This winter, forget denim as your go-to layer; we’ve officially entered the season of the skirt. Once December arrives, longer styles are immediate musts when looking for chic ways to dress for the outdoors. However, you can enjoy the wintertime look when you’re battling any level of chill. Just ask fashion people in Los Angeles and Paris; despite their opposite aesthetics and geography, they’ve found a common thread in the power of pairing reliably sharp skirts and boots together, specifically the combination of a knee-length skirt with knee-high boots.

The most popular method for wearing skirts and boots on both coasts is combining complementary styles that provide full coverage from head to toe. It doesn’t matter if your skirt features allover prints, edgy distressing, or a sleek slit; a knee-high boot instantly adds a sturdy polish that smoothly completes any outfit—and it appears low-heeled versions.