How To Style Your Favorite Pair Of Combat Boots For Any Season

Since their military beginnings in the 1940s, combat boots have evolved into a fashion staple. In the 1970s, these lace-up shoes became a symbol of the counterculture movement — most specifically, the growing punk scene. They were beloved by bands like The Sex Pistols and The Clash, who wore them with lots of leather, waist chains, and spiked hair. The shoe also became a staple in the LGBTQIA+ community, used by queer women to signify identity. By the 1990s, the grunge aesthetic was trending, and combat boots were accompanied by plaid and ripped jeans — given the recent resurgence of '90s fashion, not much has changed in the 2020s. As market editor Angela Koh explains to The New York Times, "A simple, black ankle boot, free from any excess designs or trinkets," will pretty much always be in style.

Best of all, combat boots are adaptable for any season (or occasion, for that matter). Wear them to work, to an apple orchard, or to an outdoor summer concert. Even pair them with a formal gown like "Squid Game" star HoYeon Jung. Given their versatility, combat boots are one of those shoes we just can't live without. If you're searching for ways to repurpose your favorite thick-soled stompers winter through fall, look no further. 

Along with combat boots, leather jackets were a 1970s punk staple. However, chances are your style is a bit more subdued than that of Sid Vicious. Match your leather jacket with straight-cut jeans, minimal makeup, and a cable knit sweater for a spring coffee date look. On warmer days, opt for a cropped tee and cuff your jeans to show off your shoes. Oversized bomber jackets are trending — just look to streetwear icons like Hailey Bieber for inspiration. Finally, transition the leather jacket into dinner date territory with the help of a slip dress.

In that slushy period between winter and spring, trench coats — especially those of the waterproof variety — are a must. They're not quite warm enough for sub-freezing temps, but they do the trick on gray days. Celebrities like Kendall Jenner are making statements with patterned long coats, but you can keep it simple with a tan or black style. Check out this design from Banana Republic, and pair it with your favorite weather-resistant combat boots. Underneath, layer oversized trousers, a vest, and maybe even a collared shirt.

Like the punks of the 1970s, style your combat boots with a band tee. Even today, graphic tee shirts are a streetwear staple among celebrities. During the summer months, wear an oversized shirt as a dress, adding fishnets or bike shorts underneath for extra coverage. In colder weather, layer the shirt over your go-to turtleneck, tucking it into a casual pair of jeans or cargo pants. Pro tip: to avoid that boxy look, tuck your shirt into the back or sides of your pants.

From sweatsuits to formal wear, matching sets are trending. Their main appeal? They make putting together a fit super easy. For starters, check out this checkered Nasty Gal set for those 90-degree days. Alternatively, once it's officially sweater weather, invest in a two-piece fit with a bit more coverage. For formal occasions, wear a matching suit and blazer combo with powerful platform combat boots. Invest in this black suit from Mango, for instance, and top it off with bold '80s-style chandelier earrings.

Spring through summer is officially festival season. Whether you're attending a weekend-long event like Coachella, or simply plan to stop by a casual park concert, combat boots have you covered. Invest in statement shoes like these pastel blue Dr. Martens or, if you're really feeling bold, butterfly-printed boots from Doll's Kill. Put together an Olivia Rodrigo-esque outfit with wide-legged pants and a cut-out top. Given your shoes, you'll be ready for whatever the weather throws your way.