What To Wear With Brown Boots
October 01, 2025
Brown boots are timeless for a reason. Not only does brown flatter different skin tones, but this neutral colour is also fit for every season. Come rain or shine, these richly coloured boots can complement casual outfits or more formal wear like dresses or suits.
Step away from the traditional black affair and add a splash of colour and warmth to your wardrobe. From tanned knee-highs to hazelnut ankle boots, paint the town brown with our top picks. Find out what to wear with brown boots and how to style them with our style guide.
What's on this page:
What colours go well with brown boots?
With so many shades to choose from, you may wonder if brown boots can pair well with other colours at all. The good news is brown is a neutral tone, so a pair of brown boots are likely to fit most colour palettes in your wardrobe.
-
Tan boots work with bold, autumnal hues like berry, mustard and burgundy. Their lighter tone makes them the perfect match with rich patterns and brighter shades - so you're set for the warmer months. For example, tan Chelsea boots with a mustard knit dress or patterned midi skirt instantly brighten up cooler months.
Our top pick:
Lilley Womens Tan Chelsea Boot
-
Dark brown boots go perfectly with vibrant colours such as red and orange. Think: a scarlet dress and brown heeled ankle boots. They match perfectly with blue jeans and look chic with green blouses or jackets.
Our top pick:
Lilley Womens Brown Chelsea Boot
-
Burgundy boots match just about any colour, but they look particularly stunning with white, grey, blush and navy. Consider matching a pair with a deep-hued velvet item of clothing for a sleek, night-time ensemble.
Our top pick:
Lilley & Skinner Faroe Womens Dark Red Boot
What outfits to wear with brown boots
If you have the perfect shade in mind but are wondering how to style brown boots, you've got a lot of outfits to choose from. Brown boots add elegance to any look and can make a timeless fashion statement when paired with the following:
-
Jeans and trench coat - pair this with a pair of wedge ankle boots or Chelsea boots for a classy, streamlined look.
-
Knitted sweater and black leggings - complete your cosy winter attire with low-heel Chelsea boots. Add some statement ankle socks for an extra flourish.
-
Cream lace dress - get ready for festival season with this high-fashion outfit, perfect during the transition from winter to spring.
-
Sheer tights and printed dress - flaunt your favourite hippy look with this retro outfit, complete with brown calf boots or tan calf boots.This look harks back to the 1960s, while still being on trend today.
How to style brown boots by season
Spring
Swap winter coats for lighter layers. Tan ankle boots pair beautifully with pastel blouses, floral dresses, or cropped jeans. Try them with a trench coat or denim jacket for an effortlessly chic look that works from day to evening.
Summer
Brown boots aren’t just for colder weather. Lighter shades like tan or taupe ankle boots look stylish with floaty summer dresses, denim shorts, or boho maxi skirts. Keep things casual and go sockless (or use invisible socks) for a relaxed, festival-ready finish.
Autumn
This is the season where brown boots truly shine. Rich chestnut or dark brown boots complement earthy tones like rust, mustard, and olive. Knee-high boots with skinny jeans and oversized knitwear make the perfect autumn uniform, while ankle boots with corduroy skirts offer a chic vintage vibe.
Winter
Opt for darker, sturdier boots in deep brown or burgundy. Look for faux fur trims, fleece linings, or water-repellent finishes to handle the cold. Pair them with leggings, oversized jumpers, and long coats for everyday warmth, or dress them up with tailored trousers and wool overcoats for a sharp evening look.
Our best brown boot picks for Women
Discover a range of women's brown boots - from ankle to knee-high - in flat or heeled designs for comfort and style. Whether you're venturing outdoors in a pair of hiking boots or hitting the town with a sleek pair of brogues, you'll find boots that are practical, timeless and affordable.
Lilley Maggie Brown Lace Up Boot
Keep your feet snug with these chocolate brown faux fur lace up boots from Lilley. The lace up fastening helps to secure your feet while the faux fur trim provides comfort and warmth for your ankles and soles. These boots embrace a subtle side buckle that adds some creative flair to complete any outfit.
Style tip: Chunky lace up boots work well with thick leggings, a knitted sweater and a fur-lined coat for the ultimate winter get-up. During autumn, opt for a classy black shift dress and sheer tights.
Lilley & Skinner Finland Womens Brown Chelsea Boot
Stylish and chic, these slip on brown Chelsea boots by Lilley & Skinner are perfect for everyday wear. The elasticated gusset guarantee an easy to wear experience and the contrasting gripped outsole is great for a stable fit. The 4cm block heel adds modest height while being comfortable for those long autumn and winter days.
Style tip: Chelsea boots go great with cropped trousers and a classic blazer to elevate your workwear. Alternatively, show some sass with straight-leg jeans and an emerald green jacket - perfect for the autumn.
Lilley Elena Brown Buckle Knee High Boot
Enjoy comfort and elegance with these brown knee-high boots by Lilley. The zip fastening ensures an easy fit, and the grip sole provides cushioned support for your feet. Decorative buckles along the side create the perfect finishing touch
Style tip: Knee length boots are incredibly versatile. Partner these with some skinny jeans and cosy knitwear for a timeless look fit for the autumn/winter season. Or go for a flowy midi skirt to contrast the heavier boots.
