How To Wear Ankle Boots For Petites
Hey petite friends! Tall gals, you’re obviously welcome too – but today we’re going to chat about how to style ankle boots if you’ve got short legs like me! It can be frustrating to see cute outfits that look so effortless… and then you try it on and it looks… not how you imagined. Mumu dresses, wide leg cropped pants, drop waists and even ankle boots sometimes. I’ve heard others lament about this, so I know I’m not alone!
Sometimes is the key word when it comes to ankle boots, though! While an oversized shapeless sweater dress and any pair of flat booties might not be flattering on us, that doesn’t mean ankle boots are off limits by any means. So, let’s chat about the tips and tricks!
How To Wear Ankle Boots For Petites
Find an ankle boot that doesn’t gap at the ankle.
I know I can’t stop talking about these booties, but that’s because they’re incredible. Not only are the crazy comfortable, but they are also snug around the ankle so your skinny jean can pull right over them without any weird bunching!
If you did find boots that gap at the ankle, make sure they don’t come up too high.
You know those booties that come up above your ankle towards your mid calf? Those aren’t for us ? Try to find something that hits right at or just above your ankle… otherwise you might as well skip straight to knee highs and that’s not the point, now is it?!
Always go with a heel.
Obviously high heeled booties will make your legs look longer – but try to find ANY heel. Even if it’s just 1 inch! That little boost can make a difference.
When in doubt, add tights.
I’ll show you outfits both ways – but if you’re doubting it at all, just add tights!
Avoid a square toe.
Try to find a round or pointed toe instead. It might seem like a small thing, but it can majorly help your legs look longer!
Ankle Boot Outfit Ideas For Petites
Wear them with a dress or skirt with bare legs
Wearing booties with bare legs is really tough for petite gals. Our legs just aren’t as long as everyone else’s! The key that I’ve learned is to find booties that doesn’t gap around your ankle. The more form fitting the better! You also want to wear a skirt or dress that hits above your knee. This shirtdress or corduroy skirt would be great options!
Dress: Loft (similar here) | Bag: Madewell (similar here)| Hair Clip: J.Crew (similar here) | Sunglasses: Loft | Booties: Everlane
Wear them with jeans
This is an obvious one, but there are a few things to remember with this one. First of all, wear high waisted jeans! They are a petite gals best friend. Second, make sure they are either petite, shortened, or a short/cropped length. This pair in petite and this pair in the short inseam are my current favorites – and pretty affordable too! And third, make sure you can either easily tuck them into boots (if they’re skinny) or pull them over your boots (if they’re straight leg). The in-between is where it gets tricky, so I’ve learned to avoid booties like that! I know I sound like a broken record, but these are my favorite right now because you can easily pull jeans right over them. I also got this pair recently and they’re a great neutral to have in my closet. Also, don’t forget to look for a darker wash or a pair of black jeans. It’s not the time for the super light summer washes!
Sweater: Everlane (Runs a little big, but SO cozy!) | Necklace: Abby Alley (the necklace I designed!) | Sunglasses: Loft | Bag: Everlane (similar here) | Booties: Everlane
Wear them with leggings
Leggings are actually one of my favorite things to wear with booties (and tall boots!) because they easily tuck right in! Pair it with a big cozy sweater and you’re good to go. (See more of this outfit here.)
Grab a higher heel to dress up a casual outfit
When the temps drop, we all need to pull out the sweaters and puffer jackets – but it’s easy to feel a little frumpy in them. Just add a higher heel to feel more pulled together! (See more of this outfit here.)
Pair them with tights and a skirt or dress
If you’re hesitant to wear booties with bare legs, just add tights! I personally like opaque black tights so it elongates your legs. Again, try to keep the skirt or dress above knee length. (See more of this outfit here.)
Any other petite tips?
Share your wisdom in the comments!!
PS. You might also like my Fall Capsule Wardrobe for Petites and Wedding Guest Dresses for Fall/Winter.
