Boots for different body types
We’re all pulling boots out of storage (or eyeing up new ones 👀). With ankle, knee-high, chunky, slouchy… it can feel confusing. But here’s the trick: start with thinking about how you actually want to wear them before you start shopping
Casual everyday?
Something smarter for work or dinners?
One versatile pair to cover it all?
Or a little budget to play with different styles?
Boots really last, so I treat them like my shoes year-round, I add one or two new pairs each season and I am slowly building up a collection that feels versatile.
Here are the boots I currently have on rotations (with similar versions linked because mine are a few years old now):
Everyday black boots with a fitted shaft that slip neatly under jeans.
Block heel boots — comfy enough to walk in all day but instantly smarter.
Pointed boots — I’ve had mine for years, they’re dressier and add polish.
Silver boots — my splash-of-fun pair. They always lift an outfit.
You’ll notice they’re all a similar shape — that’s deliberate. These are the styles I find most versatile and easiest to wear. And yes, they’re not the most joy-inducing (not much colour or pattern going on), but that’s because I want boots that slot into outfits without fuss. That said, whenever I pull on those pointed black ones, I feel like an absolute basdass goddess, proof that even simple boots can pack a punch.
I haven’t bought anything new yet, but this year I have my eye on:
a) cowboy boots
b) burgundy boots (the colour of the season) or a pair of light boots - not sure yet!
c) knee-highs that actually fit over my calves (not always easy to find!)
All of which are a bit more trend led, so i’ll be really thoughtful about which ones I want to add in, and will probably stick to a silhouette I am comfy with!
Trending or classic?
The reason I can wear my boots season after season is because most of them are classics. Classic boots don’t date, so they keep earning their space in your wardrobe. Since boots usually cost more than other additions, I think the smartest starting point is a classic pair. Once you’ve got those covered, you can start layering in trend-led styles, if you know you’ll actually wear them.
Classics that never date:
Chelsea boots – simple ankle height, go with everything.
Lace-up combats (like Dr Martens) – practical, tough, easy casual wear.
Block heel ankle boots – walkable height that still adds polish.
Flat knee-highs – sleek and elongating with skirts or dresses.
Heeled pointed boots – instant dress-up for evenings or work.
Trending now:
Chunky soles – stompy style that toughens up dresses and balances wide-leg trousers.
Slouchy shafts – relaxed, boho energy with skirts or tucked-in jeans.
Knee-high classics (revived) – polished, perfect with midi skirts or slim trousers.
Sock boots – streamlined, minimal, slip under wide hems.
Western details – curved heels, stitching, a subtle cowboy nod.
Shoes for each season
You can dip in and out of neighbouring seasons, especially if you stay on the cool/warm side that suits you. Footwear options are limited sometimes, so flexibility helps.
Summer: Grey is scarce on the high street. Borrow from Winter with black, but prefer brushed/matte leather or suede over high-shine.
Winter: Cool, deep tones work best. Black, charcoal, deep burgundy; smooth leather or patent if you like drama.
Spring: Light, warm, clear tones. Tan, camel, light taupe, warm beige; lighter leathers and suede.
Autumn: Rich, warm, muted tones. Chocolate, conker, olive-brown, cognac; suede and textured leather shine.
Spring and Autumn have the most crossover. Many tan/cognac styles sit happily in both.
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter
A few things to keep in mind with boots
a) Boots sit far from your face, so colour season isn’t critical here. By autumn/winter most outfits lean darker anyway, so deeper boots naturally fit.
b) Light boots can be brilliant too, just make sure they’re practical by choosing leather or a thick sole.
c) Match your boots to your jeans or tights for a leg-lengthening effect.
Boots and body shape
(Not sure why I even called this “boots by body shape” because really, it doesn’t matter too much.)
Any body shape can wear any boot. What changes is how you style them. If you want a quick starting point, think of boots as tools to play with proportion:
Ankle boots – everyday staples that go with almost anything.
Mid-calf boots – draw the eye to the lower leg if you want to highlight it.
Knee-high boots – elongate the legs and add polish with skirts or dresses.
Chunky or platform boots – ground floaty outfits or add a bit of edge.
And if in doubt? A simple ankle boot with a mid-heel works on pretty much everyone.
👉 Take a peek at this previous joy-aspiration e-mail about styling Chelsea boots for some more inspiration.