How to Wear Combat Boots

Co-authored by Jordan Stolch

Last Updated: December 6, 2021 References

Nope, they're not just for the 90s anymore—combat boots are back in a big way, and they're super easy to style into fun, fashionable outfits. These boots are rugged enough to create an intriguing contrast with fancier clothes and simple enough to work with casual outfits while giving them a slight touch of visual interest. You can easily use the boots to create an updated take on the androgynous look that's stylish, classy, and unique.^{[1]
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Jordan Stolch
Image Consultant & Style Advisor
Expert Interview. 25 September 2020.}

1

Choose a feminine dress for a sophisticated look.

Short and long dresses both work with combat boots. For a simple but classy outfit, pair combat boots with a short, structured dress in a solid color or bold print. If you want a more carefree look, opt for a longer, flowy dress that falls just above the top of the boots with a small print, like florals or mini polka dots.^{[2]
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- If you're going to be wearing the outfit to work or school with a short dress, make sure it's an appropriate length so you're not violating the dress code.
- A colourful dress should be the centre of your outfit so opt for black or grey combat boots so they don't steal the show.
- Black or brown boots with a knee-length bohemian style dress and a little crop jacket will contrast an ethereal look with the edgier vibe of the boot.^{[3]
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2

Coordinate a nice blouse with a pair of short boots.

A soft blouse will contrast with tough boots. Choose a flowy blouse in a light color, like white, pastel pink, or pale yellow. Opt for a shirt with girly details like lace, ruffles, or frills. Tuck the top into a professional-looking skirt or cropped pants, and go for a pair of shorter boots to show off some ankle.^{[4]
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- For an edgier look, you can leave part of the shirt untucked to give off a “high fashion” vibe.
- To keep with the soft and feminine vibe of a blouse, stick to a warm brown combat boot unless you're looking for contrast.

3

Wear a skirt with your boots for a feminine look.

Give off romantic 90s vibes. Go for a black, gray, or tan pencil skirt that hits just above the knee to keep the outfit looking balanced and professional. If you're wearing a more structured top, select a looser skirt with ruffles or pleats.^{[5]
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- Avoid wearing a maxi skirt with your boots, as this can make the look unprofessional and disheveled by hiding the top edge of the shoes.
- If it's chilly outside, you can throw on a pair of opaque, black, or colored tights to keep your legs warm while also looking chic!
- To add even more femininity to the look, look for lace or knit boot socks or cuffs. These can soften the look of structured black boots that might otherwise look out of place.

4

Put on a cardigan with ankle-height boots for a professional look.

You'll be warm and put-together. If you're wearing a more structured top, add a fitted cardigan sweater over your shirt to make the look more sophisticated. You could also try out a lace cardigan with a simple blouse and pencil skirt for an ultra-feminine look.
- Cardigans are also great for keeping warm as the weather gets cooler. Keep one on hand to dress up any outfit when the temperatures cool down!

5

Pair cropped dress pants with shorter boots for an effortless, stylish outfit.

Choose pants in dark colors like navy, brown, gray, or black. Go for a skinny or slim cut that falls just above the ankle, like cropped jeans or cigarette pants. If your pants are slightly too long, try rolling them up once to show a bit of skin between the top of the boot and the pants.^{[6]
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- Wear black skinny jeans to create a slightly dressier look while elongating your leg.

6

Wear tights or leggings tucked into slouchy combat boots.

Tights and leggings will balance your chunkier boots. If the weather is a little chilly, keep your legs warm by throwing on a pair of leggings beneath your skirt and tuck them into the boots. Black or dark brown leggings will make your legs look slim to contrast with the chunkier boots, giving off a casual vibe.^{[7]
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- For a more feminine look, try wearing tights or leggings that have a slight shimmer to them to draw attention to your legs and shoes!

7

Get a pair of distressed or acid-wash skinny jeans for a 90's-inspired look.

Look for a pair of light-wash jeans with rips in the knee or a frayed hem. Opt for a baggier style, and roll up the hem 1-2 times to show off the top of your boots. If you already have a pair of regular light-wash jeans, you can rub sandpaper over the knees a few times to give them a destroyed look!^{[8]
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- If you want to pay tribute to the 90's in a more subtle way, simply pair the boots with light-wash jeans without rips or tears.
- Throw on a motorcycle, leather, or suede jacket with some dark jeans for an edgier look.^{[9]
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8

Opt for a simple t-shirt or sweater in a solid color for your top.

