Boots don’t just need to be cute — they need to connect to the outfit. When boots hit at an awkward height, contrast too sharply with pants, or stop where the eye doesn’t expect them to, they can shorten the leg and break the outfit’s flow. The fix isn’t buying trendier boots — it’s understanding shaft height, pant length, and color continuity. This is one of those details that makes outfits instantly look more intentional.