Sorry, Ankle Boots—This Is the Boot Stylish People in London, Paris and Copenhagen 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 skirts to denim, scroll on to see outfits with knee-high boots I rate.
Outfits With Knee-High Boots We're Seeing Everywhere:
1. Knitted Midi Dress + Matching Bag
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.
Shop the Look:
This isn't quite a shoulder bag but the colour match with the boots is perfection!
2. Slip Skirt + Suede Jacket
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.
Shop the Look:
This timeless jacket will work with jeans, dresses and of course, a slip skirt. PS, keep your eyes peeled for the restock. This is just too good.
This deep brown 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.
Shop the Look:
You can also wear this mini with a cream cable knit, patterned tights and chunky boots.
4. MINI SKIRT + SHORT JACKET
Style Notes: You don't have to pack away your mini skirts once winter comes around. A pleated mini will look just as chic with knee-high Chelsea boots and your favourite short jacket. Simply add a chunky knit and some thick tights.
Shop the Look:
5. Black Maxi Dress + Leather Trench
Style Notes: Nothing feels more seasonally appropriate than a ribbed dress and leather. Being a dress sort of person, I plan on re-creating this outfit ASAP.
Shop the Look:
I cannot express enough how happy I am flat boots are trending this year. And this pair are pure perfection.
6. Striped Knit + Leather Mini
Style Notes: A striped knit is a great investment, and I love how Jessica has styled her oversized version with a mini skirt and flat suede boots. Just add tights and thermals underneath to make this outfit cold weather-proof.
Shop the Look:
The contrast of the suede and leather is what really makes this look.
7. 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.
Shop the Look:
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.
8. 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!
Shop the Look:
A denim dress is so versatile to wear across all seasons with a switch of an accessory.
Tan boots are a great option for autumn and beyond. Add them to all your floral dresses for an easy, stylish look.
9. Chunky Knit + Midi Skirt
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.
Shop the Look:
10. Classic Jeans + Black Leather
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 the colder months. Thanks for the inspo, Linda Tol.
Shop the Look:
11. Denim Jacket + Jeans
Style Notes: Marilyn's cool outfit is perfect for the transitional season. Opt for knee-high sock boots tucked under oversized denim for a modern twist on the Canadian Tuxedo.
Shop the Look:
Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s Deputy Editor and has over fourteen years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and authoritative content for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, talent interviews 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 search and keyword planning, works closely with the fashion and beauty team on strategy and continues to pen many of her own articles. Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine's contributed to publications including Grazia, InStyle Marie Claire, Elle and Look, amongst others.
-
My In-Between-Season Wardrobe Is Getting a Little Boring—5 Legging-and-Boot Outfits I'm Hoping Will Change That
Plenty of inspo ahead.
By Humaa Hussain
-
I've Been a Fashion Expert for 18 Years—Here's What I Rate This Month
Recommendations you won't find anywhere else.
By Hannah Almassi
-
Nothing Says "I've Got Great Taste" Quite Like Zara's Latest Drop of Designer-Looking Boots
Put your best foot forward.
By Remy Farrell
-
Sambas Aren't a Trend Anymore—They're a Staple: Here's How to Wear Them in 2025
They've become a classic.
By Yusra Siddiqui
-
With These 6 Shoes, All of Your Outfits Will Feel Much Trendier for 2025
Let's go shoe shopping.
By Ava Gilchrist
-
7 Easy, Cool-Girl Outfits With Jeans that Scandi Women are Currently Wearing On Repeat
How to channel Copenhagen cool.
By Remy Farrell
-
Laura Harrier Found the Airport Trouser-and-Shoe Formula That Looks So Much More Elevated Than Trainers and Jeans
Arrive in style.
By Natalie Munro
-
When 3 Editors Recommend the Same Sleek, Trend-Proof Boot, You Definitely Want to Listen
Meet your new favourite.
By Florrie Alexander