Lug boots and combat boots are back in a big way this fall. They were in last year as well, and I did my fair share of shopping around for a pair I liked. I ultimately returned every single pair, just not feeling like “me” in them. My legs are short, and my hips are wide, so every time I put them on I just felt like my legs looked chopped off and heavy. To note, I’m also not one to feel like you have to chase every trend, if you don’t feel good in it, don’t wear it.
However, the more I saw them, the more I wanted to try again. Sometimes making something work for your shape and height is all about proportions and styling. For me, I’m petite, but also pear-shaped, so worn wrong, lug boots made my hips look really wide. For lug boots to work for me, they need a shorter wider shaft to bring balance to my shape and cut off at my ankle and not my calf. They also needed to be mild in the chunky department. Some lug boots have super thick soles, and that’s just too much for someone who is petite. When it comes to styling them, I find they look best on me, when I don’t half-tuck in my tops or wear a jacket that cuts at the hip with them. They look best with outfits that either highlight the waist or skim your top half. Think a full tuck with high-rise jeans, mini skirts, dresses that are belted/come in at the waist, or an outfit under a longer coat/jacket. That mostly applies to people who are a little curvier in the hips like me and need to create balance with a heavy shoe.
Petite Friendly Ways to Wear Lug Boots
For sizing reference, I’m 4’10” and around 105lbs.
With a Chunky Sweater
Overall, I love the way lug boots look with black jeans and a chunky top. I think the bigger top creates balance and of course pairing the black shoe with black jeans creates lengths. I think they look great with black jeans or leggings, whichever you prefer. I’ve also paired them with charcoal jeans and like that as well.
Boots TTS 5 | Boots Option | Sweater XS | Jeans 0 X-Short | Crossbody Bag
Boots TTS 5 | Boots Option | Leggings XS Short | Sweater Petite XXS |
With a Top Coat
Once it cools down, I’ll be pulling this coat out daily. This is my “cool girl” coat! Showing my age, but I think it makes almost any outfit look trendy and classy. I bought it last year during one of J.Crew’s holiday sales, but it sold out pretty quickly. It’s an expensive coat, but one I don’t regret investing in one bit. It’s currently on preorder for this year, but I’ll be keeping an eye out for those holiday sales to start! I think it pairs great with lug boots and between the comfort and warmth of these boots and the jacket, you’ll be both trendy and warm!
Boots TTS 5 | Boots Option | Sweater XS | Jeans 0 X-Short | Coat Petite 00 | Crossbody Bag
With a Mini Skirt
Depending on the climate where you live, you may want to wear this with or without tights. Tights are great for warmth, but also for making it easier to wear such a short skirt. I love that it gives my legs the illusion of being a little longer, but of course, as a mom of two, this is an outfit I would probably save for date night. It also looks beautiful with the white coat from this post. The skirt runs small, I would recommend sizing up.
Boots TTS 5 | Boots Option | Turtleneck XS | Skirt XS (size up)
Boots TTS 5 | Boots Option | Turtleneck XS | Coat Petite XXS/00 | Skirt XS (size up) | Crossbody Bag
With a Midi or Maxi Dress
There was a time when I would have told you I would never wear such a heavy shoe with a dress, but here I am. The key to wearing a long dress with lug boots is finding a dress with the sweet spot in terms of length. If the dress is a little below the knee or too low on the ankle, it’s kind of awkward. I like it best when the dress hits right at mid-calf. Old Navy did a great job with this petite dress!
Boots TTS 5 | Boots Option | Dress Petite XS | Jacket Similar XXS | Necklace
With a Short Dress
Lug boots also look great with an above the knee dress. Again, I think it’s all about where the dress hits, it needs to be a couple inches above the knee to not look awkward. I think it also looks best if the dress comes in at the waist or is belted.
Boots TTS 5 | Boots Option | Dress Petite XXS | Jacket Similar XXS | Necklace
With a Shacket
The shacket trend is another trend from last year that’s back this fall. It’s hard to find petite-friendly options but I’m looking for a few more! This one is out of stock currently, but I’m hoping it’s up for restock soon!
Boots TTS 5 | Boots Option | Jeans 0 X-Short | Shacket XS | Crossbody Bag
If you’re ready to try the trend, this affordable pair from Target is a good way to dip your toes in the water without spending too much. I’m a lug boot convert because of this pair and can’t wait to be warm and comfortable all winter and fall long!
-Brooke
