To wear combat boots with leggings, pair them with a long tunic or oversized sweater for a stylish and comfortable look. Combat boots are a trendy footwear choice that can add an edgy and cool vibe to any outfit.
Combat boots and leggings are a fashionable combination that can create an edgy, stylish look when paired correctly. This chic mix of masculine military-style boots with form-fitting leggings is versatile enough to take you from day to night.
While combat boots and leggings both became popular in the 60s and 70s, this pairing has had a major resurgence in recent years. From street style stars to celebs like Rihanna and Kendall Jenner, combat boots with leggings have become a go-to casual outfit formula.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to successfully wear combat boots with leggings. You’ll learn:
- How to choose flattering combat boots and leggings for your body type
- Tips for styling combat boots with leggings for different occasions
- How to pull off this edgy look and express your personal flair
By the end, you’ll have the confidence to rock combat boots with leggings for any event! Let’s get started.
Table of Contents
Choosing the Right Combat Boots
Not all combat boots are created equal. The key to choosing the right pair is focusing on a few key elements:
1. Boot Style
- Ankle boots hit right above the ankle, showing off a bit of skin. This style works well if you have shorter legs.
- Calf-high boots end below the knee, ranging from mid-calf to just under the knee. They elongate the leg.
- For leggings, ankle and calf-high boots tend to be the most flattering lengths.
- Lace-up boots have a utilitarian, grunge vibe perfect for this casual look. Plus, you can control the fit.
- Zippered boots are easier to take on and off while still retaining the combat style.
- Both lace-up and zippered boots work well with leggings. Choose what’s comfortable for you.
- Black boots are the most classic choice that pairs with anything.
- Brown boots offer versatility from light tan to deep chocolate hues. They work especially well with fall and winter outfits.
You really can’t go wrong with black or brown combat boots. Choose whichever color you get more wear from.
2. Material
- Leather combat boots are durable and become softer over time. The leather gives a polished edge.
- Suede combat boots have a matte, velvety finish that dresses down an outfit. They require more care.
- Fabric combat boots are the most casual. Look for water-resistant coated fabrics.
- For styling with leggings, all three materials work beautifully. Leather offers the most versatility.
- Shiny combat boots are eye-catching. They make more of a statement.
- Matte combat boots are more subtle. A matte finish can be very sleek.
Matte boots pair well with dressed down looks, while shiny boots add flair. Choose the finish that suits your style.
3. Heel Height
- Flat sole boots have no heel at all. These are the most casual and comfortable.
- Low heel boots have a 1-2 inch heel. This is a great in-between height.
- High heel boots have a heel over 2 inches. They elongate the leg.
- For maximizing comfort, stick to flat sole or low heel combat boots. Save high heels for dressier occasions.
- Wedge heels have a thick heel that distributes weight. They tend to be more walkable.
- Stacked heels feature different height blocks. They also provide stability.
- Wedge and stacked heels offer much better support than a skinny stiletto heel which can sink into ground. Prioritize comfort.
4. Toe Shape
- Rounded toe combat boots are the most classic and versatile option.
- Pointed toe combat boots have a feminine slant. They create a sleeker silhouette.
Choose rounded or pointed toes depending on your preferences. Rounded is more laidback while pointed is dressier.
When selecting your combat boots, consider all these elements – style, height, material, texture, heel, and toe shape. Your boots should match your personal taste.
In-depth guide: How to Tie Combat Boots Like a Pro
Choosing Complimentary Leggings
Once you’ve chosen your combat boots, it’s time to find leggings that complement them. Consider these factors:
1. Color
- Match your boots by choosing leggings in the exact same color. This elongates the leg for a super slimming effect.
- Contrast your boots with leggings in a different color. This creates visual interest.
- Monochromatic outfits using shades of the same color (like black boots with charcoal leggings) are chic and elongating.
- Bold color pairings make more of a statement. Try bright red leggings with black boots for example.
Choose matching, contrasting, monochromatic, or bold colors depending on the vibe you want.
2. Texture
- Leather or pleather leggings mimic the combat boot texture. This gives an edgy, rock n’ roll vibe.
- Suede leggings pair well with suede boots. Mix up matte textures.
- Knit leggings provide cozy contrast to sleek leather. They work for casual looks.
- Shiny leggings amp up the glam factor. They complement shiny boots.
- Matte leggings enable boots to stand out. Matte textures keep things relaxed.
Play with different textures like leather, suede, knits, shiny, and matte when selecting leggings.
3. Length
- Ankle leggings end above the ankle, showing skin. They elongate the leg with boots.
- Full-length leggings come down to the ankle. They provide more coverage.
- Cropped leggings end mid-calf, perfect to show off boots.
- 7/8 leggings are Capri-length hitting just below the calf. Also ideal for highlighting boots.
Choose legging lengths that flatter your legs and complement your boot height. Cropped and 7/8 leggings work especially well.
4. Fit
- Skinny leggings hug every curve for a fitted look. They keep things streamlined.
- Bootcut leggings have a subtle flare at the ankle. They create balance with bulky boots.
- High-waisted leggings come up to your natural waist. This elongates and slims the silhouette.
- Low-rise leggings sit low on the hips. These are trendy again for a Y2K vibe.
Look for leggings that fit close to the body – either skinny leg or bootcut. Choose high or low waisted leggings based on comfort and personal style.
Select leggings with the ideal color, texture, length, and fit to match your combat boots. Complementary leggings polish off this eye-catching look.
Credit: blog.shoecarnival.com
How to Style Combat Boots with Leggings?
