Can you wear boots with a dress?

Can you wear boots with a dress?

The short answer to this question is yes, you can absolutely wear boots with a dress. And if anyone has told you otherwise you can safely disregard their fashion advice.

In this article we’ll answer the more important question: what’s the best way to wear different types of boots and dresses together?


Here’s what we’re going to cover:

  • How to wear boots with dresses
  • Types of boots to wear with a dress
  • Styling boots with dresses for a formal look
  • Styling boots with dresses for a casual look
  • Dos and Don’ts for wearing boots and dresses


How to wear boots with dresses

Boots and dresses are a match made in fashion heaven, offering endless versatility and style options for any season or occasion. Whether you're dressing up for a formal event or aiming for something casual to wear out shopping, boots with a dress is a great way to achieve a practical outfit bursting with personality.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when pairing boots and dresses to make sure your outfit is balanced, cohesive, and comfortable. 

  • Dress length and boot height: the length of your dress should be in harmony with the height of your boots, as a mismatch can create awkward gaps that disrupt the flow of your outfit or lead to unflattering proportions.
  • What to wear on your legs: boots and dresses look great with bare legs, but in cooler weather, you might want to wear tights to keep you warm. Think about the tone or pattern you wear and make sure it works with the rest of your outfit.
  • Cohesiveness with the rest of your outfit: we recommend matching the colour of your boots with other items in your outfit to create a consistent palette - this could be with garments or accessories like belts and bags.

The goal with these considerations is to achieve a stylish outfit that suits your frame and overall style.


Types of boots to wear with a dress

In this section we’ll look at the many types of ladies boots on offer, along with recommended pairings for dress type. We’ll also explain why these dress and boot combos work so well together.


Chunky boots

Chunky boots combine thick outsoles with bold hardware, studs and other features to bring attitude to any outfit. They’re a great choice for adding edge to feminine dresses, making them perfect for casual or streetwear-inspired looks.

  • Why they work: the rugged design contrasts well with more delicate fabrics or patterns.
  • Styling tip: pair chunky boots with a mini sweater dress and a crossbody bag for an urban-chic winter look.


Ankle boots

Ankle boots are incredibly versatile and an excellent investment for your wardrobe. They offer a clean and minimalistic silhouette that pairs well with pretty much any dress length. Ankle boots are perfect for casual and semi-formal outfits alike and are a great choice when you want to accentuate your legs.

  • Why they work: their low profile makes them ideal for balancing short or midi dresses, creating cohesive outfits without overwhelming your frame.
  • Styling tip: wear ankle boots with a midi dress and an oversized coat for a sophisticated winter ensemble.

Check out our other blog if you’re wondering what other ways you can style ankle boots for winter.


Heeled boots

Heeled boots bring height and sophistication to any outfit, making them perfect for formal or polished looks. Whether you choose a sleek stiletto heel or a sturdy block heel, these boots elongate the legs and create elegant outfits, making them ideal for everything from office wear to nights out.

  • Why they work: the added height works really well with structured dresses and tailored silhouettes, creating a streamlined and elegant appearance.
  • Styling tip: pair heeled boots with a fitted sweater dress and a trench coat for a classy winter look.


Block heel boots

Block heel boots are practical, comfortable, and elegant: the best of all worlds. Their sturdy design provides better stability than stiletto heels, making them a practical choice for winter conditions. These boots work well in both casual and formal settings, making them a versatile addition to any wardrobe.

  • Why they work: the block heel provides more subtle elevation than heeled boots while remaining walkable, allowing you to style them with everything from maxi dresses to tailored outfits.
  • Styling tip: match block heel boots with a flowy dress and a structured blazer for a smart and modern outfit perfect for the office.


Knee-high boots

Knee-high boots are timeless, bringing style and warmth to any outfit and making them a solid choice for winter. These boots lengthen the legs and pair well with dresses of varying lengths as a result, offering versatility for casual and formal occasions alike. 

  • Why they work: the sleek silhouette works well with fitted dresses and shorter hemlines, making them suitable for a variety of looks.
  • Styling tip: pair knee-high boots with a turtleneck sweater dress and a wool coat for a cosy and chic winter outfit.

See our other guide for more inspiration on how to style knee-high boots for winter.


Styling boots with a dress for a formal look

Boots and dresses are a fantastic choice for formal occasions, provided you choose the right style and accessories. Here’s how to style boots with dresses for two common formal settings.


For work

Boots and dresses can be appropriate for the office if you choose sleek, tailored styles and focus on creating a sophisticated overall outfit.

  • Styling tip: pair knee-high heeled boots with a structured midi dress and a tailored blazer for a professional, stylish look.
  • Or try this: pair block-heeled ankle boots with a pencil dress for a polished and comfortable outfit.


For a wedding

Boots at a wedding are a great choice: the right styles can look effortlessly elegant and suit any season.

  • Styling tip: lean towards formal with heeled boots in a neutral or metallic tone, and pair these with a long, flowing dress for a sophisticated ensemble.
  • Or try this: choose ankle boots with embellishments and pair them with shorter dresses for a modern, playful, warmer weather outfit.


Styling boots with a dress for a casual look

Boots and dresses really shine when worn in stylish, laid-back outfits. Here are some ways to combine boots and dresses in more casual, everyday contexts - including venturing into the great outdoors!


For everyday wear

Casual outfits with boots and dresses are easy to pull together and always look on-trend.

  • Styling tip: chunky boots with a floral midi dress and a denim jacket create a relaxed, slightly edgy look.
  • Or try this: Pair some flat knee-high boots with a sweater dress for a cosy and comfortable outfit.


For a walk

Boots are a very practical choice for outdoor walks, and pairing them with the right dress brings style and comfort to the equation.

  • Styling tip: wear flat or low-heeled ankle boots for good grip, and pair with a maxi dress and a long cardigan for warmth.
  • Or try this: pair block-heel boots with a casual dress and a scarf for a chic, stroll-ready outfit.


Dos and don’ts for boots with dresses

Feeling inspired by the styling tips above? Here are some final thoughts to keep in mind when building your dream outfit.

  • Do experiment with textures! Combining leather or suede boots with soft fabrics like cotton or silk adds visual interest to your outfit.
  • Don’t forget about proportions! Pairing a voluminous dress with chunky boots can overwhelm your frame; balance is key.
  • Do match your accessories! Coordinate your boots with a bag, belt, or scarf for a polished look.
  • Don’t ignore seasonal practicality! Go for lined boots or weatherproof materials in colder months to stay comfortable and stylish.


Our boots are made for walking

There’s a reason boots and dresses are a popular and timeless combo. Whatever the time of year and whether you’re dressing smart or casual you can build an outfit to not only suit your needs, but to keep you looking slick and stylish while you’re at it. 

To find your perfect pair of boots, take a look at our extensive range of boots for women. You’ll find all the styles mentioned above, plus many more. Plus our team is on hand to answer any questions and connect you with your perfect pair.

Back to blog