The Boot Trend Everyone With Expensive Taste Is Styling Instead of Flats or Heels

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Woman wearing turtleneck sweaterdress with tall boots and big brown suede bag.

(Image credit: @styledsara)

Tall boots are officially the sleek alternative to flats and heels that fashion people with expensive taste can't stop wearing. The knee-high silhouette instantly elevates any outfit, giving even the simplest spring and summer looks a refined, rich feel. Whether paired with a tailored mini or a breezy dress, this boot style adds a polished touch that feels effortlessly stylish. While the idea of wearing tall boots in warmer weather might seem unexpected, the fashion set is proving it's the ultimate styling trick for a sophisticated, luxe wardrobe.

One of the chicest ways stylish insiders are wearing tall boots? With micro-minis and structured dresses. Instead of opting for predictable sandals or pumps, swapping in sleek boots adds an instant upgrade. Think fitted dresses, matching mini sets, and modern, minimalistic silhouettes that allow the boots to shine. The key here is choosing streamlined, well-tailored boots that elongate the leg and keep the overall look feeling elevated rather than overly retro.

Another major styling move involves pairing knee-high boots with tailored shorts and lightweight layers. A structured blazer, a polished tank, and knee-grazing boots create an effortlessly cool ensemble that works for a range of occasions. Whether you go for a monochrome moment or mix neutrals with soft pastels, the result is an outfit that feels undeniably elevated. Lean into this styling trick with buttery leather boots or sleek suede options in timeless shades like black, tan, and chocolate brown. See some of our favorite ways to style tall boots this spring below.

Woman wearing sweaterdress and tall black boots.

(Image credit: @_santinaharrison)

This oversize sweaterdress is the perfect transitional look for spring.

Woman wearing crewneck and tan miniskirt with tall brown boots.

(Image credit: @amaka.hamelijnck)

We love the mix of casual and polished elements here.

Woman wearing oversize t-shirt with tall black boots.

(Image credit: @_jeanettemadsen_)

It's giving model-off-duty vibes.

Woman wearing black skirt, leather jacket, and tall black boots.

(Image credit: @chanelmckinsie)

You can't go wrong with an all-black ensemble.

Woman wearing sweater and miniskirt with tall black boots.

(Image credit: @borislavasekova)

A great combination to wear to the office.

Woman wearing Adidas shorts, leather jacket, and tall black boots.

(Image credit: @_paulineleroy_)

The Adidas shorts lend a sporty, relaxed look.

Woman wearing matching red set with tall black boots.

(Image credit: @cocoschiffer)

We're obsessed with this matching red set.

Woman wearing boxer shorts, leather jacket, and tall black boots.

(Image credit: @camillecharriere)

This is how you style boxer shorts for a cool outfit.

Woman wearing white miniskirt and tall brown leather boots.

(Image credit: @annawinck)

We could wear this outfit all summer long.

Woman wearing long coat with tall boots.

(Image credit: @amaka.hamelijnck)

Another great transitional outfit to take you into the new season.

Woman wearing blazer minidress with tall suede brown boots.

(Image credit: @fredrika_ekerot)

We love the black-and-brown color combo here.

Woman wearing black jeans and tall black boots.

(Image credit: @luciacuesta_)

A cool way to style your black jeans this spring.

Woman wearing oversize button-down and miniskirt with tall suede boots.

(Image credit: @immegii)

Western meets city chic.

Woman wearing long black coat with tall black boots.

(Image credit: @kitkeenan)

All about the layering details here.

Woman wearing blazer dress and tall black boots.

(Image credit: @maggie_mccormack)

Yes, the blazer-dress trend is still going strong.

Woman wearing gray matching set and tall black boots.

(Image credit: @mimi.orere)

Casual, comfy, and super cute.

Woman wearing jeans and sweater with tall black boots.

(Image credit: @sarahlouiseblythe)

We love this unexpected way to wear loose jeans.

Woman wearing turtleneck sweaterdress with tall boots and big brown suede bag.

(Image credit: @styledsara)

This outfit is so chic.

Woman wearing minidress with tall suede boots.

(Image credit: @theblab)

A fitted long-sleeve dress + tall boots = a foolproof spring outfit.

Woman wearing black minidress and oversize blazer with tall black boots.

(Image credit: @thefashionbugblog)

The oversize blazer makes this look 10 times chicer.

Woman wearing white top and miniskirt with tall black boots.

(Image credit: @tylynnnguyen)

A little miniskirt and simple white top never fail.

Shop our favorite tall boots for spring and summer:

MANGO, High Heel Leather Boots
Mango
High Heel Leather Boots

Grab these while they are still on sale.

Stiletto Snake-Effect Leather Knee Boots
Paris Texas
Stiletto Snake-Effect Leather Knee Boots

The snake print is so stylish.

Fantasy Heeled Boots
Tony Bianco
Fantasy Heeled Boots

These come in three other colors.

Split Leather Heeled Boots
Zara
Split Leather Heeled Boots

These look way more expensive than they are.

Schutz Maryana Sculpt Boots
Schutz
Maryana Sculpt Boots

These are so sexy.

Sylvia Knee High Boots
Sam Edelman
Sylvia Knee High Boots

You'll get so much wear out of these black boots this season.

Nancy Knee High Boots
Reformation
Nancy Knee High Boots

Reformation always does it right.

Sincerely Boots
Jeffrey Campbell
Sincerely Boots

Pair these with a miniskirt or dress this spring.

Staud Wally Flat Boots
Staud
Wally Flat Boots

These cream leather boots are everything.

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Michelle Scanga
Contributing Fashion Editor
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