Sorry, Ankle Boots—This Is the Shoe Fashion People Are Relying On This Winter

For the longest time, I only had eyes for block-heel ankle boots; no other boot style got a look in. However, a few years ago, I invested in the first knee-high boots I’d had since my teens, and they were a game changer. Aside from jeans, I very rarely wear trousers. Nine times out of 10, you’ll catch me wearing a midi dress. And after years of enduring chilly calves and not-quite-right hemlines and boot heights, knee boots swooped in and made every outfit (read: dress) I wore so much chicer and more put-together.

Now, I currently own four pairs of knee-high boots: an on-trend chunky pair from M&S, which I bought as soon as I saw them on a colleague; a beige suede option from Sézane, which I invested in hoping it would make my clothes feel a little more French; a basic black pair that I pull on whenever I’m in a rush; and a burgundy set, which I snapped up last year in an attempt to bestow my winter wares with a bit of colour. They’ve all enjoyed a handful of wears already this year, and I know they’ll make me feel at my most stylish, even in the depths of winter.

As for outfits with knee-high boots, there’s no shortage of inspiration out there. Like me, influencers seem to be wearing little else on their feet right now, so I’ve rounded up all of my favourite looks in one place for you to peruse (and shop) at your leisure. From the skirts to denim, scroll on to see nine outfits with knee-high boots I rate.

1. KNITTED MIDI DRESS + MATCHING BAG

Outfits with Knee-High Boots: @anoukyve wears a pair of knee boots with a knitted dress

Photo:

@anoukyve

Style Notes: Knitted dresses can err on feeling casual, but adding a pair of knee boots—especially shiny, patent ones—instantly elevates them for more glossy occasions.

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These boots will definitely earn you lots of compliments.

2. SLIP SKIRT + SUEDE

Outfits with Knee-High Boots: @monikh wears a pair of patent knee boots with a slip skirt

Photo:

@monikh

Style Notes: I first bookmarked this chic outfit from Monikh Dale a while ago, but it still holds up for 2024. While slip skirts might feel summery, there’s no need to pack them away when you have a pair of knee boots and some suede outerwear at your disposal. 

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This timeless jacket will work with jeans, dresses and of course, a slip skirt. 

This fluid midi skirt will work hard in your wardrobe. 

This deep red pair is the ultimate finishing touch to this 70's inspired fit.

3. TRENCH COAT + MINI SKIRT

Style Notes: I’m petite, and one of my favourite tricks for making me look that little bit taller is wearing heeled knee-high boots with a shorter hem to make legs look longer. 

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Grab this in a size up for that oversized fit. 

You can also wear this mini with a cream cable knit, patterned tights and chunky boots. 

4. STRIPED KNIT + LEATHER MINI

Outfits with Knee-High Boots: @_jessicaskye wears a pair of black knee boots

Photo:

@_jessicaskye

Style Notes: A striped knit is a great investment, and I love how Jessica has style her oversized version with a mini skirt and flat suede boots. Just add tights and thermals underneath to make this outfit winter-proof. 

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This ultra-cool skirt is also available in petite sizes.

The contrast of the suede and leather is what really makes this look.

5. SHARP SUITING + SIMPLE SILHOUETTE

Style Notes: Tucking your jeans into boots is one thing, but a pair of suit trousers? This member of the street style set has convinced me to give this suited look a whirl. 

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Grey is definitely the colour of the season and this suit is an easy way to give it a go.

Wear with a classic shirt, or layer knitwear on top for a more relaxed take on tailoring. 

I've been dreaming about these boots for a long, long time.

6. KNITTED MAXI DRESS + LEATHER TRENCH

Style Notes: Nothing feels more seasonally appropriate than knitwear and leather. Being a dress sort of person, I plan on re-creating this outfit ASAP.

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This dress could easily work for day or night.

A leather trench will always come in handy.

I cannot express enough how happy I am flat boots are trending this year. And this Toteme pair (newly back in stock) are pure perfection.

7. DENIM DRESS + CREAM KNIT

Style Notes: Chiara has convinced me that I need a denim dress to pair with my tan knee-high boots. I love how she's added a cosy cream knit on top to make this look cold-weather appropriate. Delightful!

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A denim dress is so versatile to wear across all seasons with a switch of an accessory.

Arket's knitwear offering keeps getting better and better.

Tan boots are a great option for winter and beyond. Add them to all your floral dresses for an easy, stylish look.

8. CHUNKY KNIT + MIDI SKIRT

Outfits with Knee-High Boots: Frann wearing knee high boots and a jumper

Photo:

@frannfyne

Style Notes: You can't beat a cable knit jumper. Fact. And I love how Frann has layered hers over a casual check shirt and midi skirt. This look is also proof brown is the new black this season. 

9. CLASSIC JEANS +  BLACK LEATHER

Outfits with Knee-High Boots: @lindatol_ wears mock croc boots

Photo:

@lindatol_

Style Notes: Classic vintage-wash denim and edgy black leather is my favourite outfit combination. Throw in a pair of knee-high boots in an expensive-looking mock-croc finish, and this is a look I’d gladly wear on repeat during winter. Thanks for the inspo, Linda Tol. 

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Reformation always has the exact pair of jeans I'm after.

Next Up: Suddenly, Everyone Is Wearing This Comfy Boot Trend—Here's How It Took Over

This story was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.