As the seasons turn to fall and winter, it is time to bring boots out of storage. While boots are a perennial closet staple, it is easy to combine them with new outfits for a fresh look. There are also many different options when it comes to boots giving you an opportunity to add a different style to your closet in addition to the time-tested classics.

Here, I will share some classic boot looks and general styling guidelines so that you can mix and match.

The Classic Leather Boot

Knee-high leather boots have remained a classic for good reason. Simple, leather boots without much adornment are extremely versatile. These should be your everyday go-tos and can be worn with everything from jeans to dresses. Opt for heeled boots for a little more polish, and pair with an eye-catching skirt – think bright colors, pattern, and interesting shapes – for a fresh take on the look.

All in black: A classic look for simple, leather boots is the flat, black leather boot paired with black jeans. Wear a gray v-neck T-shirt, lightly tucked into the front and a cardigan – or go for a cozy knit.

Dress it up: Go for a leather boot with a heel – block or stiletto – and combine with a nice blouse and a leather moto jacket in a similar color to your boots. You want the colors to be similar but not identical.

The Taller the Better

For a fresher take on the classic leather boot, go for height. Height in the boot’s shaft, not in the heel. Over the knee and thigh-high boots, especially with a low or flat heel, add additional flair and style to the classic look, without putting it over the top. Opt for dark colored boots and wear with pants, leggings or dark colored tights to keep the look low-key yet polished.

Legs for days: Tall boots make your legs look longer, so play it up! Pair black suede over-the-knee boots with black tights and a loose-fitting sweater dress with a shorter hemline.

Dress it up: Look for black over-the-knee boots and wear with an all black ensemble including a shapely black mini dress. Or pair with black jeans, a white blouse and a black jacket. Accessorise with multiple fine necklaces.

Or, Go Short

Booties have gained in popularity as a great alternative to the classic boot. There are a number of ankle booties on the market now. To keep your look polished, go for a mid-height heel. Save the high-heeled booties for date nights and rely on the others for day-to-day styling.

Laid back cool: Brown booties with a chunky heel are the perfect companion to skinny-legged jeans. Pair with a grey sweater and you will be the queen of casual.

Dress it up: Pair them with a boho chic dress and knit tights.

Be Daring

Now that we have gone over the classics, here is how you play it up a little bit. When looking for interesting options, prioritize color, texture, hardware or bling. Choose one, because anything too busy will not stand the test of time. Luckily, there are plenty of elegantly-designed boots with an eye-catching features. You can look for velvet or suede in dark, neural or deep color. Gold hardware on black boots is a classic favorite. This season’s runways have been peppered with extra sparkly boots – perfect for a night on the town and ideal for pairing with everything from jeans to your favorite dress.

Just remember, unique boots are a statement piece. They draw a lot of attention so, unless you like a louder style, keep the rest of your outfit understated.

Pay Attention to Hemlines  

Boots can tend to look school-marmy if they are not paired correctly. Taller boots should always be paired with shorter skirt hemlines – your skirt should not overlap with your boot. Jackets should fall far above the top of your boots as well. In the case of over-the-knee boots, a jacket can hit your waistline or fall far below the tops of your boots. The key is to not have the tops of your boots get muddled with any other hemlines.

You can also keep the silhouette of the boots in mind when pairing with clothing. Most boots go best with skinny jeans and slimmer lines when it comes to pants. However, fuller bodied, more interestingly shaped, or flowing skirts and dresses tend to pair with boots better than more form-fitting ones.

Jamie Plambeck

Jamie is a manager and writer in the fashion. She’s an owner/founder of the family business Boot Cuff & Socks Boutique or BC&S Boutique. You can find the latest styles of Women’s Boot Socks, Cuffs and Lace by visiting the site. When she’s not searching for new fashion trends she’s spending time with her young daughter Rilyn.