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How to Style Knee High Boots: 6 Easy Outfits to Copy

Learn how to style knee high boots 6 easy ways: with a mini skirt, a long coat, a midi skirt, a blazer dress, shorts and a dress, with real photos.

By How Do You Fashion · Updated · 4 min read

How to Style Knee High Boots: 6 Easy Outfits to Copy

Knee high boots are one of the best winter buys, but many of us only wear them with jeans. They can do much more. This guide shows you how to style knee high boots in 6 easy ways, using real photos from women in the US and the UK. Each photo has numbered labels so you can see what makes it work.

Quick answer: Wear knee high boots where they can show: with a mini or midi skirt, a dress, long shorts or under a long coat. Keep the gap between your hem and the boot small, and match the boot color to your bag or coat.

Step 1: Wear Them With a Mini Skirt Set

Woman in a grey knit set with a mini skirt and black knee high boots1Matching knit top2Short skirt shows the boot3Boots fill the gap to the knee
Photo: Edaowo Fashion on Instagram

The easiest way to start is a mini skirt. Knee high boots cover most of your legs, so a short skirt feels warm and covered. A matching knit set makes it look extra polished.

Quick tip: Keep the gap between skirt and boot to about a hand width.

Step 2: Let Them Peek Out Under a Long Coat

Woman in a long cream coat and black knee high boots on steps1Long cream coat left open2Black boots peek out
Photo: Gosuamii on Instagram

A long coat with knee high boots is a classic winter look. The coat covers the top of the boots, so you only see a little leg or none at all. It looks sleek and keeps you warm.

Quick tip: Dark boots with a light coat look striking. Same color boots and coat look longer.

Step 3: Pair Them With a Midi Skirt and a Knit

Woman in a brown knit, satin midi skirt and black knee high boots1Fitted knit on top2Satin midi skirt3Boots go under the hem
Photo: Gosuamii on Instagram

Midi skirts and knee high boots are made for each other. The skirt ends just over the top of the boot, so no leg shows at all. A fitted knit on top keeps the outfit balanced.

Quick tip: Pick a skirt that ends at or just below your knee so it overlaps the boot.

Step 4: Try Them With a Blazer Dress and Tights

Woman in a beige blazer dress, black tights and knee high boots1Belted blazer dress2Sheer tights and tall boots
Photo: Alisha on Instagram

For holiday parties or the office, wear knee high boots with a blazer dress and sheer black tights. It looks dressy but you stay warm.

Quick tip: Black tights with black boots make your legs look longer.

Step 5: Go Bold With Long Shorts

Woman in a blue ruffle top, long black shorts and knee high boots1Bold ruffle top2Long black shorts3Pointed knee boots
Photo: Jadore Fashion on Instagram

Long shorts with knee high boots is a fun fall look. The boots cover your legs, so shorts work even when it is cool. Add a bright top to make it pop.

Quick tip: Pick shorts that end just above your knee so the gap stays small.

Step 6: Wear White Boots With a Short Dress

Woman in a short dress, cape, hat and white knee high boots1Short dress with a cape2White knee high boots
Photo: Vanilace on Instagram

White knee high boots look fresh with a short dress. Add a cape or long cardigan and a hat for a cozy fall look.

Quick tip: Match white boots to one other light piece, like a hat or bag.

Knee High Boot Mistakes to Avoid

  • Leaving a big gap of bare leg between the hem and the boot.
  • Wearing very baggy jeans that bunch over the boots.
  • Choosing boots that are too tight at the calf.
  • Pairing heavy boots with a very light, thin summer dress.

FAQs

What do you wear with knee high boots?

Mini skirts, midi skirts, dresses, long shorts, slim jeans and leggings all work. A long coat on top finishes the look.

Can you wear knee high boots with jeans?

Yes. Pick skinny or slim jeans and tuck them into the boots.

Should a skirt cover knee high boots?

A midi skirt can cover the top of the boots, and a mini skirt shows them. Both look good.

What color knee high boots are most versatile?

Black and brown go with almost everything. White and cream are fun for a fresh look.

Now You Know How to Style Knee High Boots

Start with a skirt or a dress, keep the gap small and add a long coat when it is cold. Knee high boots can do a lot more than jeans, so try one new look this week.

More ideas: winter boots outfits, how to style a sweater and how to style a trench coat.