For many of us, ankle boots are the ultimate winter footwear staple. They go with just about everything and can be dressed up or down with very little effort. Pair with jeans and an oversized coat for a casual daytime look, or team with a classic LBD to put a fresh twist on evening wear for the winter. There are countless ways to work this comfortable, statement piece into just about any outfit combination.

A winter-appropriate take on evening wear

Eveningwear is perhaps one of the most difficult ways to work the ankle boot, but it can be done with the right styling. Take a leaf out of Alexa Chung and Jessica Stein’s books by using boots to add a tough element to an otherwise feminine outfit. The more fanciful the dress the better, as the boots help to give this girly ensemble a cool, edgy vibe that stands high above the rest of the fashion pack.

This look is particularly workable if you’re a little taller, as ankle boots make a welcome change to skyscraper heels.  If you still want to add some extra height, simply choose a boot with a platform or a statement heel – the tortoiseshell heel boots from Tu are perfect for making a statement on a budget. One thing’s for sure, the extra protection and structure you get from an ankle boot is certain to make the finished look extra comfortable.

Keep it cosy with slouchy jumpers and midi skirts

Much like dresses, skirts don’t typically lend themselves to being paired with boots that cut off at the ankle. If you style this the right way, you’re on to a winner – it’s a fresh look that was seen everywhere this London Fashion Week.

The trick to making this look work is all about balancing the proportions. Petite girls might prefer to opt for boots with a heel, as midi skirts have the potential to give the illusion of shorter legs when paired with flats. Add shape to the rest of the outfit by tucking in a slouchy jumper or tshirt and keep jackets to waist length. Long duster coats look great with this look during winter too, but anything in between could end up cutting you off in just the wrong place.

Keep it cropped and flash some ankle

While the idea of going bare-legged in winter is enough to make us recoil into our onesies, it is possible to flash a little flesh without going all the way. Cropped trousers and jeans are all the rage right now and, when teamed with a pair of ankle boots that cut off at just the right height, you can make the look both effortlessly cool and perfect for the colder weather.

Choose a pair of cropped skinny trousers or recycle last season’s by rolling up the cuffs a few times. There’s always something effortlessly sexy about flashing a little skin – even if it is on the ankle – and for many of us this trend is the only way to do it during the winter. The rest of the outfit is really up to you, as short jackets, jumpers and trench coats all work well with this look.