How to style lug boots 4 ways.

Boot season is just revving up which means it’s time for you to start thinking about styling options within your very own closet. I shared 25 of my favorite pairs last month but today we are going to talk about the versatility of the infamous lug boot. This does not mean that you should donate your favorite combat boots, Chelsea boots, ankle boots or knee boots. Keep those!

What it does mean is that the fashion world has deemed lug sole combat boots as this Fall’s hero so we need to listen up! Even the naysayers might sing a different tune by the end of this post. I am going to show you how to style your lug boots four ways with a few of your most beloved closet staples. Let’s get started, shall we?

Johanna leaning against a tree wearing a white dress and lug boots
Johanna next to a tree wearing a white dress and lug boots
Johanna leaning against a tree wearing a white dress and lug boots

First up, pairing your lug boots with a feminine dress. The daintier, the better! Something about the mix of sweet and rugged make this a winning look. (I linked all my exact pieces under each set of photos for reference) My sheer white, paneled dress is a steal at under $100 and perfect for summer date nights. But, styled with my trusty, lug boots - you have an entirely different look. These chunky soles make for such a great layering option starting in the Fall all the way through winter.

When I talk with my girlfriends, the biggest question I get is: how do I wear lug sole boots with dresses? This is usually followed by, “how do I to wear lug sole boots with jeans?” and “where do I find cheap lug sole boots?” Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered in my last two posts.

If you’re looking for designer pairs, and I’ve linked some below, check out Dr. Martens, Alexander McQueen, Proenza Schouler, Stuart Weitzman, Jimmy Choo, Louis Vuitton and of course, the infamous Bottega Veneta lug sole boots as well as the Prada lug sole boots. I am seeing dupes everywhere.

PS: Lug boots have a built in lift with the extra platform for my vertically challenged gals!

Johanna wearing a white pleated mini skirt, olive muscle tank, flat brim hat, and lug boots
Johanna wearing a white pleated mini skirt, olive muscle tank, flat brim hat, and lug boots
Johanna wearing a white pleated mini skirt, olive muscle tank, flat brim hat, and lug boots

Next up, pairing your lug boots with a classic, pleated maxi skirt. Mine is from Zara circa two years ago. I love this look for so many reasons. By far and away, it’s the comfort for me. This outfit reminds me of something you’d wear to the Glastonbury Festival. Now, I know what you’re thinking and it’s, “I don’t think I can pull this off.” And my answer would be, “Yes you can.”

The first requirement would be to stop caring and the second requirement is to find something cozy. A cropped sweater or hoody is what I consider perfect lug outfit style. Layer up with a Moto or denim jacket and you are a vibe. Hats and accessories are the key in transforming these pieces. And yes, chunky sole boots are ideal for outdoor concerts, too.

Johanna wearing a chambray shirt, faux leather leggings, a plaid blazer and lug boots
Johanna wearing a chambray shirt, faux leather leggings, a plaid blazer and lug boots
Johanna wearing a chambray shirt, faux leather leggings, a plaid blazer and lug boots

My third lug boot outfit is a bit more refined. Think meetings and the such. Again, we are going with refined meets rad. My plaid, menswear blazer offers up a bit of polish while the leggings and chunky soles suggest approachability. A little bit more unconventional. The look of lug sole motorcycle boots is easy to pair with denim and leggings. You just have to plan your layers a bit more strategically.

This is a great lug boot look for the pumpkin patch all the way to the business lunch. Have I mentioned that your feet will always be dry and warm in lug boots? Because they will be. Lugs double as rain boots! The key with this layered look is to offset the fitted leggings with something oversized and if you’re wearing liquid leggings, make sure your tush is always covered. If my bottoms are fitted, I always opt for an oversized blouse and boyfriend blazer unless I am hitting the gym. Plus chunky sole boots are a nice alternative to all the sneakers we’ve be wearing for the last 18 months.

If you’re on the hunt for modest prices, I recommend lug sole flat boots from Zara. They have loads of options and colors! I opted for olive lug sole boots because I see olive as a neutral and I don’t need another black pair of shoes. I also recommend a pair of lug sole slip on boots because who needs to deal with wet laces coming undone?

Johanna wearing a houndstooth statement coat, black tee, faux leather leggings, and lug boots
Johanna wearing a houndstooth statement coat, black tee, faux leather leggings, and lug boots
Johanna wearing a houndstooth statement coat, black tee, faux leather leggings, and lug boots

My fourth and final look is what I like to call my Matrix outfit. To be blunt, I feel like a badass when I wear this outfit. As they say, when in doubt, wear black…cough, cough or when you feel bloated and gross! That’s what I say. This look is easy peezy lemon squeeze-y. Take the very same liquid leggings in the above look and pair them with your favorite long sleeve, black tee. The layers are the cameo in this scene. Center stage is your statement coat and of course, your lug boots! If you never unbutton or unzip your coat it won’t matter because you’re still gonna look super chic. This street style lug boot looks spendy but it isn’t. The real investment are those boots you’re wearing. And trust me when I tell you that ALL fall trends point to these ankle boots.

Are you inspired? Did you buy a pair of fashion forward lug boots? Tell me your favorite pair in the comments. I can’t wait to see how you style them!