January 21, 2025
Can You Wear Boots in the Spring? Styling Tips for Transitional Weather
Remember when fashion came with a long list of rules? We were told we couldn’t wear white after Labor Day, our shoes had to match our belt, and boots were strictly for winter. Luckily, those days are behind us. Now, it’s all about wearing what feels good and works for you —no matter the season.
So, let’s settle the age-old question: Can you wear boots in spring? Absolutely! In fact, you can wear boots any time of year if you style them right. And spring is no exception. With its unpredictable weather — sunny one minute, chilly the next — boots are not only practical but also a great way to elevate your look and keep your outfits functional and fashionable.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to wear boots in the spring so you can bring your favorite footwear into the new season!
Why Boots Are Great for Spring Weather
Fashion has always revolved around the seasons — flannel for fall, puffer coats for winter, linen for summer. But, over the past few decades, things have changed. A lot.
Now, it’s less about swapping out your whole wardrobe every few months and more about finding evergreen pieces that work no matter the season. The perfect example? Your beloved boots. They’re practical, stylish and work beautifully for spring’s ever-changing weather.
So, can you wear boots in April? Absolutely! Boots can take you through all the spring months, prepared for anything. Those early spring mornings can still be way too cold, which calls for something that keeps your feet warm. Sudden April showers require footwear that stays dry without compromising on style. Even as May and June roll around, boots are still on the table. Chunky combat boots and Chukka boots have become staples for summer activities, like festivals and outdoor events. They provide protection and pair perfectly with dresses, shorts and simple tees.
The Best Boots for Spring Outfits
Whether it’s a rainy morning in April or a warm afternoon in May, the right boots can take you from season to season.
Here are some of our favorite boot styles for spring:
- Ankle Boots: Perfect for warmer days and easy to pair with dresses, cropped pants or skirts. They’re versatile enough to suit any outfit.
- Chelsea Boots: Timeless and adaptable, Chelsea boots work for everything from casual weekend outings to more dressed-up occasions.
- Chukka Boots: A relaxed, low-key option that pairs perfectly with jeans, shorts or chinos.
- Western-Inspired Boots: A bold choice that brings a unique touch to spring outfits. Plus, they’re incredibly trendy right now!
- Lace-Up Boots: Great for cooler days, lace-ups are practical and pair well with layered socks or tights.
- Wedge Boots: All-day comfort with a little extra height? Yes, please! Wedges work well for both relaxed and more refined looks.
- Rain Boots: Perfect for tackling those pesky spring showers without giving up on style.
How to Style Boots in the Spring
Styling boots in the spring is easy and fun! The secret is finding ways to blend them into lighter, more playful outfits that are still practical and prepared for the seasonal weather.
Here are 12 quick styling tips to help you make boots a staple of your spring wardrobe:
1. Go Floral
Nothing says spring like florals and boots add just the right contrast to those soft, flowy patterns. Whether you’re going for a floral dress or a minimalist tee, ankle boots are a solid choice here, grounding the look without taking away from the airy vibe. Bonus points if you pick boots in a neutral shade that ties into the colors of your dress or shirt!
2. Add a Denim Jacket
A denim jacket and boots are the ultimate casual spring duo. Layer the jacket over a flowy spring dress with boots or keep it ultra-simple with a romper. Finish the look with ankle boots or Chelsea boots for an outfit that works for anything from errands to outdoor brunch.
3. Play with Pastels
Spring is the season for pastel shades, and they look even better when you team them up with boots in lighter shades. Think blush pinks, mint greens, or baby blues with beige or taupe boots, like Chukkas, wedges or ankle boots.
4. Cuff Your Pants
Cuffing your pants is a simple trick that lets your boots take center stage and makes your outfit look more intentional. Roll up the hem of your jeans or trousers to show off ankle boots, combat boots or your favorite colorful socks. It’s a small detail, but it makes a big difference.
