Trending Boots and How to Style Them
Published on 07/10/2026While boots were traditionally considered to be cold-weather footwear, they are no longer limited to fall-winter dressing. Depending on their designs, boots can work well across seasons and a wide range of occasions. In this guide, we will detail six trending boot styles — including both statement-making styles and everyday staple styles — and explain how you can style each of them. We will also help you choose the right pair of boots for the intended setting and purpose.
How to Wear Different Boot Styles
Thong Boots
The thong boot is a bold hybrid style that combines elements of thong sandals and classic boots. They typically feature thin straps that sit between the big toes and second toes of the feet, which are connected to V-shaped uppers. This eye-catching design usually comes in two versions — a knee-high silhouette and an ankle-grazing iteration. If you prefer the taller silhouette, read our guide on what to wear with knee-high boots for more styling tips.
Thong boots are considered to be statement footwear as exposed toe straps are unconventional for boots. As such, we recommend that you wear them with clothes that allow them to stand out, such as a minimalist slip dress or an edgy denim mini dress. Keep the rest of the outfit simple — by choosing neutral-toned pieces and wearing minimal jewellery — to make your footwear the focal point of your ensemble. Thong boots are perfect for those who like to experiment with their going-out looks and are not meant to be everyday shoes.
Slouchy Boots
Slouchy boots are typically made with soft leather or suede that gathers and creases around the ankles or calves, rather than sitting fitted against the legs. This flexible construction gives slouchy boots their signature ruched shafts. The relaxed shape of this sophisticated boot style softens a sharp and polished outfit and adds an effortless, lived-in feel — this creates a pleasing visual balance, especially in smart-casual ensembles.
We recommend pairing slouchy boots with a mini skirt or dress to show off their striking texture to full effect. Alternatively, wear them with an oversized top and leggings for a dressed-down look. Choose slouchy boots in suede if you want a softer, more casual vibe and go for smooth leather if you are dressing for a formal-leaning setting. This versatile boot type is easy to style and great for everyday wear. Read our guide on breaking in leather boots to learn how to make these shoes more comfortable to wear.
Animal-Print Boots
Animal-print boots come in a range of finishes, including leopard print, zebra print, croc-effect texture and snake print. Each print conveys a different mood — leopard print is classic and timeless; zebra print is bold and striking; croc-effect is polished and luxurious; snake print is cool and edgy. Put these statement-making boots in the spotlight by pairing them with elegant neutral colours like black, white and beige, rather than having them compete for prominence with other patterns or bright colours.
We recommend pairing animal-print boots with a bag in the same print to create a chic coordinated look. Wearing them with a piece of clothing or accessory in a contrasting print may result in your outfit looking too visually cluttered. Whenever you want a statement piece to build your outfit around, these eye-catching boots will do the trick perfectly.
Buckled Boots
Buckled boots typically feature one or more straps with buckle closures across their ankles or shafts. They are also usually paired with chunky hardware and often have designs that are inspired by biker boots. We recommend pairing buckled boots with feminine clothing, such as a short bubble skirt or a flowy mini dress — the edgy elements of the boots would anchor and contrast with the softness of the look to create stylish visual interest.
Alternatively, you can also wear buckled boots with classic straight-cut jeans and a leather jacket to lean fully into the edgy aesthetic. If an effortless everyday look is what you want, match your buckled boots with a cosy sweater dress. This cool utilitarian boot style is great for those who tend to dress simply and rely on one striking piece to elevate their outfits.
Fold-over Boots
Fold-over boots typically have shafts with cuffed tops that are folded down. They usually range from calf-high to thigh-high. The linings of such boots are often made of materials that are contrasting to their exteriors, so when their tops are folded down, a two-toned effect is achieved.
These versatile boots can be styled in different ways, depending on the look that you are going for. Roll down the cuffs further for a more relaxed feel or keep the shafts higher on your legs if you want a cleaner, more streamlined finish. For everyday wear, we recommend pairing fold-over boots with denim bottoms or a midi dress. This eye-catching boot style is great for those who enjoy standing out but do not want to come across as being too bold.
Convertible Boots
As convertible boots can be worn in more than one way, they offer great style mileage. These innovative boots typically feature detachable shafts that are secured with buckled straps, which can be removed to reveal separate low-cut shoes, such as Mary Janes. As they are effectively two shoes in one, you can choose how you want to wear them, depending on your outfit or the occasion.
This practical style is designed to be wearable in all seasons. Wear them as boots with structured shorts on a chilly day or remove their shafts and pair them with lightweight dresses during the warmer months. Convertible boots are made for those who want to get the most out of their shoes and value designs that are adaptable to different styling needs. For more dress-pairing inspiration, read our guide on the best shoes to wear with dresses.
Match Your Boots to the Occasion
The table below will show you how to match the occasion to the boot types that is most suitable for it.
| Occasion | Recommended Boot Style(s) | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
|
Work and Errands |
Convertible Boots
|
The structured shapes of these boots look put together enough for the office. Convertible designs are adaptable to your changing needs as you move from desk to errand runs. |
|
Weekend and Downtime |
Slouchy Boots |
The relaxed fit and soft construction of these boots make them comfortable enough for a full day of casual wear. |
|
Date Night |
Buckled Boots |
The outstanding details on these boots give them a slightly elevated look. Yet, they are still versatile and understated enough to go well with a wide range of date-night outfits. |
|
Night Out |
Thong Boots |
These boots’ bold silhouettes and prints are designed to stand out rather than blend in, making them great choices for confident night-out ensembles. |
We hope that this guide is useful in helping you choose the right pair of boots. Whether you are looking for a versatile style that you can wear every day or a statement-making pair that set you apart from the crowd, there is something here that will suit your needs and preferences.
Browse our extensive collection of boots, featuring everything from classic slouchy boots to innovative convertible boots, to find your new favourite pair that will serve you well through the seasons and years.