A pair of boots and a a dress is an effortless style choice is an effortless style choice, whatever the season. We’ve seen the look dominate festivals, parks and bars this summer, and it’s only going to continue. As we move into the latter half of the season (sob), the evenings will start to get cooler and temperatures will begin to dip. A bummer for those who crave vitamin D, sure—but great news for those of us who love to layer, without getting drenched in sweat. Let’s stay optimistic, K?

No need to panic either, there’s still plenty of time left to wear your summer dresses. Below are some of the best outfit inspirations and styling hacks courtesy of our fave street style girlies. You’re welcome!

Boxing boots and long sleeve T-shirt dress

london, england july 14: jordan grant attends an intimate dinner hosted by mia regan for the launch of hm x mia regan collection on july 14, 2025 in london, england. (photo by max cisotti/dave benett/getty images for hm x mia regan)pinterest

Dave Benett//Getty Images

Lace-up boxing boots have become one of the biggest footwear trends of 2025. They’re cool, comfy, and add a sporty edge to any ensemble. This wearer has kept the focus on her accessories with this easy white T-shirt dress—the stacked bangles and slouchy suede boho bag are *chef’s kiss.*

Ankle boots and ruffle mini dress

paris, france july 08: a guest wears a light blue ruffled chiffon mini dress with asymmetrical straps and a matching scarf choker, silver tassel earrings, black open toe heeled boots with white ruffled ankle socks, and carries a metallic silver shoulder bag outside the chanel show during the haute couture fall/winter 2025/2026 as part of paris fashion week on july 08, 2025 in paris, france. (photo by valentina frugiuele/getty images)pinterest

Valentina Frugiuele//Getty Images

Ankle boots aren’t the easy of shoes to pull off—the height of the boot can sometimes be awkward and cut your legs off in the wrong place. However, we love this combo with lace, frilly socks, which softens the black patent leather and buckles. It all works perfectly with the romantic blue mini dress and silver bowling bag.

Combat boots and polka dot midi dress

streetstyle in shanghai, china on march 26, 2025. (photo by su shan leong/wwd via getty images)pinterest

WWD//Getty Images

An unexpected pairing, but it just works. The ladylike, strapless dress and polka dot pattern is given a tough edge by this wearer’s buckled combat boots. The bow belt and beaded jewelry keep the overall look feminine and light.

Cowboy boots and satin mini dress

milan, italy february 27: a guest wears orange sunglasses, a grey and green hoodie, a green dress, a light yellow leather bag, black leather boots, outside max mara, during the milan fashion week womens fall/winter 2025 2026 on february 27, 2025 in milan, italy. (photo by edward berthelot/getty images)pinterest

Edward Berthelot//Getty Images

Yeehaw! Cowboy boots are the trend that just won’t quit. A block heeled pair, like this, adds height while keeping you comfy. The western-style embroidery compliments the green satin mini dress. Extra style points for the knitwear, too— stylish and practical for chillier evenings.

Riding boots and gathered sleeveless dress

paris, france june 25: a guest wears green draped long dress, black boots, outside hed mayner, during the menswear spring/summer 2026 show as part of paris fashion week on june 25, 2025 in paris, france. (photo by claudio lavenia/getty images)pinterest

Claudio Lavenia//Getty Images

Riding boots are ideal day-to-day footwear as their flat sole makes them ultra-comfy, but the structured leather silhouette keeps them looking ultra-polished. This wearer’s draped and gathered dress keeps the boots looking summery and fresh.

Brown slouch boots and off the shoulder mini dress

paris, france march 09: a guest wears silver glasses, a black shoulder less long sleeved midi dress and brown leather knee high boots outside ottolinger show during the womenswear fall/winter 2025/2026 as part of paris fashion week on march 09, 2025 in paris, france. (photo by valentina frugiuele/getty images)pinterest

Valentina Frugiuele//Getty Images

Create a contrasting silhouette with a tight mini dress and a pair of wide-legged, slouchy boots. Simple, but oh so effective. Black dresses have dominated the summer, and we love this chic and easy off the shoulder number.

Square toe boots and lace slip dress

paris, france june 26: guests wear black draped top, blue denim shorts, denim over the knees boots, black bag (l), and white printed midi dress with lace details, green boots, green prada bag (r), outside bluemarble, during the menswear spring/summer 2026 show as part of paris fashion week on june 26, 2025 in paris, france. (photo by claudio lavenia/getty images)pinterest

Claudio Lavenia//Getty Images

Slip dresses are having a moment. Toughen up their floaty, romantic shapes with structured, square-toe boots. The floral motifs on this one, combined with the lace panels, makes the overall look super eye-catching.

Headshot of Rebecca Jane Hill

Rebecca Jane Hill is the Senior Fashion Editor at Cosmopolitan UK. She has previously contributed to publications including Vogue, Elle, Marie Claire, Harper’s Bazaar, Refinery29, The Face, Glamour and Stylist. She started her own magazine, Sister, in 2012 whilst at university. Focused around feminism, fashion and culture, it went on to produce 12 globally stocked print issues, as well as countless events and partnerships. She closed the magazine in 2023.

Rebecca has been an associate lecturer at London College of Fashion since 2018, where she teaches on the Fashion Journalism course. She is a passionate second-hand shopper and is constantly on the lookout for new design talent. 

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Hannah Caddo

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Hannah Caddo