Whether you can wear brown boots with a blue dress is a common fashion dilemma. The short answer is yes, you absolutely can pair brown boots with a blue dress if done correctly. While historically brown and black were considered the main neutral boot colors to pair with outfits, brown boots have become quite versatile. With the right shade of brown and style of boot, brown can complement blues beautifully.
Guidelines for Wearing Brown Boots with a Blue Dress
Here are some key guidelines to follow when wearing brown boots with a blue dress:
Aim for Blue Dresses in Warmer, Brighter Shades
The warmth of brown pairs best with blue hues that are also warm. While brown boots can work with some darker blues, brighter, warmer shades create a more flattering, cohesive color story. Light blues, royal blues, cobalt blues, teals, and turquoise blues all combine nicely with different brown boots. Neutral or cool-toned navy blues can sometimes appear a bit harsh or clashing with brown.
Match the Right Brown Tone
Not all brown boots are created equal when pairing with blue. Brown boots come in a wide spectrum, from very light tans to deep, almost-black browns. The most flattering shades to pair with blue dresses are mid-tone browns – not too light, not too dark. Aim for brown boots in hues like caramel, maple, mocha, chestnut, chocolate or coffee. These provide enough contrast against the blue without blending in too much. Stay away from very light creams or sand shades of brown boots, which won’t provide enough distinction.
Go for Ankle Boots or Short Boots
The style of brown boots also impacts how seamlessly they pair with a blue dress. Over-the-knee or knee-high brown boots can sometimes look too heavy or bulky with a dress. Your best bet is to go for ankle boots, Chelsea boots, or short boots that hit mid-calf or just below the knee. These still allow the dress to shine as the main event while adding stylish accent.
Aim for Streamlined, Sleek Boot Silhouettes
Intricate details or chunky platforms can sometimes make brown boots compete too much with a lightweight blue dress. Look for brown boots with clean, sleek silhouettes – avoid anything too clunky. Lean toward minimal details, elegantly pointed toes, and block or stacked heels for boots that complement rather than overwhelm the dress.
Match the Dress Length
Take dress length into account when selecting brown boots. Knee-high brown boots can look off with very short mini dresses – aim for ankle booties instead. With knee-length or midi dresses, boots that hit just below or at the knee line add nice continuity. Maxi dresses look great with ankle or calf-height brown boots.
Tips for Styling Brown Boots with a Blue Dress
Beyond choosing flattering color combinations and silhouettes, a few styling tricks can perfect your blue dress and brown boots outfit:
Add Tights or Socks
Depending on the dress length and your comfort level, add neutral or printed tights or socks. This bridges any gap between the dress and boots. For mini dresses, tights continue the legs visually. With midi dresses, socks peeping out from ankle boots add cute accent.
Cinch In With a Belt
Adding a belt is an easy way to pull together a dress and boots outfit. Choose a thin belt in a coordinating brown tone. Cinch it around the natural waist or just above to define your shape and tie the hues together.
Layer With Tops or Jackets
Layering with long sleeve tops or jackets gives you more styling options. A fitted turtleneck or mock neck top under a sleeveless dress balances the silhouette. Blazers, leather jackets or draped cardigans add polished accent.
Accessorize to Tie Colors Together
Jewelry, bags and other accessories present easy ways to connect the blue and brown colors. Look for bags or jewelry like pendant necklaces in complementary blue, brown or neutral metallic shades. Scarves with both colors are another great accessory choice.
Keep Hair, Makeup & Nails Simple
Because the blue dress and brown boots are bold enough, keep hair, makeup and nails simple and natural. Let the colors speak for themselves as the main focal points. Save ornate hairstyles, heavy makeup and bright nails for when you want to dress down the outfit.
Example Outfit Combinations with Brown Boots & Blue Dresses
Here are a few stylish example outfits with brown boots and blue dresses:
Ankle boots with a royal blue wrap dress
– Maple brown suede ankle booties
– V-neck royal blue midi wrap dress
– Thin brown leather belt
– Gold pendant necklace
– Nude tights
Over-the-knee boots with a babydoll dress
– Chestnut brown over-the-knee flat boots
– Short sleeve babydoll dress in periwinkle blue
– Charcoal wool duster cardigan
– Blue orb drop earrings
– Taupe mini crossbody bag
Chelsea boots with a long sleeve knit dress
– Dark chocolate Chelsea boots
– Long sleeve teal ribbed knit midi dress
– Camel wool coat
– Navy circle scarf
– Bronze cuff bracelet
| Blue Dress Shade | Complementary Brown Boot Colors |
|---|---|
| Royal blue | Maple, caramel, chestnut |
| Bright cobalt | Coffee, mocha, espresso |
| Turquoise | Medium to dark brown |
| Teal | Walnut, mahogany, chocolate |
| Light blue | Tan, beige, sand |
Conclusion
Brown boots can easily be integrated into your wardrobe with blue dresses with some strategic pairing. Stay away from navy blues and opt for bright, warm shades of blue instead. Choose mid-tone browns like chestnut, caramel and chocolate that contrast nicely against the blue. Ankle and short boots tend to pair best in clean, sleek silhouettes. Add accessories, layers and tights to tie the brown and blue together. With the right combinations, this fashion pairing can look quite chic!
