A Guide to Wearing Ankle Boots This Fall or Spring

Ankle boots: they're the most versatile type of footwear out there. There are so many types of ankle boots, which we’ll get to in a bit, and thankfully there are plenty of times during the year when you can wear them. Technically, you can wear them during any season, but the two seasons that warrant their use the most are spring and fall. The in-between, mild temperatures don’t really require winter boots, but they’re too cold for summer sandals and maybe even flats. If you can already smell the pumpkin spice and hear the crunch of leaves on your feet, get your ankle boots ready (or make an excuse to buy some more). Here are the different types of ankle boots and some ideas for what to wear them with this fall or spring.

Basic Ankle Boots: What Are They Exactly?

Just like they sound, ankle boots are classified as any type of boot where the top reaches the ankle, but not much higher. They come in flat versions or wedged versions. Ankle boots go with pretty much anything, whether it’s a dress, a skirt, a pair of leggings, or jeans. There’s one exception, however. Straight-leg jeans can work with ankle boots, but sometimes the way the hem hits the ankle interferes with the boot. So if you have a boot that is loose around the ankle, chances are you’ll see the shape of the boot underneath the legs of the jeans. That’s not a problem necessarily, though, so don’t let it stop you from wearing your favorite straight-leg jeans. You can always roll up your jeans so they’re cuffed and cute. This fall, and even into winter and spring, you’ll be seeing a lot of flare jeans, which ankle boots pair with perfectly.

Ankle Booties

Although they’re not technically boots, the fact that they’re called ankle booties means they’re likely to be classified as or grouped with ankle boots when you’re shopping for them. Ankle booties are more low cut than ankle boots but have the same type of foot style over the foot — sort of like someone took an ankle boot and trimmed off the top part that covers the ankle. As a result, you have more mobility and more flexibility in terms of what you can wear them with. They’re a little more feminine, so you can easily wear them with women’s dresses for a feminine sort of look. They also pair well with tights, a skirt, and a blouse. If you’d like a more casual look, pair your ankle booties with jeans and a tee. The possibilities are truly endless.

Booties tend to be easy to slip on; if there are laces, buttons, or zippers, they’re usually there for aesthetic purposes.

Slouch Ankle Boots

Slouch ankle boots are cool because they’re comfy and charming at the same time. They have a loose appearance in the ankle, sort of looking scrunched up as a cowl-neck sweater does. As a result, they have a more relaxed appearance. The material can be pretty much anything, but you’ll often see them in either all leather or with a leather foot but sweater-like material around the ankle. They’re typically slip-on, so you don’t have to mess around with any laces to tie, although they might have a hidden zipper. They go great with leggings and skinny jeans. Make sure you pair them with a top that compliments the boots’ color or texture for a more put-together look.

Socks for Ankle Boots

The type of hosiery you choose to wear with your ankle boots is important since they can look completely different depending on what you pair them with. For example, if you’re wearing a pair of black leggings with a pair of black ankle boots, a stark white pair of socks peeking over the top of the boot may not be ideal. In contrast, some patterned ankle socks that match the boot and leggings you’re wearing can be super fun and transform the entire look of the outfit. In contrast, you may not want any socks showing at all, and that’s fine too. This is probably the most important consideration regarding booties in particular since socks and booties don’t really get along. You’ll either want to wear no-show socks, tights, or nylons with them.

What Tops To Wear With Ankle Boots

When it comes to pairing a top with your ankle boots, the world is your oyster. Every type of top goes well with ankle boots, no matter which season. Some even like wearing them with shorts and tank tops in the summertime for a sort of western type of look. For this fall, you’ll enjoy wearing them with turtlenecks, T-shirts, and chunky cropped sweaters and blazers. Come springtime, don’t forget that dresses go well with ankle boots too, whether it’s a shirt dress and some slouch ankle boots or a maxi dress tickling the ankles and paired with some booties.