6 Boots That Go With Everything, According to Our Editors

published 2 November 2024

Recently I found myself packing for a weekend away. With minimal luggage space, I had to be very considered about what made it into my tiny carry-on case. Everything was going surprisingly smoothly until it came to shoes; with a fancy meal, outdoor activities and some pub bonding time with friends all on the agenda, there were several occasions to consider—not to mention what I would wear to actually travel in! Trainers were a no brainer for the outdoor activities, and for the fancy meal I packed my most streamlined heeled. Then, a pair of boots would be the final piece of the footwear puzzle. Surveying the pairs I own (a shockingly small amount for a fashion editor!) I found myself asking, "Which boots go with everything?". And thus, the idea for the article you're currently reading came to me.

What boots actually go with everything? Like all things in fashion, the answer to this question is subjective. I want to present to you a well-rounded perspective on the matter, so I asked five of my stylish colleagues which boot styles they think go with everything (or pretty darn close to everything). What I didn't expect was that I'd get five entirely different answers—six if you include the pair I ended up selecting for my trip!

So, which boots to our editors think go with just about everything? Scroll on to find out.

6 BOOT STYLES OUR EDITORS THINK GO WITH EVERYTHING (OR NEARLY EVERYTHING)

1. RED BOOTS

Editor in Chief Hannah Almassi wears a red and white printed dress with red boots standing near a limestone pillar

"Would it be rogue to say a pair of red knee-high boots? They make boring outfits more exciting but then easily work as an accent within more colourful or complex looks. I always think a bright knee boot adds a retro feel and a lot of personality, but red seems to be one of the easiest shades to integrate and is widely considered a 'classic'." Hannah Almassi, Editor-in-Chief

SHOP:

LOEFFLER RANDALL

Goldy Leather Knee Boots

Reformation

Bradshaw Knee High Boot

Vicenza

Camila Tall Boots

2. SNAKE PRINT BOOTS

Woman stands in front of a pale wall wearing black trousers, a black coat, and snake print boots

"Hear me out—snake print boots might not sound like a neutral, but there have been countless times that adding this statement boot to an outfit has not only worked, but elevated the outcome, too. Jeans, tailoring, skirts, dresses—there's something about a stand-out print with luxe polish that pulls everything together. Just ask Kate Moss, Emily Ratajkowski and Kendall Jenner, who all wear them on the regular." Remy Farrell, fashion editor

SHOP:

Silent D

Erena Suede Kitten-Heel Boots

Mint Velvet

Snake Print Leather Ankle Boot

PARIS TEXAS

Anja 70 Python-Effect Leather Knee-High Boots

3. COWBOY BOOTS

Woman wears brown cowboy boots with a brown jacket and basket bag on a leafy road in autumn

"I know I'm a bit obsessed with cowboy style in general, but I genuinely find myself reaching for a pair of western-inspired boots whenever I'm stuck on what shoes to wear. With denim tucked in or used to offset pretty, floaty dresses, whenever I pull a pair of cowboy boots on, I instantly feel more fashionable. I tend to stick to neutral colours for maximum versatility, but I'm also tempted by Zara's burgundy pair." Florrie Alexander, acting affiliate editor

SHOP:

Jimmy Choo

Cece 80 Rattan Velvet Suede Boots

Ganni

Western Boots

ZARA

Leather Cowboy Boots

4. SQUARE-TOE BOOTS

Woman stands in her hallway wearing a navy jumper, blue jeans and square-toe boots

"I'm surprised at the bold, statement styles my colleagues have suggested here, and I'll definitely be trying them for myself, but in terms of my pick, I'm going to take things back to basics. I think anything with a square-toe and very low heel is incredibly versatile. I can't wear high heels because of my scoliosis but I feel like a square-toe helps to dress up an outfit (dresses, skirts, jeans—all of the above) even when the heel is low." Brittany Davy, editorial assistant

SHOP:

COS

Square-Toe Leather Ankle Boots

Reformation

Remy Knee Boot

Aeyde

Tabitha Leather Ankle Boots

5. SIMPLE PULL-ON BOOTS

Woman stands outside a cafe wearing black pull on boots and a brown leather jacket

"For me, I think it’s this style of wide-leg boots that come to mid-calf or just below the knee. They still have a little height so they look good with dresses + skirts, but also look really cool with jeans, trousers and leggings tucked in. I like that they're simple in design and cut which makes them feel really versatile and fresh—I just bought a pair and can attest, they really do go with everything." Natalie Munro, news writer

SHOP:

ZARA

Wide-Leg Leather Ankle Boots

H&M

Knee-High Leather Boots

Reformation

Frances Knee High Boot

6. POINTED-TOE KNEE BOOTS

Woman reclines on stone steps wearing a black sleeveless top, grey pleated mini skirt and black, pointed-toe knee boots

And now, for my selection. The pair that made it into my case and that I wear constantly in the colder months—it's got to be a pair of pointed-toe knee-highs. I tend to wear wide-leg trousers and jeans, so there's no issue with them fitting underneath, but they also make me feel sassy when I wear them with skirts and dresses. And who doesn't want more sass in their life? Black is my preference, but I'm open to fabrication—I get so much wear out of my leather pair, this H&M suede style is next on my wish list.

SHOP:

Mint Velvet

Black Leather Long Boots

H&M

Knee-High Suede Boots

John Lewis

Scarlette Leather Kitten Heel Pull on Knee Boots

Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over thirteen years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content specifically for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, leads the editorial team in their SEO strategy and keyword planning, works closely with the beauty team on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media, including her own Who What Wear UK TikTok franchise, French Style Fridays. Previously, Maxine appeared on ITV's This Morning in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o.

Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship at Look magazine, she was offered a position on the brand's fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. Her passion and natural talent for writing and styling meant she swiftly rose through the ranks to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion and beauty writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief, overseeing both print and digital, before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others.

Maxine is based remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh where she spends her downtime renovating her house, walking her dogs, hosting friends and trying to master the art of making Old Fashioned cocktails.