We over here at A Creative Cliché love a good pair of boots. Whether it’s a sweet bootie or a sky high style, a good boot can easily take an outfit up severals notches. One does have to be careful about who they’re styling their boots. It’s very easy to add a pair and make the entire proportions of an outfit feel off. Depending the length and style of your boot will determine the length of skirt or pants you should wear with them. Some combos might cause you took shorter than you truly are or too clunky and heavy. Here’s a quick guide to reference for your next boot purchase this fall.

The Ankle

The ankle boot or bootie can be a tricky style to pair in your closet. Because the majority of them hit right above the ankle, it makes it very difficult tower certain pant lengths. If you’re going to rock this style, make sure your bottoms are super short to show off all your legs or fully covered by the bottoms you choose. A midi dress or pant that stops right at the ankle will look awkward and threw off the lines of your body.

If you love a Chelsea boot but want the style to have a little more pizzaz, then find a pair with a good heel. It will elevate you, create a longer line and a more chic vibe. Also, have fun with the colors and texture of your boots. A clean black leather bootie is a key staple, but feel free to look into suede and other neutral colors like brown, cream, and grey.

A bootie is also the perfect time to get funky with your shoe choice. Because it’s the shortest of the boot styles, a funky color or bedazzling won’t feel as over the time and extreme since it’s only flashy at the lower part of your outfit.

There is one pretty much universal ankle bootie that can be worn no matter the length of your skirt or pants, and that’s the bootie that ends right below the ankle bone. This style won’t compete with an ankle pant because the line ends right for the pant begins. If you like this style of boot and can find one in your size, the then grab it immediately because they are few and far between.

The Mid-Calf

The mid-calf boot is the broadest category is some ways because the high of the boot can vary. It goes from around two inches above the ankle to around two inches below the knee. This style is best under a wider, looser pant similar to an ankle boot. Make sure if you’re pairing these boots with pants and skirts that the outline of the boot isn’t being shown. If you are going to wear them outside your pants, make sure the the pair you choose is skinny, smoother and tight to the body. These can be worn with long skirts and dress, but also midi and minis too. Just be cautious of where the boot ends and where your bottoms begin. You don’t want an awkward sliver of skin poking through. Think of creating a sleek and clean line.

This style is often seen as a sock boot or similar silhouette where the boot clings tight to the legs. This is also a good time to try out a combat boot if that is your style. The extra length going up the leg adds the chunky, rocker aesthetic.

The Knee High

The knee high boot had a mini disappearing act over the last few years, but is slowly starting to make its way back on the scene. This boot, especially is a classic black leather, can really elevate an outfit. This length is best paired with shorter lengths. It’s also great under your maxi and midis during the cooler months to help keep you warm. Similar to the mid calf length, you have to be aware when styling the knee high boot under pants. You don’t want the outline to show through. If the pant has an ample amount of space in the calf, and the boot hugs the your leg a decent amount, you should be fine. The best way to avoid this though is to find a knee high boot that fits snug on the calf and maybe even have a little elastic in the back to really keep a tight hold. You can also easily pair this style over your pants as long as the pants are skinny, smooth and tight to the body.

Feel free to have fun with style as well. As easy way to add some texture that isn’t too bold is to choose a suede material or croc embossed pair. The suede has a warmer, casual, down-to-earth type of feel, while the croc embossed gives glam and slightly eccentric.

The Thigh-High

There’s a misconception that thigh-high or over-the-knee boots make the wearer appear promiscuous. The style can add a certain sex appeal, but the boot technically just covers more skin, leaving more to the imagination. It’s also a great way to stay warm during the fall when paired with tights and sweater dress or during the winter over skinny jeans. Shorter bottoms really allows this boot to shine. A longer skirt or pant over the boot will make it difficult to wear because the style has a tendency to bunch up which will be seen through your clothes.

The style is definitely bold and daring and not for the faint of heart. But if those are words your closet already reflects, consider adding a black leather pair to live out your matrix dreams. Or go striking with a white or other bold color. Or keep it sweet and wholesome with a suede in a neutral like navy or tan.

Summary

There’s a boot for any bottom you decide to wear, but not every boot works for every bottom. The main idea is to not break your line or create an awkward proportions. Mini lengths work with everything, but midi lengths don’t work with booties or mid calf unless the shoe is fully covered nor thigh-high because of the likely bulging that will occur. Keep in mind a knee-high is a very chic option that can work a lot of outfits if the boot remains tight to the body with little to no gapping. Experiment with colors and textures that will work well with your wardrobe and maybe even get you outside of your comfort zone. The world of boots is yours to explore.