One of our favourite things to do in autumn and winter is to put on a pair of boots. Boots are one of the most versatile pieces of clothing, and are perfect to pair with everything from jeans, to shorts, to dresses. A shorter, chunkier heel with a round toe is ideal for running errands or Saturday brunch with the girlfriends, while a pointed toe with skinnier heel will dress up your look for dinner.
Boots fit seamlessly into your wardrobe’s repertoire and with the variety of heel heights, fabrics and colours out there, there’s a pair to suit every style. Be it funky, feminine or professional, you’ll pull off the classic or modern look you want if you add boots to the mix.
Classic
1. Black on black
Black on black is bold yet stylish. This look will give you a taller and leaner silhouette. Paired with a high heel, black jeans are ideal for a wintery night on the town. A casual wide heel and chunky sweat or flowing tank top will give you a dynamic, dressed down look that’s perfect when running errands. For an edgy look, go for black denim, a leather jacket, and suede knee high boots.
2. Thigh high and skinny jeans
Thigh high boots are a winter staple. Pair them with skinny jeans, oversized sunnies and a statement belt and you have yourself the perfect outfit. The best thing about thigh high boots – they’ll keep your legs toasty on the coldest of evenings. For a winter night look, pair with a large trench coat.
3. Fold up cuff
Folding up or cuffing your the hem over your boots is a great technique to create a distinct line between your pant and boot. The best jeans for this approach is straight leg or boyfriend jeans, however the look can work with skinny jeans too. Fold the cuff twice by one or two inches and firmly establish a crease using an iron. The perfect lines will give your ensemble a polished look. If you don’t want to look too polished, choose a pair of ripped jeans to balance it out.
4. Coloured jeans and boots
If you’re not afraid to go bold, a pair of black or brown boots looks great when paired with brightly coloured jeans. They are a great way to add some personal style without going over the top. You may choose to tuck the boots under your jeans for a classic look, or if your jeans are a little shorter, they look great as is.
5. Equestrian style
Pair some leather knee-length boots (with or without heels) with a tailored blazer and jeans, plain or patterned, for a classic ‘riders’ look. Or, wear a high-neck skivvy and a low-cut vest as an alternative to wearing a blazer.
Modern
1. Rolled boyfriend jeans and booties
A pair of rolled up cuffed boyfriend jeans and a casual top gives you a relaxed and playful look. Team your ensemble with a pair of super-chic booties and the look instantly becomes trendy. Booties are boots which don’t come up any further than a couple of inches above your ankle. They can have a heel or be flat, but ideally look for cropped shaft and low heel for a versatile silhouette.
2. Shorts and thigh highs
It might be time for the sandals to go away, but that doesn’t mean it’s time to put away the shorts. Denim shorts are a great item for Australian autumn and winter. Pair them with thigh high boots for a chic and classy look. Or, cover your legs with over-knee socks or opaque tights. Carry an oversized bag, pair them with a flannel shirt, or combine with a cardigan, gloves and scarf.
3. Ripped hem
Rip the hem at the bottom of your jeans to just above your ankles. This will enable you to show off your ankle boots without any folds. Use fabric scissors to cut the hem and leave it unhemmed for a distressed look. This works best with straight cut, skinny or boyfriend styles. If you don’t have fabric scissors, pop into your nearest LookSmart Alterations store for a quick cut.
4. Boho boots with denim shorts
Boho boots are perfect for the Australian winter. This style of boot goes perfectly well with denim shorts and a leather jacket for the daytime. But, if it’s a little colder at night, pair these statement boots with a pair of ripped boyfriend jeans to give off carefree vibes.
5. Light wash jeans and bright boots
Light wash denim with bright boots is perfect for stepping out on the weekend. Pair with a great clutch, a statement ring and oversized sunnies for a super glamorous and modern look. You could opt for tight jeans to show off your curves.
Need alterations for your jeans?
There are so many diverse ways you can wear boots with jeans and shorts. If you’ve been inspired to take up a hem, distress the ends, shorten the length and keeping the original finish, or change an old, unused pair into shorts, our expert tailors can help. 120 stores across Australia and New Zealand providing pants shortening, tailoring and repairs.
