Boots are known as a “fall and winter” only type of shoe, aren’t they? It’s a classic rule in the world of style, and thankfully, fashion rules are made to be broken. If you take a look online, you can spot A-listers, models, and influencers alike sporting their favorite boots year-round.
MUST READ: What to wear with leopard print shoes
MUST READ: Shoe addiction? 10 Great Ways to Organize Your Shoes
Admittedly, wearing boots in the warmer months can be a risky look. However, if you know how to style them right, the risk disappears faster than clothes off a sales rack. If you want to give it a go, these tips will help you make it work.
Tip #1: Choose your boots and weather wisely.
I won’t mince words; boots won’t always be a viable option. If it’s 100 degrees outside, wearing boots will do little aside from make you uncomfortably warm and cause others to question your sanity. It’s best to keep your boot-wearing days to times that are somewhat cool and a bit rainy.
That said, choosing the right boots for your summer and spring outfits is just as important. Boots that go above the knee or have a very “chunky” look are way harder to pull off than ankle booties.
It’s a good idea to match the boots you pick to your experience in styling winter clothes in summer months. The more conservative the boot pair, the easier they will be to work into an outfit. So, if you’re new to wearing boots in warm weather, it’s wise to choose a smaller and more conservative pair.
Tip #2: No (visible) stockings or socks, please!
In fall and winter, layering is what makes summer clothes work. In summer and spring, removing layers is what will make winter clothes work. If you want to look stylish in boots during warm weather, keeping your legs bare is a must.
Socks and tights are clothing items that scream cold weather. That’s not the look you’re going for. Dropping visible stockings, tights, and socks is the least you can do to make it work. If you can’t wear boots without socks, go for socks that are “no show” during warmer months.
Tip #3: Choose a slightly more revealing outfit.
Boots cover up your legs, especially if you’re working taller boots. In the summer, wearing boots with a baggy outfit will make you look frumpy and unseasonable. So, to make up for the covered-up skin, you’re going to have to bare a little extra.
Baring skin is easy in the summer and spring. The easiest way to balance things out is to pair boots with shorts, a mini-skirt, or a short summer dress. If you choose super short bottoms, make sure to wear a more conservative top. It emphasizes your legs without making your outfit look too revealing.
Tip #4: Match or contrast your boots to your outfit.
Let’s be honest: wearing boots in warm months is a serious fashion statement. You need to put some thought into your boot-wearing choices if you don’t want to look like you just randomly chose stuff off your bedroom floor for the day.
In order to make your boots look purposefully picked, you’re going to have to think about the look you’re going for and select your outfit with strategy. There are three main ways fashionistas work boots into their summer wardrobe. They are:
- As a color accent. Bright boots are a great focal point for a summer outfit, especially if your outfit is in a neutral hue like black or beige. If you need to breathe life into your look, opt for a colorful boot.
- As a match. Matching your shoes to your outfit is a classic style tip and also happens to be the safest bet.
- As a contrast. If you’re daring and want to add an edge to your outfit, clash your boot style or color with your outfit–like wearing combat boots with a pink dress. It’s a risky look, but in the right circles, it can pay off.
Tip #5: Boots always are work appropriate, so use them as workwear.
Many offices ban open-toed shoes due to liability reasons. Wearing boots with your summer office attire makes a lot of sense if your office has that policy. A simple black bootie is a great go-to that is both conservative and stylish.
Tip #6: If your outfit clashes on purpose, black boots can ground your look.
Clashing patterns is an increasingly popular look, but not when it looks like a fabric factory puked on you. You will always need a little balance when it comes to patterns, and that’s easily achieved with solid color boots.
In most cases, the best boots you can get to ground your look are simple black boots. They match with every pattern, don’t take away from your outfit’s focal points, and also give your look a completed appearance.
Tip #7: Jeans and boots always work together.
If you’re in the springtime and want a warm-ish outfit, the best pairing you can do will be a good pair of jeans with your favorite boots. Jeans pair amazingly well with boots and give you a great silhouette. They also can be dressed up or down as needed.
If you’re looking for a good date night outfit, pair your jeans with a low-cut top. If you’re looking for Friday office attire, a button-down can work wonders. Concert time? Go for a band tee with a vintage vibe!
Tip #8: No matter how much you might love them, old tattered boots are never a good idea.
We all have clothing items we get super attached to, sometimes to the point that we continue to wear them after they are clearly worn out. It’s only natural to feel that way, especially if it was a signature item. Unfortunately, you need to be honest with yourself about your wardrobe and know when an item is past its prime.
Even if those boots were absolutely amazing six months ago, they won’t be a good pick if they are tattered, torn, or discolored. If anything, they may actually wreck your outfit. So, when you want to summer up some boots, bring them to a cobbler and give them some love. A little patch-up can do a world of good for them…and your outfit.
