Nowadays, lace-up ankle boots are as ubiquitous in a woman’s closet as they are on fashion runways, but that doesn’t mean styling them is as easy as stocking them. This statement-making footwear comes in a variety of finishes, colors and heel styles, so choosing the right wardrobe items to complement your chosen pair can make all of the difference. Take a look at your boots, then peek in your closet -- assembling a killer look is easier than you might think.
Get the Skinny
Lace-up ankle boots meet their perfect match in skinny jeans. Pick a flat pair of moto-style black boots and team them with gray skinnies for a casual outfit; on top, wear a white V-neck boyfriend tee and loop a crimson scarf around your neck for a pop of color. Glam up your denim look with dark-wash skinny jeans, a simple tank and boyfriend blazer. Finish your downtown-chic vibe with heeled, lace-up cognac boots, an oversize leather tote and a fedora for extra fashion flair.
Go Girly
Rock lace-up ankle boots with an above-the-knee A-line skirt for a playful contrast between rugged footwear and a feminine skirt. Start with a small-scale plaid skirt in neutral hues, like gray, navy and black, and pair it with a thin-knit pullover in either a basic black, blush or cream. Go bare legged or slip on black tights and matching lace-up ankle boots in a suede finish. Complete the ensemble with a chunky, menswear-inspired watch to further the hard-meets-soft aesthetic. For even more girly glam, team a floral or lace dress with mid-heel, lace-up ankle boots in distressed brown leather.
Show Off Your Shoes
Let your boots take center stage by choosing wide-leg trousers cuffed right above the ankles. Pick a pant in a substantial fabric with a subtle pattern -- think a wool blend in a black-and-white houndstooth print -- with a rolled cuff that hits an inch above where your boots begin. Wear tissue-thin socks or tights and lace-up ankle boots with a thin heel. Finish the polished look with a white button-down blouse, metallic cuff and simple studs. For the same idea done casually, roll a pair of faded boyfriend jeans two or three times to reveal rugged ankle boots with a small, chunky heel. Team with a basic T-shirt and bomber jacket for a bit of edge or tuck in an airy, feminine blouse for contrast.
Get Shorty
Show some leg and score fashion points by pairing shorts with lace-up ankle boots. Rock a dressy pair of cuffed, tweed shorts and a chunky-knit, cowl-neck sweater; add textured tights and high-heel, lace-up ankle boots complete the ensemble. Finish the cool-girl vibe with an oversize ring and a sleek leather cross-body bag. If a day of errand-running is on the agenda, wear a pair of brightly colored cut-off shorts, a neutral-hued flowing tank top and cowgirl-inspired lace-up boots. Slip on some braided bracelets to complete the laid-back look.
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