How To Wear and Style White Boots 

It’s been a minute since I did an outfits-focused post here on the blog so I’m so excited to be back into them today and kick things off with one of the most-worn items in my wardrobe, no matter the season.

I have never really owned a pair of white boots until last year and now I’m wondering what the heck I was doing without them.

I’m going to share some of my favorite outfits with white boots that I’ve worn—both short and tall—my tips for styling them, and some of my current favorite white boots you should consider adding to your closet. 

Why white boots?

When we think neutrals we tend to think of tans and nudes, but white is a neutral too! Because white is so simple, it goes with pretty much everything. Unlike more bold colors, white won’t clash with your outfit no matter what you pair it with.

I’m not someone who is able to live by the capsule wardrobe mindset (not for lack of trying!), but if I ever had to pair down my wardrobe, white boots would absolutely be staying.

They are really versatile and pair well with lots of different styles of clothing, from more feminine items to easy, throw-on dresses.

Not to mention, there are so many different styles of white boots! From cowboy to Chelsea, there are tons of options no matter what your personal style looks like. 

How to wear white boots

I have found plenty of ways to style white boots regardless of the season, which is why they’ve become such a wardrobe staple for me.

When it comes to styling outfits with white boots, I do recommend planning an outfit around them so you at least know one piece of your look without question. 

You can think about wearing white boots with a statement piece like a colorful mini dress, or go the more neutral route and pair them with dark wash jeans and a t-shirt. 

Shop these looks:

Outfits to wear with white boots

Looking back on some of my favorite outfits from the last year, I can see all of the different ways I’ve styled white boots.

I love that depending on what clothing I choose to pair them, I can easily change up my style. 

I can be ultra girly, like with a flouncy, patterned mini dress or I can be more low-key and casual by pairing them with mom jeans and a vest.

When it comes to single piece outfits, I love wearing white boots with dresses, rompers, and jumpsuits.

They’re also fun to style with more classic combinations like jeans and a t-shirt, a blouse and a pair of trousers, or a skirt and sweater during transitional weather in the spring and fall. 

Dressed up or dressed down?

I love how easily white boots can be dressed up or dressed down.

If you ask me it all comes down to fabric and material of the other items that you choose to pair them your white boots.

For example, when I pair my white boots with a denim jacket or a pair of jeans, it instantly becomes more casual and dressed down. One of my favorite examples of this is this outfit I wore this spring, featuring a floral mini dress and a fringed denim jacket.

However, pairing them with leather pieces instantly elevates them further, like this leather blazer I got a few seasons back.

I also think pairing them with black or white will always look sleek as well because monochrome looks are always in style.

Heel color

One thing to consider when you’re buying white boots is the color of the heel, or if the boots don’t have a heel the color of the sole.

You may not stop to think about the bottom of your shoes often (and I can’t say I blame you) but, in this case if the bottom is slightly visible from the side, it can definitely impact the overall look of your outfit.

Let me explain more:

  • White heel: this gives you a very 60’s-inspired, mod look which is exactly what I love about the tall white pair that is pictured throughout the photos in this post

  • Tan heel: the tan heel gives you a more boho, casual look since earth tones tend to call those natural vibes to mind 

  • Black heel: will instantly give you a city-chic vibe that almost feels to have a pop-punk edge to it (think Avril Lavigne)

  • Colorful heel: this is an ultra-bold combination that I’d recommend for a daring fashionista who loves maximalist style and making a statement

Hem length vs boot style

Something that I know a lot of shoppers struggle with is deciding which pieces to pair with white boots.

For me the easiest way to think about it is to choose a hem length for your bottoms based on the height of your boots.

Here are three varying heights of white boots and my fool-proof recommendations for what to pair them with.

Tall boots

  • Wear with: mini dresses, skinny jeans or tights

Mid-calf boots

  • Wear with: long-sleeve mini dresses, long-line shorts

Ankle boots

  • Wear with: flare or bootcut pants, midi or maxi dresses

Shop these boots:

As you can see, in general I find that opposites attract. If you’re going for an ankle boot, pairing them with a midi dress allows you to show them off.

But, if you’re wearing tall boots you may want to pair them with a shorter hemline so that more focus can be on the boots.

If it’s cold out and you want to wear taller boots, you can still choose something with a short hemline and add tights or you can swap in skinny jeans that won’t bulk under the boots you’re wearing.

Other styling tips to try

Interested in more styling tips for white boots? I’ve got you!

First, try pairing them with a bold color. With white boots you may turn to other neutrals on autopilot, but really white is the perfect shade to try with something vibrant because it will give you an anchor.

One of my favorite outfits of all time was this bright fuschia sweater with my leather pants and my trusty white ankle boots that I wore last winter during New York Fashion Week. 

Another styling hack that I love that always makes me feel more put together is to match the color of my accessories.

So for example, if you’ve got your white boots you can try matching your bag, sunglasses, or hair accessories to your look to help make it more cohesive.

How to keep white boots clean

If you’re like me and you live in a city, the thought of buying white shoes in the first place might make you hesitant.

Luckily for us, it’s actually easier than you think to keep your white shoes clean!

One of the best things you can do is prep your shoes before you ever wear them outside.

You can use a protective spray (just make sure you read up on them and ensure they’re safe for whatever material your boots are made of) to add a layer to fend off dirt and water.

If your shoes do get dirty, using a magic eraser is a great option to clean them yourself! One Amazon reviewer mentioned that she uses a magic eraser to clean the soles of her shoes all the time. 

Don’t want to buy a brand new product just for cleaning your shoes? I’ve used nail polish remover before to get rid of scuff marks on white leather sneakers and boots too!

I would strongly recommend testing this on a small section of the shoe that you don’t care about to make sure it works the way you want it to.

Styles of white boots

The choices are basically limitless when it comes to finding the perfect white boots for your wardrobe. Some of my favorite styles include:

  • Over-the-knee

  • Knee-high

  • Mid-calf

  • Cowboy

  • Biker

  • Heeled

  • Chelsea

  • Ankle

I’ve gone ahead and pulled some of the cutest options that are currency available that you can browse below!

Shop white boots:

There are so many cute outfits to wear with white boots and I hope this post gave you tons of inspiration for how to style white boots.

Do you have more questions about styling white boots? Did you have a favorite outfit from this post? Leave me a comment and let me know!

yours,

Austen