A fitted t-shirt or tank top creates a very casual look. It's perfect for an ordinary day around the town. If you want to go for something a little more special, you could opt for a fitted blouse, chunky sweater, or button-down shirt.^{[10]
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- Plain colors are ideal for a laid back look, but a bold pattern in a vibrant color can also make a fashionable statement.
Tip: Layer a fitted button-up blouse under a chunky sweater with skinny jeans and combat boots for a casual, stylish look.

9

Put on a loose plaid shirt to pay homage to the grunge era.

Show off your inner grunge rocker. To give your tribute to grunge an update, choose a shirt that nips in slightly at the natural waist and leave it partially or fully unbuttoned to reveal your shirt underneath. Stick to the classic red-and-black color scheme, or go for something a little more modern like yellow-and-black or blue-and-black.^{[11]
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- If you don't want to wear the shirt all day, try tying it around your waist with the sleeves in a knot in the front of your body.

10

Tie the boots loosely for a disheveled look.

This will make your look more casual. Most traditional pairs of combat boots have tight, heavy-duty laces that go up the front of the boots. Untie them and pull on the laces in various sections to make them look mismatched and undone. For an even more casual look on shorter boots, you can remove the laces altogether as long as your foot stays in the boot.
- For taller boots, it's best to leave the laces in and untie them slightly. Removing the lace completely can make it difficult to walk!

11

Wear a pair of rugged combat boots for a laid-back style.

The more broken-in, the better. Choose a pair of combat boots that have been scuffed or polished to make the leather softer. These boots will likely be more comfortable, but won't have a structured look to them.^{[12]
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Where to Find Rugged Boots

Thrift and antique stores: Most thrift stores have an abundance of broken in and well-loved boots from name brands.

Online resale stores: Sites like eBay, Poshmark, and ThredUp normally have a wide selection of used combat boots.

12

Go for polished, new-looking boots for dressing up.

Worn boots are often too casual for dressing up. Choose a pair of newer, structured boots that haven't had much wear for a cohesive look. Pick a classic pair in black or brown leather, and make sure there are no scuffs or marks on the material.^{[13]
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- There are also many new combat boots available in vegan leather, which is a newer development in fashion. Most vintage boots are made of traditional leather products.

13

Opt for colored boots to add some interest to your outfit.

Combat boots come in every color, and even some patterns. Go for a bright color like red or white, which will coordinate with many outfits. Make sure the color is uniform all over the boot, with no discoloration on the toe or heel area, which can be a sign of wear.^{[14]
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- Make sure you choose a color that will go with what you normally wear. For example, if you wear a lot of bright, light colors, like pastels and light-wash jeans, white boots will pair perfectly with these color schemes.

14

Pick a pair of boots with embellishments for a hint of femininity.

1
You can find boots with rhinestone studs, buckles, or embroidery. Choose a pair that are sturdy, and try on the boots make sure the embellishments don't affect the fit of the shoes.^{[15]
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- Keep in mind that boots with a lot of rhinestones and embellishments may begin to look worn fairly quickly, since some rhinestones might fall off. Save the receipt and take the boots back to the store if this happens within the store's time frame for returns. For higher end brands, the store will often replace or repair the boots for you.
2
Choose a boot with a chunky heel to elongate your legs. Combat boots tend to have a slight 1 inch (2.5 cm) heel. If you're looking for a more feminine pair, try on boots have have a 3–4 inches (7.6–10.2 cm) heel, which can make you look taller.^{[16]
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- Make sure you can walk in the boots comfortably before you purchase them!

Expert Q&A
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Question

How do you wear combat boots in 2020?

Jordan Stolch
Image Consultant & Style Advisor
Jordan Stolch is an Image Strategist, Style Advisor, and the Founder of MiKADO - a concierge personal styling firm. With over a decade of experience, Jordan specializes in helping people eliminate the confusion and insecurities associated with how to dress in order to build a powerful image and use clothing to their strategic advantage. Jordan trains entrepreneurs, business leaders, and corporate executives in the foundations of "power dressing", from some of the country's preeminent companies such as Morgan Stanley, Deloitte, Berkshire Hathaway, Universal Music Group, Starbucks, and Disney. She works with clients both in-person and virtually, teaching them how to take the confusion out of style so they can operate at a higher level. Jordan earned her BA in Psychology from the University of Waterloo and studied Merchandise Marketing at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIDM).

Jordan Stolch

Image Consultant & Style Advisor

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

Combat boots are very popular right now. For an androgynous look, leather combat boots and a suede or leather motorcycle jacket with dark jeans is great. For a more feminine look, try black or brown boots with a shorter dress that's not too footed. This will contrast the feminine vibe of the dress with the edgier vibe of the boot.
Question

What could I do if I'm a guy?

Community Answer

Wear them with a pair of ripped jeans or skinny jeans and a plaid or plain top.