How To Style Boots For The Summer

Once the snow thaws, the flowers bloom, and the summer heat takes hold, you know it's officially time to swap your heavy coats for bikinis and welcome the hottest season of the year. While that sounds like everything we want right now, don't be so quick to hide away your boots in a storage container. While fur-lined or shearling booties can go for now, there are tons of boot styles that work great for summer. It's all about how you style them. As stars like Irina Shayk, Rihanna, and Bella Hadid show, boots can be a summer staple, adding street-style cool to frothy mini dresses and flowery skirts.

As Who What Wear points out, "boots are a great way to freshen your summer looks," creating an unexpected twist that's worlds away from your go-to gladiator sandals and slides. And don't worry about the sweltering heat: Going for boots with cutouts or perforated details can keep you cool, and you can also stick to weather-appropriate ankle boots. Either way, pairing your booties with skirts, shorts, and dresses can keep you from sweating and create a really cute contrast all at once. So where to start? Here's everything you need to know about styling your boots for the summer.

Bella Hadid is known for pairing grungy black leather booties with denim miniskirts, creating a moto-approved look that can take you from the grocery store all the way to Coachella. Top off the look with black cat-eye sunnies and a simple white crop top — basic in all the best ways. Another great trend to embrace? Western-inspired cowboy boots. Editorialist recommends pairing classic cowboy boots with a black bodysuit and a maxi skirt with a slit, opting for a look that's slightly sexy while minimalist, too.

Another way to wear boots for the summer is going for combat boots in unexpected prints and colors, such as light pink tie-dye, florals, or a caramel brown (via Marie Claire). This boot style is comfy, can be worn for any occasion imaginable (except the beach — maybe), and pairs perfectly with fashion-forward midi skirts or cut-off denim shorts and a band tee. 

If you love cottagecore and prairie style, opt for a floral maxi or midi dress with puff sleeves and buttons, pairing it with simple suede booties (via Vogue). Topped off with gold coin necklaces and heirloom rings, your look will have vintage appeal that's "Little House on the Prairie" meets the fashion set.

Other great boot looks for summer? This season is all about boho fashion: breezy looks that keep you cool while exuding chill vibes and vacation-ready style. Try a '70s-style floral mini dress with ruffles and puff sleeves, pairing it with edgy black boots and a fringe purse. Similarly, for nighttime, go for a black suede mini skirt with fringe, an embellished top, and black lace-up booties — a modern take on Penny Lane from "Almost Famous" (minus the fur coat!). Although it's probably best to stick to ankle boots for summer fashion, you can also go for slouchy knee-highs, matching them with a gauzy floral midi dress.

As Azyaa Mode recommends, you should probably avoid fur boots, over-the-knee boots, and "all things fuzzy," which can prove too warm during the sweltering summer temps. Instead, opt for low suede booties, open-toe boots, anything with cut-outs, and biker boots that will add edge to any outfit. For accessories, add boho flair with a rancher or wide fedora hat, lots of gold and silver rings, and stacked bracelets. Summer boot looks pair great with suede and leather crossbody bags, giving your 'fit some on-the-go cool while being convenient, too. 

All in all, summer boots are a seasonal staple you'll want to reach for time and time again.