The Unexpected Shoe Style Fashion People Are Reaching For This Summer

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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 they’re Western, chunky, or a sleek moto style, pairing these bold boots with long linen shorts, satin skirts, and cotton minidresses creates a textural contrast that is just so satisfying and effortlessly cool. The attitude of the boots works beautifully when paired with soft, elegant pieces. That's the magic to this summer trend.

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. So just for you, here are seven of my favorite knee-high-boot summer looks that do it right.

Brown Boots + White Blouse + Knee-Length Skirt

You can't talk knee-high boots without mentioning knee-length skirts. They are central to the movement. Where the skirt hem ends, it kisses the top of the boot for a chic silhouette.

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

(Image credit: @rubylyn_)

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Mid-Calf Moto Boots + Pleated Skirt + Blouse

So edgy. So cool. I love a mid-calf moto boot and a pleated skirt. The pairing instantly elevates any summer 'fit. Bonus points if you bookend the finish of your boots to your bag. Looks so put-together.

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

(Image credit: @susiegarvie)

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Lace-Up Boots + Boxer Shorts + Hair Scarf

These boots look lovely laced up. The bow detailing softens the vibe when paired with some fun boxer shorts. Add a crochet hair scarf as a fun accessory.

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

(Image credit: @tia_dewitt)

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Tall Black Boots + Cotton Minidress + Bucket Bag

Take a page out of NYC influencer Makenna's lookbook and ground a light white cotton minidress with a pair of heavy knee-high boots. They balance each other out. And with a basket bag, you're look is ready for a picnic in Central Park.

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

(Image credit: @makenna_alyse)

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Heeled Knee-High Boots + Slip Skirt + Tee

I might be biased because I love an all-black outfit, but this just feels so rich. Black leather heeled boots and a sleek slip skirt are such an elegant pairing. Chic and stylish, and easy to replicate.

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

(Image credit: @anaasaber)

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Tall Moto Boots + Linen Shorts + Basic Tee

Keeping with the monochrome theme, an all-white ensemble with touches of leather and suede is how you do effortlessly chic. A pair of bermuda shorts meets up with the tall motor boots for an attitude-filled look.

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

(Image credit: @daughterofahoarder)

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Cowgirl Boots + Floral Dress + Sunnies

Be playful with prints. A charming floral print paired with a chic pair of western boots is that perfect combo of sweet and rugged. Try adding a pop of color when choosing your bag. Look at this yellow handbag; it really brightens up this look.

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

(Image credit: @tia_dewitt)

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Shop More Knee-High Boots

This post was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.

Josephine Hadjiloucas
Assistant Shopping Editor
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