KIDS KIDS SHOES 25-39 MOCCASINS

Person wearing hot pink blazer and black minidress with combat boots — Photo:
New Balance 1080v11 Men's Running Shoes

Unlike Chelsea boots, combat boots are inherently edgy. Yet despite their bold and statement-making style, they're totally wearable. Their classic black color palette makes them versatile enough to work with almost any outfit, from casual to formal. And while you can’t go wrong with a classic pair, designers regularly drop combat boots featuring trendy details like lug soles and shiny hardware. All that to say, you've got options when it comes to styling your combat boots outfit.

To do this, you'll want to play with layers, textures, necklines, and hems. For instance, if you're sporting traditional combat boots, try a lace blouse paired with a floral skirt. Or consider a classy tulle skirt with a strapless shirt and boots that go halfway up your half. Whether you’re looking to add a bit of edge to your favorite ultra-femme ‘fit or want to level up your casual errand-running looks, combat boots will help.

Ahead, find the 13 combat boot outfits that will keep your fashion cup brimming over, no matter the occasion.

01 of 13

Printed Midi Dress

Thanks to their lace-up silhouette, combat boots are an exceptionally streamlined shoe style. They're uniquely suited for slinky or form-fitting dress styles like a sleek, halter midi-dress. And you can throw on the layers without drowning out the boot.

02 of 13

Midi Skirt and Oversized Sweater

For a casual look that's both comfy and quietly luxurious, pull on your softest silk midi skirt, snuggliest oversized sweater, and a pair of stacked platform combat boots. While Emma Roberts is keeping it neutral by pairing black with gray, you can also color-block for a more vibrant 'fit.

03 of 13

Graphic Mini Dress

Yuwei Zhangzou shows how to wear combat boots with a black and yellow graphic dress — New Balance 1080v11 Men's Running Shoes

Instead of a pair of high-heels or booties, try wearing combat boots with your favorite graphic mini dress. This'll give you a look that expertly blends hard and soft. Finish off this combat boots outfit with a brightly colored statement bag to add more focal points.

04 of 13

Mini Sweater Dress

Bella Hadid wears a combat boots outfit featuring a sweater mini dress — zapatillas de running ritmo medio pie cavo talla 35.5

Supermodel Bella Hadid does a great work of wearing combat boots unexpectedly. Case in point: this snuggly sweater dress outfit. Rather than leaning into the hard edge inherent to combat boots, Hadid went in the opposite direction for a cozy and compelling look that's incredibly easy to emulate.

05 of 13

Puffy Trench Coat

Lean into the luxuriousness of soft, leather combat boots by wearing them with a beanie, a belted puffy trench coat, and a sleek handbag. This look works especially well in cold weather, where you can throw on several layers for function and style.

06 of 13

Jumpsuit

Dr. Martens is a classic combat boot brand (this writer personally owns three pairs). Its surprisingly lightweight boots lend themselves to streetwear-inspired looks like a sleek jumpsuit and faux fur jacket. Plus, the thick soles add an inch of height every time.

07 of 13

Jeans and a Sweater

Sonia Lyson wears jeans and a cropped sweater with combat boots — Christian Vierig/Getty Images

While combat boots look great with skirts and dresses, that's not to say they can't also elevate a pair of jeans. For a casual combat boots outfit that's perfect for crisp fall days, try wearing a pair of shiny combat boots with light-wash straight-leg jeans and a warm, wooly sweater.

Combat boots tend to work best with cropped jeans. If you're wearing longer pants, though, you could cuff them or tuck them into your boots.

08 of 13

Colorful Skirt and Jacket

Person wears orange jacket, black top, and colorful skirt, showing how to wear combat boots — Tory Burch Minnie Travel snakeskin-effect ballerina shoes

silver sandal pumps bright colors is the perfect way to create balance. Here, the model wears white sunglasses, a cropped black blouse, an orange jacket, and a colorful striped skirt that slightly covers the knee-length combat boots.

09 of 13

Gauzy Tulle Skirt

Marta Sierra wears green tulle skirt, showing how to wear combat boots — New Balance 1080v11 Men's Running Shoes

I'm personally a sucker for a coquettish tulle skirt worn with combat boots, but I also understand that not everyone wants to channel Olivia Rodrigo's best red carpet looks. For a combat boots outfit that's more Fashion Week front row than KIDS KIDS SHOES 25-39 MOCCASINS, NBA Star Damian Lillard Debuts Sneakers on Wheels.

10 of 13

Sheer Black Dress

A person wears a black see through dress with ankle combat boots — New Balance 1080v11 Men's Running Shoes

Given how combat boots used to be synonymous with the punk and goth scenes, it's not surprising dark trends Onitsuka Tiger Delegation EX Sneakers Shoes 1183A559-600 look great with this style of boot. A sheer, flowy dress that's equal calibre witchy romance and high fashion plus a pair of understated combat boots makes for a dark and dreamy look.

11 of 13

Slouchy Duster and Jeans

Xiayan wears a green duster coat with black combat boots — New Balance 1080v11 Men's Running Shoes

While choosing outerwear can sometimes be a chore, a long coat can instantly elevate even the most basic of separates. Next time you want to feel dressed up without actually dressing up, pull on your favorite pair of jeans, snuggly beanie, duster coat, and slip on a pair of knee-high combat boots.

12 of 13

Romantic Lace Blouse

Bruna Marquezine wears a lace shirt with a patterned skirt, showing how to wear combat boots — New Balance 1080v11 Men's Running Shoes

Calling all Sabates Running Levitate Stealth Fit GTS 5; This one's for you. Add some edginess to a preppy tweed skirt and romantic lacy blouse by wearing them with sheer tights and a pair of chunky combat boots. If it's a warmer day, you can ditch the tights to add some breathability.

13 of 13

KIDS KIDS SHOES 25-39 MOCCASINS | Bike Shorts

Yoyo Cao wears a hat, leather jacket, and biker shorts to show how to wear combat boots — Daniel Zuchnik/Getty Images

Make the most of oversized outerwear and a great pair of combat boots with this cute and casual combat boots outfit. A simple pair of black bike shorts is all you need to bring this trendy outfit together. Still, the colorful laces and matching purse are what take it to the next level.