Woman sits in a doorway, twisting her curls and smiling. She's wearing metallic snakeskin combat boots, pleather pants, and a denim jacket.

How to Wear Combat Boots Five Ways

Decidedly punk yet delightfully practical, lace-up with our top five outfits to wear with combat boots.

Add some edge to your look while staying comfy and cute with combat boots. From chic moto style to the return of 90s prep, combat boots are the modern upgrade you need for any fall look. From a cozy coffee run to a girls’ night out, the highly versatile combat boot is the basis of these five stunning looks.

What Are Combat Boots?

Combat boots are ankle-height to mid-calf, lace-up military-style boots, typically designed with lugged soles to provide traction on rugged terrain. Also, most combat boots are worn today for style rather than military duty.

Look 1: White Combat Boots & Jeans

Woman makes a coffee run on Main Street wearing a cropped leather jacket and distressed black jeans with white combat boots — Shop the boot: Women’s Unr8ed Firm Boots in White

The UnR8ed Firm combat boot harkens the rebellious punk roots of the combat boot by defiantly breaking the “no white after Labor Day” rule. From the ground up, this look is polished and punky all at once. Add contrast to the tough boots and distressed denim by topping it off with a staple striped sweater. Top it all off with a leather jacket for an extra edge

Look 2: Black Combat Boots & Tights

Rock your 9-to-5 or your evening cocktail in a LBD, sheer black tights, and classic black combat boots. Finish the look with a topknot, oversized cardigan, and hiking socks. — *Shop the boot: Women’s Madden Girl Kurrt Combat Boots in Black*

For a look that goes from day to date, the Madden Girl Kurrt black combat boots are those versatile, you-do-you shoes that can be dressed up or dressed down. Pair them with a little black dress and tights, layered under a slouchy, cozy cardigan for daytime. For date night, switch out the sweater for a fitted blazer or classic trench.

Look 3: Bold Combat Boots & Layered Denim

Coordinate your look with metallic combat boots with animal print texture. Woman wears a pink leopard print thermal and metallic eyeshadow to complement her combat boots. — *Shop the boot: Women’s Dr. Martens Zavala Combat Boots in Metallic Reptile*

Fearless and trendy, these fun boots punctuate leather-like high-rise jeans with some unexpected oompf. With an iridescent finish and reptilian-embossed texture, the metallic Dr. Martens Zavala combat boots up the drama. And what would a fierce rock-star outfit be without a jacket? A denim jacket layered over a printed tee keeps this look comfy and casual.

Look 4: Brown Combat Boots & Plaid Dress

Bring on the apple cider with this fun fall look. Model is wearing a plaid overalls mini dress with a nude sweater, brown combat boots, and visible cream socks. — *Shop the boot: Women’s Dr. Martens Combs Combat Boots in Brown*
*For a similar look, shop Women’s Sugar Reggie Combat Boots in Dark Brown*

Wondering how to rep the 90s prep trend this fall? This outfit won’t leave you feeling Clueless. First, get grounded in brown (slightly) distressed combat boots. Next, dig up a vintage ribbed turtleneck or sweater in a white, beige, or neutral hue. Last, throw on a plaid dress for the win. Score extra credit with white socks and wavy locks.

Look 5: Combat Boots for Your Mini

Little girls love tough looks. Model looks ready for school in a shearling-lined denim jacket, green jumper, and combat boots — *Shop the boot:* *Girls’ Unr8ed Little Kid & Big Kid Firm Combat Boots in Black*

Black boots make a timeless jumper look modern and feel playground friendly. And if tying her shoes isn’t quite her forte, you’ll both love the side-zip closure on the kids’ UnR8ed Firm combat boots.

More tried-and-true boot styling tips:

When it comes to combat boots, there aren’t any rules, but here are a few style-savvy tips to follow:

Pants & Combat Boots

Since lace-up boots taper, extend the effect in ankle-skimming skinny jeans, leggings, cropped chinos, and opaque tights. Punctuate pleather leggings or pants with your favorite pair of combat boots, or lace up your boots over joggers for the military fatigue look. Shy away from wide-leg fits and palazzo pants.

Tops & Combat Boots

What you wear on top isn’t as strategic as your pant picks, but we like to go big, soft, or cropped alongside lace-up boots. Think oversized boxy sweaters, cropped moto jackets, soft ribbed turtlenecks, lived-in denim jackets – you get the picture.

Dresses with Combat Boots

As one-and-done wardrobe wonders, dresses are a mainstay in the weekly outfit rotation. What other item could bring out the rebellious roots of a rugged combat boot better than a girly dress? Can you say contrast? From flower-patterned maxi dresses to minimalist slip dresses, any dress shape and length will spotlight your boot brigade.

Combat boring style in the hottest trends with lace-up boots from Shoe Carnival. Check out more great looks in the Fall Boot Shop or at a Shoe Carnival store near you.

All items in stock as of time of publication. Original publication Oct 14, 2020.

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