The Shoe Swap That Makes Fall 2025 Outfits Feel More Polished Than Ankle Boots

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If you're clearing out your closet as summer turns to fall, you might be wondering what's happening in the world of boots. Should you keep your trusty ankle boots front and center as you have for so many years? Not quite. Fashion lovers and expert Patrick Kenger, founder and lead personal stylist at Pivot Image Consulting, say they can move to the back of your wardrobe — at least for fall and winter 2025.

The shoe swap that's replacing your go-to fall footwear is similar to the suede ballet flat that was perfect with jeans and skirts in spring 2025, but with a fall sensibility. Enter the knee-high suede boot. "Knee-high boots offer a lot of the same benefits as ankle boots — warmth, relative comfort, versatile styling options — but with an increased 'wow' factor," Kenger tells us exclusively. So, what is that "wow factor" exactly? "Combined with the perceived elevated style that so often comes with leather goods, suede knee-highs give off an innovative, luxurious vibe while still maintaining some of those favored creature comforts," Kenger explains. 

That said, you don't need to ditch your ankle boots if you're not ready to, as Kenger adds, "Rest assured, that they will be back in favor for future seasons." But if you're looking to look stylish with the hottest current trends, here's how to style suede knee-high boots, as well as some chic options to purchase.

Ankle boots have been trusty go-tos for years, but there's one big reason we're moving away from them this year. "Ankle boots are a fairly classic choice, which, in a season where we see many consumers craving something new to be excited about, can start to feel a little too familiar or even boring," Patrick Kenger exclusively tells Glam. Ready to snap out of your ennui? Knee-high suede boots are here to save you from fall wardrobe boredom and add sophistication and polish at the same time.

To expertly style your knee-high suede boots, Kenger suggests pairing them with dresses or a midi skirt for "a quick and easy way to score style points." He adds, "For a chic look, consider keeping your outfit in the same color family, such as all shades of beige or gray." The slouchy, round-toe Erocalli Suede Knee-High Boots, which come in six neutral shades to help achieve perfect monochromatic looks, are a great option here.

"Knee high-boots also look great under a trench or other belted coat, with the added bonus of elongating your silhouette," says Kenger. The Marc Fisher LTD Women's Lannie Knee-High Boot has a block heel and pointed toe, which will elongate your legs and help you look a touch taller. The Nine West Knee-High Boot is another classic style that looks timeless. So, even if you put your ankle booties back into rotation in a year or two, this pair won't suddenly feel outdated.

For us, quality is paramount, and reviewers of the three knee-high suede boots we selected consistently pointed out their high quality. Comfort was another oft-repeated word that led us to choose these boots. What's the point of buying something if you're going to be miserable wearing it?

The next thing we strove for was variety. We wanted different price points, from just under $60 up to $299. After all, you may be in it for an investment piece, or you may want to spend a bit less and feel your way around the look first. We chose a few different styles, be it round toe, pointed toe, slouchy, or straight, as well as different color options. While we love the richness and polish that chocolate brown brings to a look, gray can be versatile and luxe as well. Finally, we took fit into consideration, as reviewers wrote that these boots worked on all body types.

Now, if you're ready to swap your ankle boots for these sumptuous shoes, read up on these six ways to keep your chic suede boots clean this winter.