Whoever invented the no-boots-in-warm-weather rule is just plain wrong. You can actually wear them year round with a few adjustments in style and height for spring and summer. Here are three ways I’m wearing boots right now:

The general rule: The higher up the hem goes, the height of the boot goes down. Here, I’ve got mid-calf boots paired with a just-above-the-knee denim skirt. If I moved to cut-off denim shorts, I’d change into an ankle boot.

Get the look:

Ada High Rise Mid Length Skirt, $128, Agolde
Marrakech Snake Embossed Moto Jacket, $158, Evereve
Fitted black tank for tucking in

Or any lighter color, really--beige, camel, taupe, etc. Also try to avoid very winter-y fabrics, like suede. You can really pull off white boots with about anything--cropped jeans, skirts, knit dresses and more. I accidentally bought some short ponte pants instead of regular so here, they work well with an ankle bootie!

Get the look:

Tolani Grace Floral Kimono, $88, Evereve
The Perfect Black Pant, $110, Spanx
Light weight white tank
Kayla Necklace, $98, Johnny Was

You can’t go wrong with a streamlined black bootie with a pointed toe. Here, I wore it with…

Get the look:

Spanx ponte pants, $128
Peyton Jensen off the shoulder top, Evereve, $82
Vintage necklace and bracelet
Statement earrings (past season)

More recommendations

When it’s stifling hot out, reserve boots for cooler nights and always make them booties or shooties.
Opt for a lighter silhouette. Store those chunky, platform, lined or heavy boots for next fall. A couple exceptions: Combat boots and cowboy boots! Yee haw!
Show some skin. Tucking leggings or jeans into booties during the summer can lead to major overheating!