From Paris to New York, All of the Chicest People Can Be Spotted in These Boots

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Like clockwork, fall always manages to make us reassess our relationship with the world around us. You could blame it on the changing colors of leaves, but in reality, it always has to do with our sudden awareness that it's time to overhaul the closet—sweaters must come out of storage, last year's coat might need replacing, and you definitely need to ditch a few things. That realization can spark two emotional responses in people: excitement or anxiety. Yes, transitioning your wardrobe into a new season allows you to get creative with your clothing. On the other hand, choosing what trends to adopt, what to buy, or what to wear can be a stressful process, even for the most stylish people. But what if we told you there was no need to put so much pressure on the process?

The easiest place to start is from the ground up, quite literally. While there's no shortage of investment-worthy shoes, for brevity, we've chosen to focus on one style that fashion people are spotted donning season after season: riding boots. Without fail, these boots manage to gallop back into relevancy every year because of their functionality, versatility, and timeless silhouette. Of course, that's not to say that this style hasn't been perceived as "stuffy" at times, but with the proper styling, it's proven to be a solid staple that can make your transition into the new season a walk in the park.

In the vein of proving just how vital these boots are to navigating cold-weather dressing, we scoured the worldwide internet to round up 21 riding boot outfit ideas. Plus, we shopped out the key pieces you'll need to re-create each look for yourself to remove some of the work required to transition your wardrobe. Whether you're just curious about how to style riding boots or want simple ways to look stylish throughout the fall and winter, we've got you covered.

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Scarf Coat + Crossbody Bag + Sweater + Leggings + Riding Boots
(Image credit: @aidabadji_)

One of the perks of opting for riding boots over any other type of footwear? They elevate even the most "casual" items. Case in point? The outfit above. You can dress up your leggings by throwing on a coat with a built-in scarf, a crossbody bag, and riding boots.

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Sunglasses + Leather Jacket + T-Shirt + Waistcoat + Miniskirt + Riding Boots
(Image credit: @gosiaboy)

Another reason this footwear is so popular with the fashion set? Functionality. Unlike other styles, riding boots can easily be paired with just about any staple. For example, the waistcoat you wore throughout the summer can feel fall-forward simply by pairing it with a miniskirt, leather trench coat, and riding boots. 

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Light Jacket + Mock-Neck Top + Shorts + Tights + Riding Boots + Handbag
(Image credit: @camillecharriere)

Not to sound like a broken record, but these boots can help you transition some of the warm-weather items in your wardrobe into the colder months easily. Take a cue from the look above by pairing your favorite shorts with a sweater, light jacket, tights, and riding boots. 

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Sunglasses + Knit Polo + Moto Jacket + Leather Bermuda Shorts + Riding Boots
(Image credit: @lefevrediary)

Although riding boots have long been associated with preppy fashion aesthetics, you can make them feel a bit more trend-forward with creative styling. Try pairing this footwear with a leather moto jacket, leather shorts, and cool shades for an edgier take on these timeless boots. 

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Double-Breasted Coat + Chunky Cable Knit + Jeans + Riding Boots + Woven Handbag
(Image credit: @fakerstrom)

If you're more of a minimalist, a more modest way to dial up the ante of these boots is with colorblocking. Rather than matching with your riding boots, opt for a coat in a contrasting color with a mismatched cardigan styled over it. Playing with colors will allow your boots to pop without doing too much. 

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Blazer + Crew-neck Sweater + Skinny Jeans + Riding Boots + Handbag
(Image credit: @symphonyofsilk)

For those who can't possibly fathom wearing more than one color, don't fret. Rather than playing with multiple hues, just pick one to incorporate into your signature all-black looks this fall. A black blazer, sweater, skinny jeans, and riding boots can feel "colorful" simply with the addition of a contrasting cardigan and handbag. 

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Dainty Earrings + Tie-Up Top + Baggy Jeans + Riding Boots
(Image credit: @sasha.mei)

Let's be honest: styling knee-high boots can be challenging, especially when choosing the right denim to wear with them. While most might opt for skinny fits, if you're not a fan, draw inspiration from the look above. A more straight-leg or baggy jeans tucked into riding boots with a tie-up top can give off saddle-girl energy. 

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Sculptural Earrings + Bomber Jacket + Sweater + Culottes + Riding Boots
(Image credit: @daniellejinadu)

An additional alternative to skinny jeans? Culottes. If you can't possibly will yourself to squeeze into a pair of skinny jeans this winter, this breezier bottom is the solution to showing off your boots. And if you're worried these pants aren't "cool," simply take inspiration from the look above and pair them with sculptural earrings, a sweater, and a worn-in leather bomber jacket.

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Shoulder Bag + Chunky Turtleneck Sweater + Miniskirt + Riding Boots
(Image credit: @_livmadeline)

When in doubt, the simplest way to style these boots is to forgo pants altogether. Try pairing a simple black miniskirt with an oversize turtleneck, shoulder bag, and riding boots for an easy (yet elegant) way to wear this footwear. 

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Sunglasses + Trench Coat + Striped Top + Leather Shorts + Tights + Riding Boots
(Image credit: @_jessicaskye)

When it comes to these boots, you really don't have to do too much for them to look good. In fact, they look best when paired with other basics—e.g., the outfit idea above. Try styling your riding boots with a trench coat, striped top, leather, and shorts for a simple yet utterly stylish fall ensemble. 

