How to style knee-high boots—6 outfit ideas to wear all year round
Master knee-high boots with these stylish outfit formulas

Wondering how to style knee-high boots in a way that looks fresh and contemporary? We’ve got all the inspiration you need with these easy-to-wear outfit ideas.
Whether you go for a glamorous stiletto heel or a chic suede riding boot, knee-high boots are incredibly versatile. From teaming with the best midi dresses to smartening up the best leggings, they are worthy of a spot in your capsule wardrobe.
There are elegant styles that will work for evening wear and sharpen up daytime looks. More casually, the rubberized Wellington boot has been a favorite with the fashion set for a while and will give any look a cool, grungy edge (and they will come in handy during any unexpected showers too—alongside the best waterproof jackets).
How to style knee-high boots—outfit ideas from our fashion experts
Give your knee-high boots a refresh with these simple and stylish outfit ideas.
1. Knee-high Boots And Jeans
What you need…
- Tan boots
- Your best jeans
- Blazer
This classic combo is a fail-safe option for weekend dressing. Although most people will veer towards skinny styles as they are easier to tuck into boots, for a new season refresh try a slightly looser straight fit or mom jean instead. Thethe looser fit around the thigh will add a retro spin.
A styling tip...
Pull the look together and nail the smart-casual aesthetic by adding your best blazer and a sleek shirt.
Our fashion editor recommends…
Chloé Edith Leather Knee High Boots
RRP: $1,250/£995 | These classic equestrian-style boots from designer Chloé are a stylish investment. Crafted from soft leather with traditional wooden soles, they have a relaxed fit which makes tucking your jeans in somewhat easier.
2. Knee-high Boots And Leggings
What you need…
- Flat boots
- Leggings
- Hoodie
You almost certainly consider leggings to be an essential part of your best loungewear looks, but, when styled right, they can work outside the house too - and the knee-high boot plays a key role. Boots will make leggings look smarter and more put together, and leggings will easily slip inside your boots.
A styling tip…
Offset the tight fit of leggings with an oversized hoodie or sweater.
Our fashion editor recommends…
H&M Knee-high boots
RRP: $59.99/£39.99 | Switch up your classic black boots for a lighter shade of cream. H&M brings us this affordable pair with a soft satin lining and chunky soles.
3. Knee-high Boots And Long Dress
What you need…
- Heeled boots
- Printed midi dress
- Belt
For a flawless look that will work for your workplace, a midi dress and knee-high boots make a great combo. Longer boots combined with longer skirts are always a classy option.
A styling tip…
Add a belt to define your waist and streamline your silhouette.
Our fashion editor recommends…
Dear Frances Porto Boot
RRP: $850/£660 | These super sleek boots will smarten up any look. Made from soft Italian leather, the low-block heel makes them wearable around the clock.
4. Knee-high Boots And Mini Dress
What you need…
- Pointed boots
- 90s inspired mini dress
- Statement blouse
Short hemlines are one of the top fashion trends for 2022, but if you find the idea a little daunting, you can offset a shorter style with longer boots. Go for pointed toes to help lengthen legs or stompy flat boots for a 90s vibe. Add tights for extra warmth during the colder months.
A styling tip…
Make summer mini dresses wearable all year round by layering them over a flouncy blouse or a cozy roll neck.
Our fashion editor recommends…
Dune London Spice Knee-High Boots
RRP: $270/£195 | These glamorous boots have a smart stiletto heel and reptile-effect leather. They’re easy to pull on and come in shades ranging from minimalist black to vibrant red.
5. Knee-high Boots And Skirt
What you need…
- Smart boots
- Swishy skirt
- Your best t-shirt
Much like a floaty frock, knee-high boots will take a simple skirt to new heights—literally. Flat boots can feel a bit frumpy with this getup, especially if the skirt is a midi-length so look for heels. Let the boots be the main event, perhaps using prints, textures or eye-catching shades, and keep the rest of your outfit low key.
A styling tip…
Boots are a great item to wear with pleated skirts and with flared skirts. Add your best cashmere sweater for a daytime look.
Our fashion editor recommends…
Zara Heeled Leather Knee High Boots
RRP: $219/£129 | The circular heels give these beauties a modern update, while the ecru shade will lift your look. Keep it tonal: team with other neutral hues like brown and caramel.
6. Knee-high Boots And Trench Coat
What you need…
- Slouchy boots
- Trench coat
- Statement accessory
The trench coat is a longstanding fashion essential with a timeless, elegant appeal and a shape that compliments knee-high boots. Whether you choose to wear your coat open (and show off a killer outfit underneath) or fastened up, the trench and boot combination is a classic route to daytime sophistication.
A styling tip…
For a fashion-forward look, stick to a simple color palette and team a beige trench with cream boots and gold jewellery.
Our fashion editor recommends…
Manolo Blahnik Calassohi 90 Suede Knee-high Boots
RRP: £1,195/£895 | The slouchy fit gives these boots a boho vibe while the pointed toe keeps them looking elegant.
Charlie is the Acting Deputy Fashion Editor across multiple women’s magazines and also a freelance fashion, beauty and lifestyle editor.
She bagged her first magazine job in 2009 and has previously written for titles including Woman & Home, Closer and Dare. Over the years Charlie has embraced anything that was thrown at her from styling celebrities to testing out the best jeans on the high street to writing about must-have beauty buys.
With a weakness for a printed midi dress, Charlie is on a mission to shop more sustainably and loves finding new ethical brands and second-hand buys.
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