Sandals and flats? Too predictable. This summer, fashion people are opting for a knee-high style instead. Whether it’s cowgirl, chunky, or a sleek moto style, pairing these bold boots with long linen shorts, satin skirts, and cotton mini-dresses creates a textural contrast that is just so satisfying and effortlessly cool.
I’ve dedicated a whole IG folder to this “wrong-shoe theory” win, and the secret I’ve discovered is finding that right balance between edgy and airy. The boots bring weight and attitude, while the softer pieces keep it light and season-appropriate.
These looks aren’t solely about mixing up texture—they’re also about changing expectations. Who says boots can’t be a summer shoe staple? So just for you, here are 7 of my favorite knee-high boot summer looks that do it right.
Brown Boots + White Blouse + Knee-Length Skirt
Knee-length skirts are a big part of the knee-high boot movement. Where the skirt hem ends, the boot picks right up, creating this gorgeous silhouette.
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Steve Madden
Riggs Knee High Boot
Need to get my hands on these ASAP.
Princess Polly
Arianwyn Cap Sleeve Button-Up Shirt
The darted waist is so flattering.
Lovers and Friends
Mischa Midi Skirt
MANGO
Faux Leather Shoulder Bag
Lots of room for a lip combo, compact mirror, and a portable charger.
Mid-Calf Moto Boots + Pleated Skirt + Blouse
A mid-calf moto boot instantly elevates any summer outfit. Try coordinating your boots with your bag for a look that feels thoughtful and pulled together.
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Candie’s
Zamora Knee High Moto Boot
The definition of grungy chic.
The prettiest pleated midi.
Free People
Army Candy Leather Baguette Bag
A baguette bag for the win.
Lace-Up Boots + Boxer Shorts + Hair Scarf
A lace-up detailing can soften the overall vibe, so pair it with some boxer shorts for that perfect balance. Bonus points if you add a crochet hair scarf.
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Söfft
Sharnell Ii Water Resistant Knee High Boot
Look at that lace-up detail—so chic.
EDIKTED
Martha Oversized V-Neck Sweater
Comfy for a rainy summer’s day.
BDG Urban Outfitters
Gingham Boxer Shorts
Anthropologie
Casa Clara Nora Crochet Hair Scarf
This is when I wish I knew how to crochet.
Tall Black Boots + Cotton Mini-Dress + Bucket Bag
Ground a breezy white cotton mini-dress with a heavy pair of tall black boots. Trust me, the contrast is so flattering.
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Lucky Brand
Hybiscus Knee High Boot
A black boot is a closet must-have.
Free People
Sandy Shores Cotton Babydoll Minidress
A babydoll dress in summer—classic.
MANGO
Canvas & Faux Leather Bucket Bag
It’s not summer with a raffia bag.
Heeled Knee-High Boots + Slip Skirt + Tee
An all-black outfit with a chic pair of knee-high heeled boots is so stylish—and not to mention, easy to replicate.
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Sam Edelman
Sylvia Knee High Boot
H&M
Ribbed Off-The-Shoulder Top
Love the neckline on this.
Anthropologie
The Tilda Knee-Length Slip Skirt
Tall Moto Boots + Linen Shorts + Basic Tee
Keeping with that monochrome feel, try an all-white look with leather accents and tall moto boots for that unexpectedly cool vibe.
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Never too basic for a white tee.
Open Edit
The Curator Pleated Bermuda Shorts
Free People
Luna Hip Belt
Cowgirl Boots + Floral Dress + Sunnies
And don’t forget to play around with prints. A floral dress paired with cowgirl boots gives just the right mix of rugged and sweet.
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Dingo
Hensley Western Boot
Now that’s a cowgirl boot.
Topshop
Sameena Bow Knot Faux Leather Shoulder Bag
Butter yellow is always in the mix.
ZARA
Zw Collection Embroidered Short Dress
This dress is meant to be worn with cowgirl boots.
AIRE
Avior 53mm Cat Eye Sunglasses
The green tint is so unique.
Shop More Knee-High Boots
ZARA
Leather Cowboy Boots
These are all over my feed.
Dr. Martens
Anistone Hi Biker Boot
Dr. Martens Biker Boot? Um, yes!
ZARA
Buckled Knee High Boots
Dingo
Casbah Knee High Boot
What a gorgeous knee-high boot.
