There's one shoe style I return to again and again, regardless of the season, and that's boots. Let's be honest. In the UK, a shower-free summer is never guaranteed. A cloudy morning can turn into anything, from a light mist to a full-blown downpour. Although I love flirting with trendy thong sandals and rope-soled options, a summer outfit with boots is my go-to when the temperature dips and the skies inevitably turn.
Now, I know what you're thinking: Summer styling plus shoe options equals sandals. I love a pair of sandals as much as the next person, but boots, especially when paired with warm-weather outfits, provide a level of practicality needed for British summertime. Plus, timeless boots are guaranteed to go with everything in your capsule wardrobe. That's a bonus!
It's not just us Brits who love a summer outfit with boots. Having deep dived into my social feeds, I noticed some of the most stylish dressers, from Paris and London to Copenhagen and L.A., are all booted this summer too. All that's left now is for you to pick your player! Will it be cowboy boots or a moto biker style? Traditional riding boots or classic knee-high boots? Thankfully, all styles seem to be having their moment in the sun. As for how to wear them, keep scrolling to see seven of my favorite summer outfit-and-boot pairings for the season ahead.
Summer Outfits With Boots
1. Frye Boots + Jorts + Off-the-Shoulder Tee
Style Notes: I first discovered Frye boots on American fashion-person TikTok, and I've been obsessed ever since. There's a vintage je ne sais quois to them that brings elevation to any outfit. A key rule that I try to stick to when styling jorts and boots is that it's okay to show some leg! By leaning into this look, your outfit will have a relaxed pull-on-and-go feel. These boots also work just as well with a maxi or miniskirt on cooler days as they do with a dropped-waist dress when the sun's out.
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I have seen a few people on socials style these boots with a trendy silk scarf.
Agolde
Ellis Mid-Rise Denim Bermuda Shorts
Jorts with a Bermuda finish—what's not to love?
Na-kd
Soft Line Draped Top
This is the kind of off-the-shoulder top I would choose, as I feel it looks far more expensive than its £26 price tag.
& Other Stories
Large Patent-Leather Tote Bag
If you need a new throw-everything-in-and-go bag, look no further.
2. Brown Knee-High Boots + White Linen Skirt + Striped Tee
Style Notes: At some point, I feel like we've all owned a pair of brown knee-high riding boots. They haven't been on my radar for a while, but now, they are firmly back, and I can't wait to work out multiple ways to style them. A pared-back, simple style, this silhouette perfectly balances playfulness with sophistication. With so much of your lower half covered, they'll keep you warm in cooler temperatures.
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Reformation
Nancy Knee Boot
I far prefer a darker shade than a lighter one, and this Reformation pair is sure to earn you compliments.
ALIGNE
Natalie Elasticated Cotton Midi Skirt
With natural volume due to its A-line finish, this skirt is perfect for warmer weather.
Maje
Rib Knit Top With Boat Neck
Anthropologie
The Love Knot Slouchy Bag: Buckle Edition
3. Brown Moto Boots + Lace Skirt + Graphic Tee
Style Notes: When I bought my biker boots last year, I never thought that the moto trend would be as big as it is now. Easy to style, they're shoes I turn to as soon as the weather starts to grey. For a casual look, wear them tucked under jeans and with a denim jacket in the Canadian tuxedo kind of way. When it warms, just switch your bottom half for shorts! A foundational look to my off-duty wardrobe is styling these as Millie Holmes (pictured above) has, wearing these boots with a graphic tee and lace maxi skirt for a look as elevated as it is cool.
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Cruel Pancake
Off-White Kiss Me T Shirt
I have been eyeing up this Cruel Pancake tee for some time now, and having seen it on Holmes, I think I just might have to take the plunge.
Reformation
Mirabelle Knit Skirt
The bag every editor owns and loves.
These feel like summer personified in the best way.
4. Black Pointed-Toe Heeled Boots + Black Lace Skirt + Black Leather Jacket
Style Notes: An all-black look is considered chic for any occasion, and for me, Tobi Ojora absolutely aces the long-skirt-and-boot combination. The key to pulling off a long skirt with boots is to ensure the hem of your skirt falls just below the tops of your boots so no skin shows when you're standing. Finish the look with pointed-toe boots and a touch of leather via a jacket, and you've created an outfit that's as cool as it is polished.
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A slight flare gives movement, whilst the high waist makes this skirt ideal for wearing under oversized shirts and blazers.
MANGO
Leather Pointed Ankle Boots
These are the perfect black ankle boots. I have a feeling these will sell out quickly!
NOUR HAMMOUR
Ariste Oversized Paneled Leather Jacket
Leather in the summer? When you live in the UK, honestly anything goes.
A structured silhouette with a silver bamboo clasp, this elevated basic from Longchamp is sure to become a wardrobe staple fast.
5. Square-Toe Boots + Bermuda Shorts
Style Notes: Some boots can feel harder to style than others. Enter square-toe biker boots. If jorts and the Gen Z aesthetic aren't your thing, these Sons of Anarchy–adjacent shoes might not seem like the obvious choice. But styled right, they can shift from tough to cool. Take a cue from Izabella Lilly (pictured above) and create contrast. Think khaki Bermuda shorts, a crisp white tee and a soft milk-brown bag to create a look that feels as casual as it does considered.
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Nobodys Child
Ava Bermuda Shorts
This went straight into my basket.
Reiss
Cotton-Jersey Crew Neck T-Shirt
The rolled sleeves are a perfect finishing touch.
ASOS DESIGN
Cyrus Leather Harness Knee Boot
With a Western edge that would pair perfectly with all of your Cowboy Carter–inspired looks.
GINA TRICOT
Small Bowling Shoulder Bag
An influencer's favourite.
6. Biker Boots + Ruffled Miniskirt + Scooped-Neck Vest
Style Notes: Temi Ojora's approach to moto boots is a master class in modern edge. With the boots' clompy soles and heavy buckles, this outfit combination is often seen on the festival circuit, as it creates a dressed-down take that still feels directional. If you're looking to elevate the boots even more, why not pair them with fresh white jeans, a crisp tee and a soft suede bag? Sometimes, simple really is best!
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The Frankie Shop
Blake Pleated Miniskirt
This skirt has school connotations and is one I would choose over a ruffled mini with these boots. Available with a matching blazer, it creates a look I'm thoroughly obsessed with!
This is an unlikely summer hero, but it just works.
If you're looking for something Miu Miu–esque, these are a great alternative.
7. Brown Boots + Broderie Skirt + Barn Jacket
Style Notes: Remember when I said boots work hard with both your summer and winter wardrobes? Chloe Butler proves just that. Pairing pieces that we gravitate towards in autumn, like a barn jacket and tall leather boots, with summer pieces such as a broderie miniskirt and striped tee means you can make your capsule wardrobe work so much harder for you. This is a smart way to extend the life of your summer wardrobe. You'll be getting more wear out of your favourite pieces, forecast be damned.
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Frame
The Deco Embroidered Cotton Miniskirt
The embroidered eyelets are a simple yet elegant detail.
ARKET
Lined Canvas Jacket
This looks almost exactly like the jacket that Butler is wearing in the image above.
Gianvito Rossi
Santiago Knee-High Leather Boots
Balancing comfort and style is a hard feat, but Gianvito Rossi boots make it look incredibly easy. With their timeless quality, I am constantly impressed by the craftsmanship of the brand's shoes.