Softlites Jo Tan Calf Boot
Take your style to new level with these women's calf boots! With decorative buckles and a faux fur trim, these boots make a fashionable choice. If you want added height but want to remain stable of your feet, a wedged heel is a great choice! These boots are lined with cozy fleece for added warmth and extend to calf length, ensuring more of your leg stays protected.
Style tip: Match the colour of the faux fur trim with your outfit, this will bring your outfit together as one. For instance, you could pair these boots with a white knitted jumper or a white faux fur jacket – a perfect look walking through Christmas markets!
Style tip: Style tip: Match the colour of the faux fur trim with your outfit, this will bring your outfit together as one. For instance, you could pair these boots with a white knitted jumper or a white faux fur jacket – a perfect look walking through Christmas markets!
Lilley Womens Brown Ankle Zip Up Boot
Make a statement with these brown ankle boots by Lilley. These feature a typical country style with an arched structure and a rounded toe alongside a medium-sized heel for added height. They also feature a side zip and a pull tab for an easy slip-on wear.
Style tip: These unique country boots are suitable for every season. Pair with a sassy floral maxi skirt or a swing dress to achieve a casual boho vibe - perfect for festivals and weekend adventures.
Our best brown boot picks for Men
Browse our men's brown boots for casual occasions, work days and off-duty weekends. From hiking boots to desert style and Chelsea boots, you'll find the perfect pair crafted from rich leather, elegant suede and more.
Beckett Buckley Brown Chelsea Boot
Step out in style with these tan Chelsea boots crafted by Beckett. With elasticated gussets and a pull tab they’re easy to slip on. The gripped heels make them the ideal country boot, perfect for long walks or a casual day at the office.
Style tip: Men's Chelsea boots pair well with straight cut jeans and a t-shirt for an effortless casual vibe, but they can also match with a fitted suit for more formal attire.
Beckett Mens Brown Ankle Boots
These dark brown zip up boots by Beckett are perfect for giving your look a heritage aesthetic thanks to their dark brown designed collar and tarnished effect design. With two closure types, laces and a side zip, you can set the laces to a fitting that is right for you, and simply rely on the side zip for putting them on and taking them off. Stay comfortable with a padded ankle collar and soft lining, perfect for facing the cold weather.
Style tip: Lace-up ankle boots look great with sophisticated styles. Pair with a white shirt, a black overcoat and some beige chinos.
Urban Territory Hank Brown Hiker Boot
Sturdy yet sharp, these walking boots from Urban Territory are packed with mesh materials to create the perfect breathable footwear. The padded ankle collar ensures a comfortable wear, while the durable cleated sole offers grip and support.
Style tip: Hiking boots and straight-leg jeans are the perfect combination for a casual outfit. Bootcut style jeans also fit comfortably over hiking boots and other walking shoes - but avoid jeans that have too wide of a leg.
Hobos Brendan Brown Faux Fur Boot
These men's winter boots by Hobos are the staple footwear for work and play. Crafted with a faux fur lining, these boots offer optimum warmth for those chilly months ahead. Put these on without any fuss. A simple easy fasten strap is all you need to secure the fitting of these boots.
Style tip: These ankle boots are both fashionable and functional, combining well with straight cut jeans and a flannel shirt for a casual, relaxed vibe. Dressier occasions call for a pair of trousers and a neutral button-up to match the rich brown tones.
Beckett Mens Brown Lace Up Boot
Step out in confidence with these brown lace up boots by Beckett. With a chunky hard wearing sole and a secure lace up design, these boots can easily tackle hilly terrains. The padded ankle collar make these a comfortable choice.
Style tip: These boots are both fashionable and functional, combining well with cuffed jeans and a flannel shirt for a casual, relaxed vibe. Dressier occasions call for a pair of slim chinos and a neutral button-up to match the rich brown tones.
Now you know how to wear brown boots, why not check out our other styling guides? Get the lowdown on the best boots for women, how to style low heels and more with shoezone.
Brown boots: FAQs
Can you wear brown boots with black jeans?
Yes, absolutely. Brown boots with black jeans create a striking contrast that feels modern and stylish. The trick is to balance the outfit: add a neutral top, like a grey t-shirt or white shirt, and layer with a jacket in a complementary tone (tan, camel or even khaki). This helps tie the boots and jeans together into one cohesive look.
Are brown boots formal?
Brown boots can definitely be dressed up, but they lean more toward smart-casual than strictly formal. Dark brown leather boots, especially Chelsea or lace-up styles, pair well with tailored trousers, chinos, and even suits for office wear or smart evenings out. For very formal events, black footwear is usually the safer choice, but brown boots are perfect for stylish, versatile dressing that still looks polished.
What colour socks should you wear with brown boots?
Stick to neutral or earthy tones like grey, navy, beige or even burgundy. These shades complement brown without clashing. If you’re wearing your boots with jeans or trousers, you can also match your socks to your bottoms for a seamless look. For a bolder approach, patterned socks in autumnal colours can add a fun twist that peeks out subtly as you walk.
Check out the shoezone blog for more style tips and footwear suggestions for every occasion.