape of your calves will be beautifully showcased, giving you a chic, sexy, and very feminine look. If you want to emphasise this, don’t hesitate to wear heels!

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

Round Women's Shoes

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

There are countless styles of ankle boots, from simple classic black leather ones to more unique designs with various patterns and cuts. In the following paragraphs, I will guide you on how to choose the perfect pair to elevate your wardrobe.

Based on Your Style

Do you have a well-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 ➡ Opt for light shades (camel, cognac, beige, ecru) and materials like suede.
  • Classic, casual ➡ Dark brown boots will be perfect to match with all your outfits.

trendy ankle boots

Enhancing Your Features Based on Your Physical Attributes

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 close to your hair colour. By creating a connection with the top half of your body, you’ll bring unity to your outfit and look effortlessly stylish!

how to dress with ankle boots

What to Wear with Ankle Boots?

Are you wondering what kind of clothing to wear with your ankle boots? Here are some outfit examples for you to customise 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. A-line dresses are especially suitable if you want to add a romantic touch to your outfit. On the other hand, if you wear black leather biker boots, don't hesitate to pair them with a figure-hugging dress that will enhance your style.

women's ankle boots with short dress

Wearing a Bohemian Dress in Winter

Are you addicted to the bohemian style and want to embrace it every day, even in winter? To wear your long bohemian dresses on chilly days, pair them with a set 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 items for your wardrobe!

With a Skirt for an Adorable Look

Boots are not only very beautiful 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 smart and stylish look. For a short black or grey skirt, opt for black boots. Otherwise, feel free to mix and match colours to add some flair to your outfit!

bohemian women's boots

Boots and Jeans: A Timeless Combination

Are you one of those people who love wearing jeans every day? Ankle boots should quickly become your best friends. In fact, they pair perfectly 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!

The ankle boots will add a touch of femininity and elegance to your outfit, while still being really comfortable.

denim ankle boots for women

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! In the meantime, (re)discover all our fashion tips on our blog, so you can feel confident every day!

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