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Longline Coat + Knit Dress + Riding Boots + Structured Handbag
(Image credit: @louloudesaison)

Again, the beauty of these boots is that they really do the heavy lifting of elevating any fall look. Rather than focusing on getting overly creative with your styling, make the focal point of your outfit fabulous accessories. Riding boots can really shine when paired with a well-crafted structured handbag and a longline coat. 

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Long Wool Coat + Crewneck Sweater + Matching Skirt + Riding Boots + Woven Handbag
(Image credit: @hannamw)

Anyone who lives in a colder climate is acutely aware that once temperatures drop, so does the desire to dress up. If it's freezing out, all you want to wear is the coziest possible 'fit—thankfully, riding boots are up for the task. Pairing this boot style with a matching sweater set, long coat, and woven handbag will ensure you're as cozy and chic as possible. 

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Shaggy Fur Coat + T-Shirt + Cardigan + Pleated Miniskirt + Riding Boots + Mini Bag
(Image credit: @nnennaechem)

For the maximalists reading this story, consider this your sign that riding boots can be incorporated into your wardrobe, too! Sure, this footwear is a bit more "simple," but that can change when styled with a few statement items. You can make this staple shoe stand simply by pairing it with a shaggy fur statement coat and logo-adorned mini bag.

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Chunky Chain Necklace + Maxi Sweater Dress + Riding Boots
(Image credit: @oumaymaboumeshouli)

As mentioned before, color can transform these boots from "plain" to punchy—a point proven by the outfit above. Pairing your riding boots with a vibrantly-hued maxi sweater dress and chunky chain necklace is a surefire way to make this staple footwear go the extra mile. 

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Sunglasses + Turtleneck + Jumpsuit + Riding Boots + Handbag
(Image credit: @venswifestyle)

Instead of using bright colors to make these boots feel bold, there's a more simple way to get the same result: texture. Pay attention to materials, as pairing your riding boots with a leather jumpsuit and bag with heavy hardware is just as eye-catching as any brightly-colored frock.

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Sunglasses + Oversize Leather Coat + Shoulder Bag + Shirt Dress + Riding Boots
(Image credit: @astyleedit)

At the risk of sounding repetitive, it's worth reiterating: playing with color and texture can make these boots feel less timeless and more trend-forward. Even the brown riding boots in the back of your closet can feel brand-new again simply by pairing them with a matching oversize leather coat, shirt dress, and contrasting colorful green bag. 

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Sunglasses + Layered Chain Necklaces + Sheer Top + Bralette + Miniskirt + Riding Boots
(Image credit: @vivian.yrl)

Yes, playing with color, texture, and general styling can transform these otherwise traditional boots, but for the risk-takers, it might not be enough. Enter the outfit above into the chat. You can spice up this "simple" footwear by pairing it with chains layered on top of a risqué sheer top finished with a miniskirt and black sculptural shades. It's a look that's far from far out of the reins (in a good way). 

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Shoulder Bag + Oversize Knit Jumper + Knee-Length Socks + Riding Boots
(Image credit: @juliesfi)

While there's nothing wrong with having a little sheer separate moment, it's not exactly cold-weather-friendly. Luckily, there are other options! You can feel just as spicy if you style an oversize knit jumper as a dress and finish off the look with knee-length socks that peek out of your riding boots. 

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Long Scarf + Hoops + Tank Top + Miniskirt + Shoulder Bag + Riding Boots
(Image credit: @maryljean)

One more way you can add a little saucy feel to this otherwise seemly shoe style? Opt for a thin-strap tank top paired with a mini-skirt, long scarf, hoop earrings, and shoulder bag. It will honor this footwear's timelessness while still being a tantalizing look all around. 

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Sunglasses + Hoops + Oversize Cardigan + Cropped T-Shirt + Shorts + Riding Boots
(Image credit: @mobinapeiman)

Averse to taking risks? We get it. Rather than embracing opaque materials, playing with hemlines, or wearing vibrant colors, dial it back a bit. The beauty of riding boots is that they're meant to feel like you're not caught up in the hustle and bustle of the city (or trends) and instead live in a simple ranch out in the country. Embrace that vibe fully by going cottage-core inspired with your look—pair a chunky knit cardigan with a cropped t-shirt, sleep-shorts, and riding boots. 

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Sunglasses + Printed Wrap Dress + Riding Boots
(Image credit: @luciacuesta_)

Hopefully, by now, we've given you enough tips on how to style riding boots. But should you still be indecisive about what to wear, consider this final outfit idea all you need. Whether you're out in the fields or the fragrance aisle at Sephora, you can't go wrong with wearing your riding boots with a printed wrap dress and tinted sunglasses.

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Jasmine Fox-Suliaman
Editor

Jasmine Fox-Suliaman is a fashion editor living in New York City. What began as a hobby (blogging on Tumblr) transformed into a career dedicated to storytelling through various forms of digital media. She started her career at the print publication 303 Magazine, where she wrote stories, helped produce photo shoots, and planned Denver Fashion Week. After moving to Los Angeles, she worked as MyDomaine's social media editor until she was promoted to work across all of Clique's publications (MyDomaine, Byrdie, and Who What Wear) as the community manager. Over the past few years, Jasmine has worked on Who What Wear's editorial team, using her extensive background to champion rising BIPOC designers, weigh in on viral trends, and profile stars such as Janet Mock and Victoria Monét. She is especially interested in exploring how art, fashion, and pop culture intersect online and IRL.