Yes, You Can Wear Ankle Boots in the Summer—Here Are 16 Ways to Do It

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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 in an effort 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 the 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. 

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Sunglasses + Baby T-Shirt + Belt + Denim Maxi Skirt + Metallic Ankle Boots
(Image credit: @hannamw)

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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Sunglasses + Denim Jacket + Wide-Leg Jeans + Ankle Boots + Belt + Metallic Bag
(Image credit: @littleblackboots)

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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Pretty Dress + Ankle Boots
(Image credit: @chainkyr)

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 ankle boots. I recommend trying moto boots, but any style will work. 

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Army Jacket + Tank + Designer Belt + Miniskirt + Combat Ankle Boots + Shoulder Bag
(Image credit: @sofiamcoelho)

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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Off-the-Shoulder Top + Denim Skirt + Ankle Boots
(Image credit: @alllisonho)

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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Oversize Blazer + T-Shirt + Shorts + Handbag + Ankle Boots
(Image credit: @chanelmckinsie)

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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Oversize Flannel + Tank + Denim Shorts + Cowboy Ankle Boots
(Image credit: @meganadelaide)

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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Layered Chains + Sheer Lace Dress + Undergarments + Ankle Boots + Mini Handbag
(Image credit: @vivian.yrl)

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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Floral Wrap Dress + Shoulder Bag + Combat Boots
(Image credit: @tamaramory)

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 wrap dress and shoulder bag. It's a failproof formula, every time. 

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Sunglasses + Oversize Colorful Button-Down + Miniskirt + Chelsea Ankle Boots
(Image credit: @scoutthecity)

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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Sunglasses + Oversize Blazer + Belt + Ankle Boots + Clutch
(Image credit: @xbibigul)

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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Sunglasses + Earrings + Muscle T-Shirt + Belt + Trousers + Ankle Boots
(Image credit: @gosiaboy)

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 (e.g., 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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Sunglasses + Shirtdress + Shoulder Bag + Ankle Boots
(Image credit: @astyleedit)

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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Matching Set + Choker Necklace + Chain Belt + Ankle Boots + Shoulder Bag
(Image credit: @shhtephs)

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 own style. 

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Sporty Sunglasses + Tank + Bermuda Shorts + Chelsea Boots + Shoulder Bag
(Image credit: @greceghanem)

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 your 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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Rimless Sunglasses + Leather Bomber Jacket + Pleated Miniskirt + Ankle Boots + Handbag
(Image credit: @georgia_3.0)

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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Next: 35 Outfits That Make Basic White Sneakers Look Peak 2023

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.