How To Wear Combat Boots & 13+ Outfit Ideas To Copy!

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Every girl needs a good pair of combat boots in her closet. 

While they have been around forever, they’ve become all the rage over the last few years.

With studded detailing, block heels, and faux fur varieties, there’s certainly plenty to choose from.

I have to admit I wasn’t always a lover of combat boots.

It wasn’t until recently that I grew to love them so much and now that I do, I wish I had tried them out sooner.

If you’re hesitant about adding combat boots into your rotation, you’re in the right place!

Today, I’m sharing the best ways to wear combat boots, so you can work them into your wardrobe no matter what your style is. 

How To Wear Combat Boots

If you’ve been intrigued by the trend but just haven’t figured out exactly how to put together a chic combat boot outfit, here are 10 easy-to-recreate outfit ideas to get you started!

woman wearing black leggings, combat boots, oversized sweater, & flannel shirt

Combat Boots | Leggings | Flannel

1.) With Faux Leather Leggings and an oversized top

Do leggings go with combat boots? Heck yes!

There many easy looks you can create with the two. 

Leggings are a wardrobe staple.

When paired with an oversized top combat boots you can easily create a chic yet relaxed look.

You can also add a flannel or your favorite style of button-down shirt for an extra layer when the temps drop. 

This has been my go-to over the last few months and I’ve found myself wearing this combo way more than I’d like to admit.

Leggings work perfectly with combat boots because you don’t have to worry about the hem of your jeans or pants being too long/short. 

As someone who falls EXACTLY on the line between petite and regular sizing – this is more of an issue than you could ever imagine!

Aside from just being an easy way to style combat boots, this outfit is just plain old comfortable. 

As a mom of 3 kids, comfort is key! 

I love a good dress and heels as much as the next girl but most days, it just isn’t practical.

And don’t feel like you have to wear black boots!

A pair of white combat boots is just as easy to style.

2. With A Midi Skirt

Maxi and Midi skirts have made a major comeback. 

Actually, the denim maxi skirt has been trending like crazy!

I’m not a huge fan of the style, to be honest, but if you can pull it off – I say go for it!

​This black midi skirt and cropped tee look above is a great alternative to a little black dress and the combat boots add just enough edge. 

Throw a plaid oversized coat over your shoulder for an effortless cool look.

A woman sitting down wearing a white trench coat and black combat boots.

3. With A Trench Coat

Trench coats and oversized blazers are SO in!

This combination is a street-style look that screams effortless chic.

While I love the black-and-white pairing, virtually any color combination would work for this look.

A woman taking a selfie in the mirror wearing black combat boots, a black t-shirt dress, and an oversized blazer.

4. With An Oversized Blazer

As previously discussed, blazers are totally trending.

I LOVE this look that I put together for a fun work event in the city.

I can tell you from experience, walking through the city in heels is no fun.

Throwing on these boots with this outfit was a much better idea.

It was comfortable, just the right amount of edgy, and was versatile because I wore a T-shirt dress underneath.

If it got hot I was able to take the blazer off and tie it around my waist.

5.) With a sweatshirt dress

A sweatshirt dress or sweater dress paired with combat boots is definitely an edgier look but is one of the latest trends to hit the streets. 

The balance of a looser-fitting top with tightly tied combat boots is chic and unexpected.

Whether you prefer a solid sweater dress or a graphic sweatshirt dress, pairing either with a pair of classic boots makes for a statement-making outfit.

A woman wearing leather shorts, a bralette, a blazer, and combat boots.

6.) With shorts, a bralette, & a button-front top

While this look might not be an obvious choice for many, it’s certainly one that will make you stand out. 

Combat boots paired with shorts, a sultry top/bralette, and a white shirt in a button-front style is an edgy yet sexy outfit that will certainly draw attention.

This outfit is for the bold and daring… Someone who isn’t afraid to have all eyes on her and to stand out from the crowd.

A cute bralette, sports bra, bandeau top, or crop top will all work well with this combo, but it’s a good idea to have a longer second layer like a leather moto jacket over top to balance it out.

Shorts not your style? Swap them out for a mini skirt instead!

Talk about next level sexy!

7.) With bike shorts

Here’s another more casual look that’s perfect for everyday wear.

Whether you prefer to wear bike shorts with a simple t-shirt, oversized sweatshirt, hoodie, zip-up, flannel, crop top, bandeau, etc. you can still pair your shorts with combat boots.

Again, this is another outfit option that will be sure to draw attention, but as long as you’re okay with that then rock it, sister!

8.) With a floral maxi dress

If you’re wondering how to wear combat boots for summer, try pairing them with a floral maxi dress. 

A flowy maxi dress with a floral print is girly and chic and a classic combat boot will add just enough extra edge.

To polish off the look throw your favorite leather jacket over your shoulders and a simple bag to match.

Cross-body bags are always a go-to of mine.

A woman wearing a white blouse, cuffed jeans, and black combat boots.

9.) With jeans and a white shirt

If a classic look is more our style, try a pair of black combat boots paired with jeans and a t-shirt or blouse. 

Whether it’s an oversized boyfriend tee, a fitted ribbed tee, or something a bit more polished for a business casual look, you can’t go wrong.

woman wearing a sweatshirt, combat boots, & leggings

Combat Boots (similar) | Tunic Tank | Leggings

10.) With a sweatshirt, tunic/tee, and leggings

Pairing combat boots with leggings, a sweatshirt, and a tunic tank top happens to be another one of my favorite ways to style combat boots.

