A good pair of ankle boots is a wardrobe essential for little ones. However, once you’ve found a pair both you and your child likes, the question becomes how to make them work with your little one’s outfits. After all, it’s important to remember that children’s boots don’t have to just be practical, they can also be a fun way for kids to express their personality too! It’s all about striking the right balance.
With this in mind, in this blog, we share our top tips for styling ankle boots for boys and girls, ready for each season and every different occasion.
Just like us grown-ups, kids can wear boots with almost any outfit. It’s just about getting the pairing right. Once you’ve managed this, boots stop being just a winter thing and become an all-year favourite that can work whether it's sunny, rainy or somewhere in between.
From chunky, adventure-ready soles that can turn a simple outfit into something full of attitude to classic desert boots that can make anything from a playsuit to dungarees look smarter in an instant, the possibilities are endless.
To help you out, below we’ve collated some easy, playful outfit ideas to show just how versatile children’s boots can be.
While it may sound a little strange on first thought, shorts and boots can be a winning combination - especially during spring and autumn when the weather's all over the place. This combo allows your child to be adventurous, while still keeping their feet protected.
Consider pairing ankle boots or desert boots with denim shorts and a casual tee, for example. Pop on a lightweight jacket for cooler days and you've got an effortless outfit for your child that still looks put together. For smarter occasions, chinos or tailored shorts with leather boots and a button-down shirt creates a comfortable but dressed-up style effortlessly.
Colour-wise, think neutral-toned boots. Anything from tan to navy goes beautifully with bolder shorts and patterns. This keeps the boots versatile whilst letting your child have fun with the rest of their outfit.
Boots aren't just for jeans, joggers and shorts - they're brilliant with dresses and skirts too. This pairing not only looks smarter than you might think, it’s also really practical, especially for children who love to run and explore.
For everyday wear, chunky girls’ ankle boots with a simple cotton dress combines comfort and style, while the addition of thick tights or leggings to keep little legs warm is a good idea for the winter months.
Finally, Chelsea boots and desert boots also work really well with skirts and dresses. Whether it’s for family events, school discos or weekend meals out, these ankle boots can make an outfit that tiny bit smarter while remaining practical and comfortable.
Trousers and boots are one of the easiest combinations to get right - comfortable for your child, practical for you. The main thing you need to think about is matching the trouser style and length to the boots you're dressing your child in.
Skinny or slim-fit trousers, for example, tuck neatly into ankle boots, giving your child that neat look. With baggier trousers, on the other hand, try rolling the hems up to show off the boots - this also stops the hems getting muddy and removes a potential tripping hazard, as well as adding a bit of style to the outfit.
For a more relaxed look, joggers pair brilliantly with sportier boots. This outfit is ideal when you know your little one will be spending the day running around outside. Finally, come winter, waterproof styles with fleece linings are a great way to keep small feet dry and cosy, with darker trousers acting as a lifesaver for hiding the inevitable splashes and mud from puddle-jumping.
So there you have it - our guide to styling children’s ankle boots. The bottom line is this: with a bit of mixing and matching, you'll quickly find what works best for your little one.
And remember - if you're still on the hunt for that perfect pair, here at Start-Rite, our collection of children's ankle boots has something for every occasion, every outfit and every adventure.
