Over the knee: Fall’s high notes bring knee-skimming styles to great heights.
When you hear the phrase “over-the-knee boots”, you probably think of the movie “Pretty Woman“, like my Twitter friends @katefogarty and @MissGerri. But move over, Julia Roberts! Over-the-knee boots can actually look quite chic, when they aren’t pointy black patent stilettos! Designers have created fresh styles in all colors and fabrics for the fall season that will work perfectly for a casual weekend and even a day at the office. Over-the-knee boots (a.k.a. OTK boots) can add a wow factor to any look. But the line between trashy and chic is extremely thin here. Read on to learn how to keep your look classy while incorporating the “it” boot of the season.
There are right and wrong ways to wear OTK boots. Follow @yuliz‘s advice in her column: tone down the color palette, cover up, avoid patent leather, and avoid bold jewelry. The Glamazon Diaries suggests wearing OTK boots with mini floral frocks in a darker print to make the look more girly and glam. And if you wear leggings that match the boots, it will elongate your legs. I would also advise you to buy a flat boot or a boot with a small stacked or wedge heel. The height of the boot shaft is enough of a statement without adding a stiletto heel! For more casual occasions, wear OTK boots over skinny jeans and add a long, solid-colored jacket, as Kate Moss showcases above.
Unfortunately, OTK boots are not a perfect match for everyone. If you’ve got thicker legs, you might not be able to put them on without looking overstuffed! My beautiful friend @devilishdelish writes, “I love them, but as with any boot, they don’t make ‘em to fit me. I have thick muscular calves…Not good when it comes to boots.” If you have muscular legs and do want to try this trend, I suggest a slouchy, loose-fitting pair, like these Vamp Over The Knee Boots (L, $128) or Blowfish – Zig Zag (Dk Brown Cow Suede) – Footwear (R, $57.50)
I’m lucky to have so many fashionable friends on Twitter, so I asked them to chime in about how they would wear (or won’t wear) OTK boots. You can read their responses at the end of this post. I’d love for you to leave your thoughts, as well!
Celebrity and Runway Looks That Inspire Me:
Hermes OTK Boots – I love how just a little leg is showing, and everything else is very streamlined and chic. You can’t go wrong with all black! (image: Jean-O Type)
Emilio Pucci OTK Boots – I find the pairing of the boots with a short dress or a short fur to be tres chic. It’s the perfect compromise between fashion and good impression. (image: fashion-allure.com)
Daisy Lowe, London It Girl and model, is shown here wearing a billowing, pleated tunic dress with her boots. I don’t like how sheer her dress is – hello, you can see her black undies! Go for a dress that is less sheer paired with BRIAN ATWOOD – SUEDE KNEE HIGH BOOTS or AZZARO – KNEE HIGH SUEDE TASSEL BOOTS.
OTK Boots On My Wishlist:
Kristen Lee Montague Boots ($346) -fabsugar.com
Joie Coachella OTK Boot ($525) -Bergdorf Goodman
Free People Convertible Over The Knee Boot ($188) -Free People
Cindy Says Women’s Darling Boot ($95.12) -Endless.com
Pour La Victoire Dahlia Over the Knee Boots ($442) -Shopbop.com
Marc by Marc Jacobs Slouch Above the Knee Flat Boots ($495) -Shopbop.com
So, what do you think? Would you wear OTK boots, or leave them to streetwalkers? Vote on Shoewawa!
Some thoughts from my Twitter friends:
- “They’re the foot equivalent of those Forever 21 elastic-hemmed mini dresses, cute on a shelf, overwhelming on a real person.” -@vonHottie
- “I just can’t get over the puss-in-boots image I have from a childhood storybook! That or the 3 musketeers…” -@twistedrocks
- “Hi Bombshell! I am all about boots~but over the knee boots can take several inches off a leg-not sure that’s ever good!XOXOGigi” -@BombshellsInc
- “I think they look best with skinny jeans. I want a pair of brown over the knee boots!” -@Fashion_Anna
- “Depends on the style. I like OTK boots over skinny jeans.” -@FashionGrail
- “For me, OTK boots aren’t an option. I’m 5’2″. They’d hit my va-jay-jay! ;) I’m hoping someone will be smart and come out with OTK boots for petites.” -@lollieshopping
- Ashley (who’s sadly no longer on Twitter) says, “I tried on a pair at Saks, and I had on a really cute black dress. And, it was just fabulous for fall!”
