Sleek knee-highs and chunky bikers might be all the rage right now, but that doesn't mean shorter boot silhouettes should spend the season languishing in the back of your wardrobe. We're talking about ankle boots, of course, that aren't so much back as never went out of style in the first place – though their presence on the AW24 and SS25 runways at Isabel Marant, Bottega Veneta and Louis Vuitton has ensured they're firmly at the fashion fore this year.
That said, the ankle boots dominating 2025 are markedly different from those that were trending in the noughties. Forget spindly, sky-high stilettos with skinny jeans tucked-in, or the round-toe suede booties and denim hotpant combos reminiscent of Coachella festivals of yore... This season's ankle boots nail the intersection between practical and chic better than ever, either featuring kitten heels and pointy toes, or chunky soles and thick leather, with the most in-demand designs coming courtesy of minimalist mavens Khaite and The Row.
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Wondering how to style ankle boots for the season ahead? We're here to help, with seven outfit ideas covering all occasions, aesthetics and price-points – proving that not only is the humble ankle boot incredibly versatile, but a veritable wardrobe essential, too.
7 Ways To Style Ankle Boots
Wide-leg trousers + kitten heels
If you're looking for an easy way to elevate your everyday wide-leg trousers and leather jacket look, simply add a pair of pointy-toe, kitten heel, sleek leather ankle boots into the mix. Khaite's Arizonas are the Fashion Editor's style of choice, instantly recognisable by their slanted low heel and guaranteed to add instant cool to any ensemble – be it tomato-red corduroys or dark blue jeans. Just make sure your trousers are the right length to show them off in all their glory.
With double denim
Double denim perfectly nails that casual yet put-together vibe, as do a pair of chunky Western-inspired ankle boots. Put them together and you've got yourself a look that works just as well for the office as it does for evening drinks or a weekend activity with friends. Switch things up by pairing a funky two-tone jean jacket with a denim midi, layered with a plain tee on warmer days, a merino roll-neck for winter, or a lacy bra (or nothing at all) for a night out.
Mother Denim
Stella McCartney
Maria Black
Chunky soles + straight-leg jeans
Channel The Row's off-duty model aesthetic by pairing the brand's cult zipped leather ankle boots with straight-leg jeans, a chunky knit, cosy cashmere beanie and a floor-skimming wool coat. A failsafe outfit formula that will keep you cosy all winter long, and that you'll find yourself reaching for time and time again.
The Row
Khaite
The statement shoe
For a low-effort, high-impact look, opt for a statement ankle boot. This season's styles come in everything from bright red leather and leopard print to studded all over, and are best worn poking out from beneath an otherwise inconspicuous outfit – or, if you're feeling particularly bold, with nothing but an oversize coat.
Courrèges
Jimmy Choo
Khaite
With bare legs and a mini
While it might be tempting to spend the majority of the colder months hunkering down at home, there are simply some social occasions you can't get out of. When they do come around, ease yourself back into 'going out-out' dressing by way of a mini dress, statement jewels and pointy ankle boots that have enough of a heel to look smart but are still low enough to be comfortable. Keep legs bare when it's warm enough to do so, otherwise add a pair of low-denier tights that still feel sultry.
Entire Studios
Mango
Aeyde
Silky separates + hiking boots
TikTok's trending 'wrong shoe' theory is still a strong styling move for those looking to add interest to their outfits. Case in point: chunky lace-up hiking boots worn with silky, flowing fabrics. The combo works surprisingly well, and is also a clever way to dress an otherwise elegant look down for the daytime.
Byredo
The boho slouch
The boho renaissance has well and truly arrived, and as part of it, so too have slouchy, brown suede ankle boots. Naturally, the queen of boho-chic, Isabel Marant is leading the charge with her numerous studded, fringed and Western-inspired styles, that have fast become favourites of the street style set. Scrunch all the way down and pair with sheer, breezy dresses, or with earthy-coloured trousers tucked in, looking to Marant's AW24 and SS25 shows for inspiration. Finish off with an oversize hobo bag, stacks of bangles, and a big dose of Parisian nonchalance, and you're good to go.
Isabel Marant
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H&M
Isabel Marant
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Clementina Jackson is Acting Site Fashion Editor at ELLE UK, working across news and features, trends, e-commerce and SEO. She was previously Fashion Editor at Cosmopolitan and Women’s Health, and Acting Digital Fashion Editor at ELLE UK, where she was named as a PPA 30 Under 30 award winner for her work on size inclusivity. An experienced fashion, travel and luxury lifestyle journalist, Clementina has also written for Harper’s Bazaar, Vanity Fair, Condé Nast Traveller, Tatler, Red and Italy Segreta.
![capri, italy june 10 rosie huntington whiteley attends the jacquemus la casa cruise at casa malaparte on june 10, 2024 in capri, italy photo by stephane cardinale corbiscorbis via getty images](https://cdn.statically.io/img/hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/rhw-jacquemus-6667236e84d39.jpg?crop=1.00xw:0.667xh;0,0&resize=360:* "Jacquemus "La Casa" Cruise In Capri - Arrivals")