Now that you’ve chosen the perfect combat boots and leggings, it’s time for the fun part – styling! Here are my top tips for creating fashionable looks:
1. For Casual Daytime Wear
If you want to rock combat boots with leggings for casual daytime activities like running errands or studying at a coffee shop, follow these guidelines:
- Pair with oversized, slouchy sweaters or sweatshirts. Choose longer lengths that cover your backside. Opt for neutral colors, knits, hoodies and fleece.
- Add a denim or leather moto jacket. A slightly oversized jacket balances out form-fitting leggings.
- Accessories like a baseball cap or beanie give a relaxed vibe. Hoop earrings and layered necklaces look cool.
- Carry a backpack or crossbody purse. Backpacks are perfect for carrying school or work supplies hands-free. A compact crossbody bag in leather or canvas keeps your look streamlined.
This causal daytime way of wearing combat boots with leggings expresses laidback comfort and effortless style.
2. For Night Out
Want to amp up your combat boots and leggings for a night out? Try these tips:
- Pair with a cropped tank or bodysuit to show some skin. Tuck into high-waisted leggings or half-tuck over low rise leggings.
- Add a leather moto jacket, faux fur coat or blazer. Accentuate your curves on top for balance. Dark colors like black, brown and burgundy are classy.
- Dressier, slinky top with a plunging neckline. Going sleeveless is sexy. Or try an off-the-shoulder bodysuit.
- Leather backpack, clutch or crossbody bag. Compact bags are ideal for going hands-free on the dance floor.
- Bold lip color, smoky eye, and styled hair. Amp up your makeup. Try a messy updo or bombshell curls.
These tips transform your combat boots and leggings into the perfect night out outfit – sexy, edgy and downtown chic!
3. For Workwear
Can you pull off combat boots with leggings for the office? Absolutely! Follow these professional style tips:
- Pair leggings with a tunic sweater or long blouse that hits mid-thigh. Solid colors or minimal patterns work.
- Add a tailored blazer. Look for sleek lines with pronounced shoulders. Rich colors like navy, black, gray and maroon look sharp.
- Try a button-down collared shirt layered with a sweater. For business casual offices, combat boots polish off this classic combo.
- Carry a tote bag or briefcase. Leather or nylon in neutral colors complement the outfit.
- Minimal, delicate jewelry and natural makeup. Avoid bold accessories and keep makeup professional.
With refined separates on top, combat boots and leggings can totally work in conservative office environments while expressing your fearless style.
Ageless Style: The Art of Wearing Combat Boots at 40
Styling Tips
Keep these extra combat boots and leggings styling tips in mind:
- Roll or cuff leggings to show off some boot shaft for a laidback vibe. Or tuck leggings fully in.
- Wear thin trouser socks that don’t add bulk but prevent rubbing.
- Use oversized, billowing tops to balance out slim leggings. Cropped and more fitted tops also work.
- Add chunky knitwear, statement jackets and bold accessories for texture and interest.
- Walk with confidence and attitude! Combat boots convey strength.
Common Questions
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about combat boots with leggings:
Are combat boots still in style?
Combat boots have become a timeless footwear staple that retains their ruggedly cool edge. Unlike quickly fading trends, combat boots have staying power and continue to feel relevant paired with modern outfits like leggings.
What shoes do you wear with leggings?
Along with combat boots, popular shoes to wear with leggings include sneakers like Converse or slip-on Vans, flats like ballet flats or loafers, and ankle boots from Chelsea boots to western booties. The casual, comfy nature of leggings matches well with shoes you can walk in.
Can you wear combat boots in the summer?
Absolutely! Switch out black leather combat boots for white or natural linen fabric boots. Look for breathable unlined styles. Wear them with shorts or summer dresses. Combat boots transcend the seasons.
Are leggings professional?
It depends on your workplace. Leggings on their own may be too casual for conservative offices. Pair leggings with long tunics and blazers to pull off a professional look. Some creative fields allow edgier styles like leggings. When in doubt, opt for slim ankle pants instead.
See also: Combat boots to wear with skinny jeans
Conclusion
Combat boots and leggings is a seriously chic pairing that allows you to show off your eclectic style.
Follow the tips in this post to choose flattering combat boots and leggings tailored to your unique taste and comfort. Consider occasion, weather, environment and your own flair.
Whether you’re going for an off-duty model vibe, downtown punk attitude, or understated boho nonchalance, styling combat boots with leggings can express any mood you want.
This versatile outfit takes you from running errands to dancing the night away effortlessly. Stay true to your own aesthetic. Walk with attitude in your combat boots and leggings!
Writers Opinion
In my opinion, combat boots and leggings epitomize edgy, modern style. I love how this pairing blends masculine and feminine energies.
My personal favorite way to rock combat boots with leggings is with a cropped black leather moto jacket, plain white tee, and chunky scarf. I’ll wear my trusty black lace-up leather combat boots with streaked wash black leggings.
To edge up this daytime look for night, I’ll swap in a sequined tank, red lipstick and tousled waves. For chillier weather, I’ll layer with an oversized gray cashmere sweater coat.
What I love about combat boots with leggings is the effortless vibe. I don’t have to overthink this go-to outfit. I can quickly achieve the hip, casual look I favor that reflects my artistic, rebellious tastes.
I predict combat boots and leggings will remain an influencer favorite. This combo allows you to stand out from the crowd and express individual flair through your choice of boots, leggings and styling.
If you’ve been hesitant to try combat boots and leggings, go for it! Experiment until you discover a look that makes you exude confidence. Combat boots empower you to take on the day – in comfort and style!
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