How To Wear Combat Boots – 9 Outfits for Inspiration

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There’s something about a pair of boots that takes an outfit up a notch to make you look more put together. But there is no other boot that will give any outfit a little kick ass as much as a pair of combat boots!

They are definitely edgier than other styles of footwear, which can make them a little hard to style an outfit around… or so you might have thought.

It’s time to learn how to wear combat boots and what to pair them with!

Surprisingly, combat boots can go with a lot of different outfits, a few of which we’re betting you’d never have thought to wear them with. In this article, I will go over 7 different looks and 9 different outfits to wear with combat boots.


Contents

How to Wear Combat Boots

Combat boots rarely look “cute” or “pretty”. They’re powerful and energetic, which makes them a great fashion item to play off of. Whether you want to compliment the powerful look, or soften it and bring it into balance, you have a lot of flexibility with combat boots.

Let’s dive in!

1. Combat Boots with Jeans and a Turtleneck 3 ways

When it comes to styling combat boots, jeans are pretty much a no-brainer as they are a natural pairing.

But what about the other half?

While the weather’s colder, a turtleneck is one of the best clothing items to wear with your jeans and combat boots because of its casual comfort and versatility. Here are three different ways to wear combat boots with jeans and a turtleneck.

1a.  Oversized Sweater with Slim Fit Jeans and Combat Boots

There’s nothing that says comfortable, warm, and stylish, like an oversized turtleneck. To balance out the look, pair it with a pair of slim-fitting jeans and combat boots.

Credit: Instagram / andyteliasmoda

Here’s how you can put this look together:

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Lucky Brand Women's Mid Rise Ava Skinny Jean, Waterloo, 31
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Soda FLING Women Chunky Lug Sole Lace up Fashion Combat Ankle Boot w/Side Zipper (5.5, BROWN PU, numeric_5_point_5)
Soda FLING Women Chunky Lug Sole Lace up Fashion Combat Ankle Boot w/Side Zipper (5.5, BROWN PU, numeric_5_point_5)
Latest Fashion and Trend for Stylish and Sexy look; Lace-up style with functional side Zippers for easy in and out the boot

2.  Black Turtleneck with Cropped, Black Biker Jacket, Jeans, and Combat Boots

For this look, you’ll want a turtleneck that’s a bit more slim-fitting, so it will fit comfortably, layered underneath a cropped biker jacket.

Credit: Instagram / stylegoddessesig

Here’s how you can put this look together:

3. Turtleneck with Straight Leg or Flare Jeans, Long Coat, and Combat Boots

This effortlessly-stylish outfit is both warm and comfortable. Just remember when pairing jeans with a wider leg, don’t tuck them into the boots. They’ll just end up pulling and bunching up awkwardly as you move around. This outfit will work equally well with a midi or maxi-length coat.

when pairing jeans with a wider leg, don’t tuck them into the boots.

Credit: Instagram / zapateria_camacho

Here’s how you can put this look together:


2. Faux Leather Pants, Midi Puffer Coat, Striped Mock, and Combat Boots

Instead of going for the standard black combat boots, why not switch it up a little and try a different color? White combat boots still keep within the monochromatic color scheme of this outfit but add a little extra flair to the ensemble.

Credit: Instagram / hayley.c.simmons

Here’s how you can put this look together:


3 – Oversized Shirt with T-shirt, Leggings, and Combat Boots

This is the perfect seasonal transitional outfit. If it’s a little cooler, go for the outer shirt in a thicker, warmer material.

Likewise, as the temps start to rise, you can swap it out with a shirt made of lighter, cooler material.

Credit: Instagram / maren.rae

Here’s how you can put this look together:

Eddie Bauer Women's Favorite Short-Sleeve V-Neck T-Shirt, White, Medium
Eddie Bauer Women's Favorite Short-Sleeve V-Neck T-Shirt, White, Medium
1x1 rib knit for better shape retention and stretch; Garment-washed to prevent shrinking; Length, Small: Reg 26 inches | Petite 25 inches | Tall 27 inches
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Hawkwell Women's Combat Boots Side Zipper Lace up Ankle Booties,Burgundy PU,8 M US
Hawkwell Women's Combat Boots Side Zipper Lace up Ankle Booties,Burgundy PU,8 M US
MEASURES (approx) :Heel measures approximately 1.5", shaft:5.5", platform:0.75"
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4. Combat Boots and Cargo Pants

If you’re going for an in-your-face look, combat boots and a pair of cargo pants are just the ticket. This pairing definitely exudes a “you really don’t want to mess with me” confidence.