5. Layer with Lightweight Knits
Spring mornings can still have a bit of a chill, which means layers, like lightweight knits, are a must. To expertly style your knits with boots, try a fitted knit top with high-waisted trousers and ankle boots, or throw on an open cardigan over a midi skirt and Western boots.
6. Experiment with Patterns
Striped pants with neutral Chelsea boots? Yes. A polka-dot skirt with ankle boots? Absolutely. Bold prints and boots are a combo worth trying this season. Experiment with patterned shirts — like subtle checks or stripes — under a lightweight jacket, paired with dark jeans and Chukka boots.
7. Try Wide-Leg Trousers
Love that 1970s boho-chic vibe? Try a pair of wide-leg trousers with ankle boots and thank us later. The flow of the pants contrasts with the structure of the boots, giving you that retro feel with a modern edge, especially when worn with a tucked-in knit, a flowy blouse or crop top.
8. Mix Up Your Textures
Texture does more than affect how clothes feel to the touch — it keeps your outfit visually interesting and adds depth to your look. Pairing smooth leather boots with soft, flowy fabrics like chiffon or silk, for example, creates an eye-catching contrast. Playing with textures is a simple way to elevate your outfit and keep it feeling fresh and dynamic.
9. Embrace the Trench Coat
Boots and everyone’s favorite spring staple — the beloved trench coat — are a match made in style heaven. Throw an iconic coat over cropped jeans and ankle boots for a casual look, or go for knee-high boots and a midi dress to add a bit of drama. If you want something unexpected, swap classic neutrals for a colorful trench coat or pair it with metallic boots and a dress.
10. Rock Colorful Socks
Remember the days when we tried so hard to hide our socks? Now, they’re meant to be seen! Visible socks, particularly bright, bold or patterned ones can add personality to your outfit in the easiest way. How? Just let them peek out from ankle boots with cropped jeans or combine them with lace-up boots for a modern and playful look.
11. Swap Black for Beige
There’s no denying that black is the most versatile color of all, but that doesn’t mean it’s always the best choice for spring. Lighter shades like beige, taupe or cream feel fresher and pair nicely with the softer tones and lighter fabrics of the season, brightening your look while keeping it just as versatile.
12. Match with Midi Skirts
For those days when it’s too warm for pants but not quite warm enough for bare legs, midi skirts and boots come to save the day. You can wear an asymmetrical midi with ankle boots, or a midi in denim or animal print with Western boots. Chelsea boots and a pleated skirt keep it preppy, or, for something edgier, go for combat boots and a leather midi that hits just below the knee.
The Do’s and Don’ts of Styling Boots in Spring
Ready to experiment with a few looks? Keep these quick tips in mind for a spot-on outfit every time:
Do’s
- Choose boots that match the vibe of your outfit and the occasion.
- Take advantage of transitional weather to layer thoughtfully, like pairing boots with a lightweight scarf or a cropped jacket.
- Invest in versatile styles that work across multiple outfits, seasons and occasions. For example, a good pair of ankle boots or Chelsea boots can go a long way.
- Be mindful of the weather. If you go out in a dress with boots, spring mornings and evenings might still be cool enough to call for tights, so plan ahead.
Don’ts
- Forget to adjust your footwear for the occasion. Hiking boots might be great for an outdoor day but can look out of place at a dressier event.
- Pair overly shiny or “loud” boots with informal daytime outfits unless they’re meant to make a bold statement.
- Ignore proper boot care. Spring weather can be unpredictable, so keep your boots clean and ready to handle rain or shine.
Wear TOMS. Wear Good.
Who said boots are just for fall and winter? There are so many ways to style your favorite pair of boots, whether that’s a bold pair of metallic booties or a classic pair of Chelseas or Chukkas. Boots are every-season footwear, taking on spring’s unpredictable weather while adding style to your everyday outfits.
At TOMS, every pair you buy gives back to organizations that drive meaningful change. Talk about boots that feel good! To learn more, read about our impact.
Shop our collection of women’s boots today and find the perfect pair to take you through spring, summer, and beyond.