You may have bought yourself a few pairs of sandals and open-toed shoes before summer, but who says you have to put away your favorite boots for winter? Sure, you'll be reaching for your flip-flops, slides, and peep-toe flats the most between now and August, but that doesn't mean you have to hold off on wearing your thigh-high socks until October. This season, fashion muses like Sydney Sweeney, Dua Lipa, and Beyoncé have opted for boots no matter what the summer temperature is. If they can pull it off, why can't you?
Typically, Chelsea, combat, knee-high, and ankle boots start to fade around mid-May. But this year, celebrities are continuing to wear boots well past their natural best-by date. Celebrity stylist Tiffany Briseno says this persistence is due to boots' interchangeability with other trendy footwear. “I like to finish off most looks with boots rather than sneakers or loafers. Ankle boots or cowboy boots just feel more purposeful,” Briseno tells TZR. Briseno also attributes the summer boot boom to the cowboycore aesthetic spearheaded by Beyoncé. When Beyoncé started styling western-inspired shoes, Cowboy CarterCelebrities like Dua Lipa, Emma Roberts, and Emily Ratajkowski quickly followed suit, and the trend shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.
If you're not sure how to wear boots in the warmer months, celebrity stylist Mickey Freeman recommends starting with one of the most versatile options: below-the-knee boots. “Knee-high boots work well with streamlined silhouettes like a bodycon minidress, or accent a vintage t-shirt and culottes,” says Freeman. He also encourages fashion lovers to embrace edgy shapes that are popular right now, like Miu Miu's Stivali Variante block-heel boots or The Attico's layered leather boots. “Try pairing an elegant minodiaire with a micro-mini dress and finishing off the look with strappy moto boots that feature a dystopian aesthetic,” he adds.
After all, there are plenty of ways to give your boots a summery makeover, so if you're up for the challenge, keep scrolling for plenty of outfit inspiration from your favorite It girls.
Dua Lipa
Contrary to popular belief, sandals aren't your go-to choice for summer parties, and music festivals are no exception: you don't want sand in your toes while enjoying your favorite band. Leave the slip-ons at home and instead copy Lipa's layered leather boots that reach down to her mid-calf. She paired her The Attico sneakers with a grunge skirt by Ann Demeulemeester, a casual white Courrèges tank top, and a vintage Prada crossbody bag.
Beyoncé
Since then, she Cowboy Carter Though her western boot era began earlier this year, Beyoncé now wears cowboy boots almost exclusively. Fans may not be able to pick a favorite western look from Beyoncé, but this Instagram-worthy look has garnered over 2 million likes, so it's safe to say it's been approved by Beyoncé's fans. In a photoshoot released in early June, the “Texas Hold'em” singer wore brown suede Sonora ankle boots that laced up around her ankles. The steel-toed boots looked stylish paired with micro-mini jean shorts and a floor-length Roberto Cavalli duster from the archives from Spring 2002.
Bella Hadid
After keeping a low profile for a year, Hadid appears to have returned to her old street style. While out and about in New York City on July 12, the Ôrebella founder waved to the paparazzi in an enviable all-black outfit. She ditched her beloved Sandy Liang mules for a pair of below-the-knee, pointy boots by Isabel Marant. The sexy footwear helped keep the rest of her OOTD effortlessly cool, which consisted of micro-mini leather shorts, a halter-neck bodysuit by Khaite, and a pendant necklace by Tiffany & Co.
Sydney Sweeney
If we were lucky enough to get a peek inside Sweeney's designer-heavy closet, we'd likely find a ton of Miu Miu must-haves, like these chunky knee-high socks shown at the May 5 show. Anyone but you The star exuded an airy academia vibe in a cream polo shirt layered over a checked button-down shirt, both by Miu Miu, of course. Her monogrammed boots were paired with a belted khaki low-rise mini skirt. A Jimmy Choo shoulder bag completed the all-Miu Miu moment.
Katy Perry
Sportmax's knee-high, toe-baring socks have been pretty on trend this year. The early 2000s-inspired “ugly shoes” made waves when Kylie Jenner paired them with a skin-tight little white dress in September 2023. In June 2024, the internet was abuzz again when Perry paired the same thong shoes with a structured cream midi dress, also by Sportmax. The best thing about her Sportmax selection is that both the boots and the strapless shoes are still available for purchase.
Charlie XCX
If you haven't jumped on the Brat Girl Summer bandwagon yet, what are you waiting for? This new aesthetic will be featured on Charli XCX's album ” Brat A few days later Brat As the stream began, the “365” singer styled the indie vibe with black lug-sole boots. A one-shoulder white sheath dress elevated Anduin's look, while wraparound sunglasses and an army green clutch bag added a touch of high fashion flair.
Paris Jackson
Michael Jackson's daughter doesn't make many public appearances, but when she does, she always sports a naturally effortless style. While out and about in Los Angeles on June 26, Jackson favored a '70s-inspired look with a cropped graphic tank top and denim hot pants. A vintage Balenciaga crossbody bag matched her brown ankle-length boots, adorned with bohemian fringe and buckles.
Emily Ratajkowski
A satin midi skirt is a must-have for days when jean shorts just don't suit you. While your first instinct might be to reach for chunky sandals, take inspiration from EmRata's off-duty outfit and try a pair of black cowboy boots instead. Western slip-ons helped me take my cowl-neck tank top and brown Coach Tabby shoulder bag from day to night.
Rita Ora
At the star-studded Pride event in West Hollywood, Ora rocked a see-through outfit that she teamed with Miu Miu's best-selling Stivali Variante Fondo boots. The buckle-embellished knee-high socks looked ultra grunge when paired with a see-through lace set and a black lingerie set layered underneath.
