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Styling tips for ankle boots, plus cute outfit ideas
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Who said you can’t rock ankle boots after you turn 40? You don’t have to sacrifice your style because of your age—if anything, you’ve just had more years to perfect your look! If you want to know how to wear ankle boots over 40, look no further. We’ve gathered the best outfits to wear with ankle boots so you feel comfortable, confident, and stylish. Plus, we talked to fashion experts Candace Hanna and Joanne Gruber for all the best styling tips.

Styling Tips for Ankle Boots

  • Pair ankle boots with tailored trousers and a nice blazer or sweater for a professional look.
  • For a casual look, rock ankle boots with a tee and your favorite jeans.
  • Or, dress up your ankle boots with a nice wrap dress or a slitted maxi skirt.
8

Wear ankle boots with a blazer and mini skirt.

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  1. Blazers have made a comeback in both professional and streetwear. If you want to stay on top of the trends , pair one with a tailored mini skirt and rock some black ankle boots. Be sure to leave the blazer open to show off the rest of your outfit and create movement. [8]
    • Add some tights or leggings if you’d prefer to have a bit more coverage for your legs.
    • If you don’t care about trends, that’s okay, too! Fashion expert Candace Hanna says, “Your style is about you, and fashion is about the world. Focus on style, your preferences, what you love, and what you hate. Even if fashion tells you ‘This is what is in right now,’ you can bypass it.”
9

Try skinny jeans with fun, patterned ankle boots.

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  1. Ankle boots come in all sorts of fun patterns, including animal print, snake skin, and floral. Having a good statement piece is essential, so why can’t it be your shoes? Pair some fun ankle boots with a pair of plain denim skinny jeans and a solid-colored shirt or blouse. [9]
    • Fashion expert Joanne Gruber says a classic skinny jean with a full, standard-size inseam is best to pair with ankle boots. “You typically want it to be tucked in,” she says, “so you see the silhouette of the shoe.”
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Rock jeans and a T-shirt for a timeless, casual look.

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  1. There’s no wrong way to style it. Try combat boots, westerns, Chelseas, heels, or any other style you have in your closet. Play around with the jeans, too, and see if you prefer skinny, bootcut, or wide-legged. Rock a graphic tee or keep it simple with a solid color. [10]
    • Because this outfit is basic, play up the accessories. Add a funky jacket or a nice cardigan, and layer on some necklaces or bracelets. Add statement earrings or a cute bag to finish off your look.
13

Show off your confidence with a body-con dress.

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  1. If you’ve got it, flaunt it! Pair a mid-length black body-con dress with a leather jacket and some heeled ankle boots, and you’re sure to turn heads. Add a sleek pair of sunglasses to really feel like a fashionista. [12]
    • Fashion expert Joanne Gruber stresses how important it is to feel confident in what you’re wearing. “Your look comes from the inside out,” she says. You’ll look your best when “you’re wearing it confidently and you feel great in it.”
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19

Look classy with a slitted maxi skirt and a turtle neck.

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  1. The slit in the skirt (especially if it’s a slip skirt) paired with the heel of the boots creates a sexy, elegant ensemble perfect for a night out on the town. If heels aren’t your thing, dress the look down with some faux leather or suede flat ankle boots for a more cozy daytime look. [16]
    • If you’re tall, you can still rock heels . Fashion expert Candace Hanna says heels help create a more feminine silhouette regardless of height. “I think for taller women, maybe go for a lower heel,” she says. “It’s not about height; it’s about that silhouette. It doesn’t have to be a huge 4-inch stiletto. It can just be a small heel to create that angle.”
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20

Turn heads with bright boots and a monochrome outfit.

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  1. Monochrome outfits can give you a sleek, stylish vibe, but sometimes they make you blend in when you want to stand out. If you’re wearing all black, try mixing it up with a pair of bright red booties. This is also a great way to add some color to your world when it’s gray and dreary outside, like in winter.
    • If you’re looking for other ways to style your favorite ankle boots in the winter, try adding a trench coat, some gloves, and even a beret.
    • Fashion expert Candace Hanna stresses the importance of accessorizing during winter: “Accessories are a really easy way to have fun in the winter especially because, if you're in a full-length coat—which a lot of people are—you’re going to need accessories.” She recommends wearing a scarf for some extra color and a stylish hat.

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      Tips

      • Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t wear something just because you’re a certain age. Wear whatever makes you feel confident and comfortable.
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      Expert Interview

      Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about fashion and personal style, check out our in-depth interview with Candace Hanna .

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      Reader Success Stories

      • Anonymous

        May 8

        "As a soon-to-be 42 yrs and busy Mom of one, I am trying to work in two pairs of ankle boots into my wardrobe. This ..." more
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