Style Guide: Boots

Updated: Oct 20, 2022

Boots are officially back in season. Boots vary by height, style, material, heel, and more…so how do you find the right ones for you!? Let’s talk about:

  • Boot styles to know

  • Key considerations when styling

  • How to style each different type of boot

  • Inspiration & tips for fall boot styling

#1: The Knee-High Boot

  • An option to elevate literally any outfit and elongate your silhouette (especially one with a heel will have give a taller/slimmer effect)

  • Typically found in leather, vegan leather, suede, or a more statement pattern/material (i.e. snakeskin)

  • Ideally you have a couple pairs to rotate. You cannot go wrong with a classic black or tan, opt for white or a color for some edge and more of a statement

  • A thinner heel gives a more feminine, sophisticated feel; a thicker heel/wedge is slightly more casual and adds comfort

  • A slouchy option gives a more cool, effortless vibe

  • A straight gives a more polished feel

How to Style:

  • Casual - over a pair of your favorite fitted leggings/jeans and a loose sweater

  • Dressed up - pair with any dress show a little leg for a more feminine/sexy feel with a mini or midi/ maxi for more classic even boho feel and more coverage

  • Sleek monochromatic look - show off your figure and pair black leather/suede knee highs with black denim and a black body suit (the key is mixing textures to pull off this look)

#2: Over The Knee (aka OTK) Boots

  • Sure to be a statement piece and make your look standout

  • You can find these in leather/suede in most every neutral color

  • Style with a pair of leather leggings or pair with a shorter knit dress

How To Style:

  • Sleek & sophisticated - pair with faux leather leggings and a sweater french tucked

  • Preppy - pair with leggings / fitted denim & a white button up (even a sweater or sweater vest over the button up)

  • Comfortable - pair with leggings / fitted denim & a longer flowy sweater

  • Sexy - pair with a fitted mini dress showing a little leg or leggings / fitted denim & tight long sleeve or a simple square neck bodysuit. Incorporating a bell sleeved can be a fun way to accent the tightness resembled by the boots and jeans or legging combo

  • Chic - pair with a sweater dress with some knee high boots and add a belt if you want a cinched waist effect.

Style #3: The Combat Boot

  • A more casual boot approach

  • Slightly over the ankle so it differs from an ankle boot

  • Great for women on-the-go that want to incorporate a little edge into their wardrobes

  • Opt for a classic neutral black/tan/brown

  • Play with a style with embellishments/metal detail (I.e. buckles) for a more bold, edgy feel

  • Pair with tighter denim/leggings and top + a coat or mini dress

How To Style:

  • Edgy but feminine - pair with a mini dress

  • Comfortable - pair with tighter denim/leggings and flowy sweater

  • Casual - pair with a black legging, fitted neutral long sleeve top and a shacket / flannel (wear it over unbuttoned, or around the waist)

  • Adding layers and different dimensions to your combat boot look can help enhance a casual fit to a more put together look wherever you are headed. A piece to try out if you're considering the layering route would be a classic leather jacket or even a puffer coat. Additionally, you could add a scarf for a pop of color as well.

#4: The Statement Boot

  • Mix it up and pick out a fun pair to make a statement

  • These could be a fun color, pattern, texture, or even trendy style (i.e. cowboy boots)

  • Textures even in a neutral color are another fun way to make a statement with, for example, leather in the form of crocodile texture can amplify any outfit

  • Such an easy way to mix up your look and have some fun adding an extra pop for an occasion, night out, trip, etc.

How To Style

  • Minimally bold - add a statement boot to your usual / go to all neutral outfit. For example, a fun color with a monochromatic look will make this piece stand out as the focal point of your look.

  • Professional chic - play with houndstooth pattern to your business casual look like a dress, blazer, boot combo

  • Western - play with a cowboy boot. Try to add a pair of fun western style boots to your wardrobe by wearing them with a puff sleeve mini dress or even add some cowboy style ankle boots to a look paired with wide leg denim.

Maryana block heel boot option (for comfort)

Popular Dolce Vita tall western boot

Short western boot

#5: The Ankle Boot

  • Can't go wrong with a classic black/tan "bootie"

  • The "Chelsea Boot" style is classic

  • A block/shorter heel will maximize versatility

  • This boot option can be a good one to play with to incorporate a pop of white or pattern like snakeskin

  • A simple yet sophisticated way to spice up any form of attire especially with the upcoming holiday season

How To Style:

  • Dressed up - style with any length dress, a midi or mini will show them off the most

  • Classic - throw on a tan suede pair of booties with a pair of cropped blue jeans and a white button up

  • Comfortable - throw on a neutral ankle boot with wide leg pants and a high neck sweater / turtleneck

  • Professional - pair ankle boots with a good solid pair of work pants or dark denim and your favorite ruffled blouse

  • On-trend - ankle boots with the very trendy midi/maxi skirts. When wearing a skirt of any length, choose some ankle boots and a throw on a semi-loose sweater for added dimension.

  • Winter white - a great monochromatic option that involves some layering would be pairing sleek, white ankle boots with white straight leg jeans, a white sweater, and for a fun layer add a white button down underneath with the collar exposed! This look is perfect for a work trip or around the holiday season to truly embrace a winter wonderland feel.

Popular, comfortable rounder toe everyday bootie by Marc Fisher

Favorite pointy toe everyday leather bootie by Marc Fisher

Classic bootie by Sam Edleman (many colors)

Classic chelsea laguna boot by Sam Edleman

Steve madden white booties

Shop more boot options + fall/winter/holiday inspired looks in our app! Plus, if you want personalized picks per your individual preferences, budget, body type, & more - you can take the quiz in our app and book one of our virtual styling services. You'll get 1:1 time with a Pro who will curate looks & advice just for you!

Just have styling questions? You can also chat with the Prept Team in our app / text us anytime @ 855-582-3573