The Unexpected Shoe Style Fashion People Are Reaching for This Summer

A woman sitting on a bench wearing a white button-up blouse, a red skirt, and brown knee-high boots.

(Image credit: @rubylyn_)

Sandals and flats? Too predictable. This summer, fashion people are opting for a knee-high style instead. Whether it's cowgirl, chunky, or a sleek moto style, pairing these bold boots with long linen shorts, satin skirts, and cotton mini-dresses creates a textural contrast that is just so satisfying and effortlessly cool.

I’ve dedicated a whole IG folder to this “wrong-shoe theory” win, and the secret I’ve discovered is finding that right balance between edgy and airy. The boots bring weight and attitude, while the softer pieces keep it light and season-appropriate.

These looks aren’t solely about mixing up texture—they’re also about changing expectations. Who says boots can’t be a summer shoe staple? So just for you, here are 7 of my favorite knee-high boot summer looks that do it right.

Brown Boots + White Blouse + Knee-Length Skirt

Knee-length skirts are a big part of the knee-high boot movement. Where the skirt hem ends, the boot picks right up, creating this gorgeous silhouette.

A woman sitting down wearing a red skirt, a white blouse, and brown leather tall boots.

(Image credit: @rubylyn_)

Shop the Look

Mid-Calf Moto Boots + Pleated Skirt + Blouse

A mid-calf moto boot instantly elevates any summer outfit. Try coordinating your boots with your bag for a look that feels thoughtful and pulled together.

A woman standing wearing a white collared blouse, a pleated skirt, and black leather motor boots.

(Image credit: @susiegarvie)

Shop the Look

Lace-Up Boots + Boxer Shorts + Hair Scarf

A lace-up detailing can soften the overall vibe, so pair it with some boxer shorts for that perfect balance. Bonus points if you add a crochet hair scarf.

A woman standing wearing stripped boxer shorts, a blue sweater, and laced-up grey boots.

(Image credit: @tia_dewitt)

Shop the Look

Tall Black Boots + Cotton Mini-Dress + Bucket Bag

Ground a breezy white cotton mini-dress with a heavy pair of tall black boots. Trust me, the contrast is so flattering.

A woman wearing a white collared dress, black tall boots, and a wicker bucket bag.

(Image credit: @makenna_alyse)

Shop the Look

Heeled Knee-High Boots + Slip Skirt + Tee

An all-black outfit with a chic pair of knee-high heeled boots is so stylish—and not to mention, easy to replicate.

A woman standing wearing a black slip skirt, tall black boots, and a basic black tee.

(Image credit: @anaasaber)

Shop the Look

Tall Moto Boots + Linen Shorts + Basic Tee

Keeping with that monochrome feel, try an all-white look with leather accents and tall moto boots for that unexpectedly cool vibe.

A woman standing wearing knee-length white shorts, a belt, a white tee, and brown leather motor boots.

(Image credit: @daughterofahoarder)

Shop the Look

Cowgirl Boots + Floral Dress + Sunnies

And don’t forget to play around with prints. A floral dress paired with cowgirl boots gives just the right mix of rugged and sweet.

A woman sitting down on a bench wearing brown leather cowgirl boots, a floral print dress, and sunglasses.

(Image credit: @tia_dewitt)

Shop the Look

Shop More Knee-High Boots

Assistant Shopping Editor