At the same time, you might want to soften up the outfit with a fitted T, bodysuit or crop top so you won’t be mistaken for Army personnel on leave.

Photo by Iuliyan Metodiev, Pexels

Here’s how you can put this look together:

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Dr. Martens 1460 Originals 8-Eye, Unisex, Black, Soft Toe, Slip Resistant, 6 Inch Work Boot (6.0 MW)
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5. Maxi Dress with Combat Boots

You can layer up this look for cooler weather by adding a cropped sweater and denim jacket. If you are going to accessorize this outfit with jewelry, go for understated hoop earrings and simple bangles.

Even though it’s a dress, this is still going to be a very informal look regardless of how much or little you layer it, so keep the bling to a minimum and keep it casual.

Credit: Instagram / maryfranz

Here’s how you can put this look together:

MIROL Women's Waffle Knit Cropped Top V Neck Long Sleeve Pullover Sweater Casual Solid Crop Sweatshirts Beige
MIROL Women's Waffle Knit Cropped Top V Neck Long Sleeve Pullover Sweater Casual Solid Crop Sweatshirts Beige
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Sam Edelman womens Laguna Chelsea Boot, Black Leather, 7.5 US
Sam Edelman womens Laguna Chelsea Boot, Black Leather, 7.5 US
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6. Sweater Dress with Combat Boots

Sweater dresses are everywhere as the weather cools. And wouldn’t you know – combat boots look great with them, too! Not everyone can (or wants to) wear thigh-high boots.

This is a great opportunity to show off a pair of longer combat boots. When it gets a little chilly, you can opt for thicker tights and layer on a long open front cardigan to complete the look.

Credit: Instagram / stylegoddessesig

Here’s how you can put this look together:


7. Pencil Skirt and a Cropped Halter with Combat Boots

As spring rolls around, you needn’t worry that you’ll have to pack away your combat boots. The one thing that makes them so versatile is that you can wear them pretty much all year round. This floral pencil skirt balances out the combat boots so wonderfully!

Credit: Instagram / opheliajanerose

Here’s how you can put this look together:


Can you Wear Combat Boots with Skirts and Dresses?

Yes, skirts and dresses can look amazing with combat boots, as the above shows.

Everything in life is about creating a balance. What better way to create balance than to pair an ultra-feminine item of clothing like a skirt or a dress with something that is the complete, total opposite of everything it embodies?

We all have something inside of us that longs to be able to just be ourselves, even if it doesn’t fit societal norms.

Though wearing combat boots with a skirt or dress might not solve all of your angst over feeling like you don’t quite fit into the little box you’re supposed to; here’s a newsflash… NO ONE fits into that box. You are not alone – and that’s probably one of the reasons that combat boots have never gone out of style and are super trending right now.


Take Away

You no longer need to wonder how to wear combat boots fashionably. Doc Martens and their spin-offs go with a lot of different outfits, including skirts and dresses. They are stylish and are warm enough for colder weather with their gripping soles, will give any outfit a little urban grit, not to mention they’re comfortable enough to walk in all day long.

What’s not to love about them?!

We’ve shown you 9 different ways to wear combat boots, but that doesn’t mean those are the only outfits you can wear them with. We just wanted to show you their versatility, so you can hit your wardrobe with the inspiration to experiment with these ideas, then hit streets turning heads.

Written by Jacqueline Ames

Jackie is the resident fashion and nail design guru at Luxe Luminous. With a degree in Management and a deep-seated passion for the glamorous styles of the 50s and 60s, Jacqueline offers a unique fusion of business acumen and vintage fashion flair in her captivating articles.