For one, it’s just easy. 

Pick out your favorite sweatshirt and leggings and make sure your tank top is long enough to cover the bum and you’re good to go.

Second, it’s comfortable AF. 

Any way I can look acceptable in public while still feeling like I’m in my pajamas makes me a happy girl.

If you live in a cold-weather climate, I’m sure you can relate! 

It gets SO COLD here so anyway I can stay warm while still looking somewhat put together makes me a happy girl.

If you’re not a huge fan of leggings, this outfit would also look great with a pair of skinny jeans.

A woman wearing a long sleeve white t-shirt dress and black combat boots.

11.) With A T-Shirt Dress

Another edgier look is combat boots with a t-shirt dress

While a t-shirt dress itself is pretty casual, throwing on a chunky pair of combat boots definitely takes it from meh to yeh!

Just add in some statement jewelry and a cool coat and you’re good to go.

With just a little bit of effort, you can go from pizza with friends to party chic in no time.

12.) With a mini dress

Probably one of the most unexpected outfit combos is a short dress with combat boots. 

Typically, people think of a mini dress as a feminine piece that’s meant to be worn with high heels.

However, throwing on a pair of combat boots is a great way to change the whole vibe of even the most basic dress.

This look is definitely out of my comfort zone, but I see so many other girls rocking it and it looks so adorable!

​If you want to try it but aren’t 100% confident, add a long coat for an extra layer that you can easily remove. 

Shop Relaxed Cargos

13.) With Cargo Pants

Trousers come in MANY different shapes and styles and believe it or not combat boots work well with most of them. 

Wide-legged pants work exceptionally well with combat boots as the different widths balance each other out.

Throw on a moto jacket on top of a slim fit top to really add some depth and you’ve got a comfortable yet chic and easy outfit.

Style Tips

If you’re still stumped on how to style combat boots, here are a few styling tips to help you get started.

  • Play with colors

Don’t feel like you have to wear combat boots in a dark color just because that’s what you see most often. 

There are plenty of white, tan, grey, and brown combat boots options out there.

Find a color that fits in with your personal style and go for it!

  • Wear what makes you comfortable

As mentioned earlier, I tend to fall directly on the line of petite and regular sizing. 

I’m relatively small but also have a very athletic body.

Oftentimes, outfits that look great on a taller girl don’t look the same on my body type.

Don’t feel like you have to style your combat boots outfits in only the ways shared above. 

Experiment with styles and combinations that work best for your body and flatter your shape.

  • When in doubt, layer

If you’re feeling unsure about your outfit, consider layering until you feel more comfortable. 

This could be an oversized denim jacket, a trench coat, etc.

And I don’t mean layering to hide your body. 

I mean layering to draw attention away from statement pieces aka chunky combat boots until you feel like you’re ready to make an entrance!

  • Experiment with heel styles

Combat boots are not one style fits all. 

Some people prefer combat boots with chunky block heels, some prefer super tight lace-up styles, some prefer an ankle strap, etc.

Before you splurge on a pair of Doc Martens, try some out to see which style you like best and what style will work best with what you already tend to wear most frequently.

FAQ’s

Are combat boots supposed to fit tight or loose?

Since combat boots tie up the front you can adjust how tight or loose you wear them. 

With that being said, you don’t want them to fit too loose or snug right when you put them on.

Combat boots should fit similarly to comfortable sneakers. 

You don’t want them so loose that they’re flopping when you walk, but you also don’t want them so tight that they cut off your circulation.

Do jeans go inside combat boots?

There is no single right or wrong way to wear combat boots, but it will depend largely on the type of jeans you’re wearing.

Some people prefer to tuck their jeans inside their boots while others leave them hanging outside.

There are a few things to consider when making this decision.

First, think about the overall look you are trying to achieve.

If you want a sleek, streamlined look, tucking your jeans inside your boots will be the best option. 

However, if you prefer a more relaxed aesthetic, leaving your jeans outside of your boots can create a cool, effortlessly stylish look.

Second, consider the fit of your jeans.

If your jeans are too loose, they may bunch up and look sloppy when tucked inside your boots. 

On the other hand, if they are too tight, they may be uncomfortable or difficult to tuck in. 

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to tuck your jeans into your combat boots is up to you.

Should I size up or down for combat boots?

You should order your normal size in combat boots. 

Every retailer will be different in terms of sizing, just like every other shoe. 

Be sure to check out the brand’s size chart before ordering.

What kind of pants do you wear with combat boots? 

As you can see above, there are many different styles of pants you can pair with your combat boots. 

The most important thing is finding a pair that fits you well and gives you the overall look you’re going for.

For most boots, skinny denim jeans and black leggings are two of the easiest pant styles to work with.

What socks do you wear with combat boots?

Crew socks are the best option for combat boots as they aren’t too thick but they still come up high enough to prevent any irritation if the boots rub on your legs.

Can I wear combat boots with bootcut jeans?

Absolutely! Check out how to style combat boots with bootcut jeans here.

Boyfriend jeans, mom jeans, and wide leg jeans can also work, it all depends on your personal style.

Do you cuff jeans with combat boots?

You can, but you don’t have to.

Again, this will all depend on the length of your jeans and where they fall.

Conclusion

The great thing about combat boots is that they are incredibly versatile. 

You can find them in just about every retail store and even on the fashion runways. 

It doesn’t matter if you’re 20, 30, 40, or 50 years old – anyone can rock combat boots!

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