What items do you describe as quintessential summer pieces? Maybe your list includes the perfect vacation dress, a trendy swimsuit, or even a woven bag. No matter what's on your list, it's likely that each item has gone through a rigorous litmus test to make the cut. Sure, everyone may not spend copious amounts of time debating what's the best footwear for summer. Still, it's pretty common that a few seconds are spent thinking about what feels appropriate for the season—e.g., sandals may feel like a "better" footwear choice for a summer day than a pair of ankle boots.
Like it or not, we always return to our lists to help us navigate getting dressed every day. But what if I told you that "practical" staples and those everyday calculations are limiting your fashion expressions? The beauty of a new season isn't that you're swapping out staples or buying recent trends. It's the ability to see your closet with fresh eyes. Summer is an opportunity to take your most cherished items and make them feel brand-new through styling. If you can't wear your clothing year-round, what's the point?
Of course, that's easier said than done when you're used to adhering to suggestions that you "shouldn't" wear specific items in the summer—ahem, ankle boots, for instance. It's not impossible, though, to break the rules. So, to prove that any off-season item can be relevant with the proper styling, I've rounded up 16 summer outfit ideas that show how to wear ankle boots in warm weather. Whether you're hoping to reboot your seasonal staples list or need simple outfit formulas to copy, these ensembles will push you to step outside the box.
Insider tip: Ankle boots can feel more seasonal if styled with current trends. Metallic boots styled with a maxi skirt, belt, and '00s-inspired baby T-shirt feel very on-season.
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You'll wear this on repeat.
You can dress this skirt up or down based on your mood.
These boots haunt me in my dreams.
When it comes to pulling off your favorite ankle boots in the summer, it's all about taking pragmatic pieces and adding a punchy spin. For example, black ankle boots feel 10 times cooler when styled with relaxed jeans, a matching denim jacket, and a metallic shoulder bag.
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You can't beat this price.
Spice up your staple denim with a statement belt.
Baggy jeans are still a big trend, BTW.
ICYMI, romantic dresses with frilly details (e.g., baby-doll silhouettes, sheer fabrics, and bow and floral appliqués) are trending for summer. But if the look is a bit too sweet for you, you can spice it up by styling it with a pair funky pair of socks and edgy ankle boots. I recommend trying moto boots, but any style will work.
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So pretty.
You can style these with boots or ballet flats.
Frye's moto boots are a fan favorite.
Not into the ultra-pretty aesthetic? Go for a more alt-inspired look by pairing an oversize army jacket with a tank top, a cargo miniskirt (printed or solid), a designer belt, a studded shoulder bag, and combat boots.
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Meet the perfect everyday tank top.
Investing in a designer belt is the simplest way to spice up your summer wardrobe.
Olivia Rodrigo would approve.
You can also go for the more cottagecore-inspired look (if that's your vibe) instead. Try pairing your ankle boots with a maxi denim skirt and an off-the-shoulder eyelet top for a look that will make you want to walk all the way to the nearest countryside.
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Cute, cute, cute.
The high slit on this skirt is ideal for showing off your boots!
BRB, going to spend the rest of my time drooling over these chocolate-brown boots.
Do you consider yourself a part of the anti-trend camp? You'll want to screenshot the ensemble above, then. It doesn't get more timeless than a matching shorts suit styled with a T-shirt, a designer bag, and ankle boots.
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I can assure you this blazer will become your favorite work-wardrobe staple.
Now, here's a bag that will never go out of style.
Shorts are a must-have for any summer wardrobe, but even more so if you want to get away with wearing boots.
Cowboy ankle boots are a perennial favorite among the fashion set for good reason. They can make anything look cool—even something as "basic" as an oversize flannel, a tank top, and denim shorts.
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Light layers are a must during the spring and summer.
Agolde's denim shorts are beloved among our editors.
Made for walkin'.
Real talk, the sweat caused by wearing a pair of boots in the summer isn't sexy. But there's a way to counterbalance your body temperature: opt for lightweight fabrics. A few simple linen or cotton pieces will work, but if you're feeling risqué, try wearing a sheer lace dress styled over full-coverage undergarments with layered chains. It's a look that will ensure you look hot without actually overheating.
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You can also style this over jeans if you can't imagine going pants-less underneath such a sheer item.
These briefs will give you full coverage.
Don't forget to layer on the jewelry.
If you can't possibly imagine yourself wearing a fully sheer dress out into the streets, you're not alone. A simpler way to style your boots this summer (and avoid wardrobe malfunctions) is by opting for a floral minidress and shoulder bag. It's a failproof formula, every time.
Betting this bag already matches numerous pieces in your closet.
Leave it to Nordstrom to have the perfect curation of floral dresses for summer.
I personally own these boots and swear by wearing them year-round.
Another failproof outfit formula you can rely on? Ahem, the look above. For those mornings when you really can not be bothered, throw on a colorful oversize button-down with a black miniskirt and ankle boots—you won't regret it.
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You can also wear this over a bikini for a day by the water.
Preppy vibes on deck.
These Sam Edelman boots happen to be a best seller month after month.
If you're curious about how to wear ankle boots in the summer, you're likely looking for an outfit idea that lets them be the focal point—enter the look above. By pairing your favorite ankle boots with an oversize blazer that's accessorized with a minimal belt and sunglasses, you ensure they get maximal attention.
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The buckle on this looks so luxe.
Perfect for the office.
Timeless.
What other styling tricks can make your ankle boots stand out? Try tucking a pair of trousers into your ankle boots to make them more pronounced. And be sure to keep the rest of your look simple by opting for staples (like a muscle T-shirt, black belt, and classic shades) so that they don't distract from the main character aka your boots.
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You'll wear these for years to come.
Just add jewelry to make it your own.
You really can't go wrong with investing in a pair of trousers.
Not to sound like a broken record, but I can't stress enough that simplicity is vital. You don't have to go overboard trying to create groundbreaking ways to style your boots. Throw on a shirtdress, a shoulder bag, and sunglasses, and you're set to go.
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You can wear this to work or on vacation.
Cool girls, apply here.
You'd never guess this bag wasn't designer.
Consider your search for the simplest possible way to style ankle boots in the summer completed. It doesn't get easier than pairing a matching white set with neutral ankle boots, but should you find it's a bit too plain, add fun accessories into the mix to make this formula feel signature to your style.
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I just bought this necklace and can confirm it's super cute.
Dreaming of packing this set for a trip to Italy.
It's the buckles on the shoulder strap for me.
One benefit of continuing to wear boots year-round is that it's so much easier to transition into your fall wardrobe. That transition from summer to fall can be tricky, but your ankle boots will be your saving grace—so long as you use the outfit above as your blueprint. A simple rule of thumb for wearing boots in the late summer is to always mix quintessential summer pieces (statement sunglasses and a tank top, for example) with fall-ready items for the perfect transitional-weather outfit.
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High temps call for cool shades.
Every summer wardrobe needs a great little tank top.
If it's too hot to wear leather, you can swap these shorts with a linen pair instead.
By now, you hopefully have ample inspiration on how to style your boots for sweltering heat. But should you need final confirmation of this footwear's year-round relevance, see the ensemble above. What's great about styling a pleated miniskirt, a bomber jacket, and ankle boots together is that they could be worn on a brisk summer evening or an early fall day. The paring proves that ankle boots deserve a spot in your outfit rotation year-round.
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You'll live in this jacket year-round.
If you're a fan of Miu Miu but are on a strict budget, this micro miniskirt is for you.
Consider your shopping for the rest of the year complete with the purchase of these boots.
This post was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.