Sorry, Ankle Boots—This Is the Boot 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 autumn 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 autumn/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.
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2. SLIP SKIRT + SUEDE
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 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.
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You can also wear this mini with a cream cable knit, patterned tights and chunky boots.
4. STRIPED KNIT + LEATHER MINI
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 cold weather-proof.
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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.
6. 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.
Tan boots are a great option for autumn and beyond. Add them to all your floral dresses for an easy, stylish look.
7. 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.
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8. 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.
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9. MINI SKIRT + SHORT JACKET
Style Notes: You don't have to pack away your mini skirts once autumn 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 when the temperature drops.
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10. 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.
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I cannot express enough how happy I am flat boots are trending this year. And this pair (newly back in stock) are pure perfection.
11. Cropped 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.
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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.
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