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Style Guide
Suited and booted: how to wear over-the-knee boots

• Mark Buxton

Autumn is well and truly here! Luckily, this is the perfect weather to get your much-loved over-the-knee boots out of your winter storage.

But how is everyone styling them this season? Long boots for winter are as staple as "florals for spring", meaning they are a fantastic investment piece you can wear year after year. But each season always comes with its quirky style trends, and popularised by the autumn/winter 24 fashion shows, the over-the-knee boot is the Must-Have Boot-Of-The-Season. So keep ahead of the curve and learn how to wear over-the-knee boots in Autumn 2024!

Table of contents:

Are over-the-knee boots flattering?

Over-the-knee boots can be very flattering if you know how to style them and get the proportions right. For example, however tall you are, over-the-knee boots create the illusion of having longer legs as they extend above the knee, especially when paired with short skirts and dresses.

They are also highly versatile, helping you create flattering outfits across your autumnal wardrobe, from casual to dressy. Experiment with different looks and pair your over-the-knee boots with skinny jeans, leggings or dresses.

Over-the-knee boots look especially flattering when you can create a balanced proportion. Pair them with voluminous tops or jackets to emphasis the length of them even more.

Lastly, over-the-knee boots always make a bold statement, adding an element of confidence and daring to your outfit. Strut your stuff, knowing you look fabulous in these eye-catching boots.

How do I wear my over-the-knee boots?

Discover the hottest ways to wear over-the-knee boots this season for multiple occasions.

For work

Over-the-knee boots are a fantastic way to add a bold statement piece to your work wardrobe. Bring confidence and sophistication to the boardroom with envious over-the-knee boots.

Look fashionable yet professional by pairing your over-the-knee boots with a mini skirt, oversized shirt, knitted sweater vest, or cosy knit. Opt for a tartan mini skirt for a cosy autumnal vibe or a pleated one for a back-to-school look.

If you are going to wear a mini skirt, they're great for making your boots the centre stage of your outfit, but we recommend wearing tights for a more demure look for work. Alternatively, wearing a midi or maxi skirt or dress makes fantastic work ensembles with a shirt or chunky knit, so no one knows where your additional confidence stems.

Layer your working girl look with a professional blazer or a trench coat for those cold autumnal mornings.

For the cosy season

Over-the-knee boots go hand-in-hand with the cosy season. Not only are they super stylish and on-trend, but they are also practical, keeping your legs warm all the way up to your mid-thigh.

If you're going for a cosy look, pair your over-the-knee boots with thigh-high socks or cosy tights, or leave your thighs bare on sunnier, crisper days.

If you're wondering what dress to wear with high-knee boots, choose a sweater dress for the ultimate cosy outfit and layer on an oversized or chunky scarf. Layer over a long, sweeping wool or faux fur coat to keep you warm through autumn and winter.

For an autumnal walk

If you love the crisp autumn air and the colour-changing leaves, you'll likely be stepping out for a delightful autumnal walk to enjoy what this season offers, pumpkin-spiced latte in hand.

Keep warm with a turtle-neck sweater, a mini skirt or dress, and your over-the-knee boots for a cosy look. Keep warm with a chunky knit scarf and tights. Layer over the top a leather jacket in a blazer or bomber style for an effortlessly chic style that will catch everyone's eyes as you walk past.

For a casual Saturday

The fantastic thing about over-the-knee boots is their versatility. You can dress them down for a casual, cosy vibe or dress them up for a smart and sophisticated evening look.

But, for a casual Saturday at the shops, brunching or grabbing coffee with the girls, you only need a pair of skinny jeans under your over-the-knee boots, paired with a cropped button-up cardigan with a crew neckline. Alternatively, Pair your boots with a pair of leggings and an oversized or puffed-sleeved shirt.

For occasion wear

If you want something more elegant for a day-to-night look or a going-out outfit, pair some black-heeled or pointed-toe over-the-knee boots with a little black dress with metallic sparkles for a truly bedazzling and eye-catching evening outfit.

Or, for something more understated but still chic for a date night, pair your over-the-knee boots with leather look leggings and an oversized fluffy jumper.

Trending over-the-knee boots and how to wear them

While over-the-knee boots make a comeback year after year, a few stand-out trends are hotter than others this season.

Slouchy

Paper-bag or super slouchy over-the-knee boots were popular in the autumn/winter 2024 fashion catwalks. The casual silhouette is perfect for creating those cosy, laid-back Saturday looks this autumn.

Footwear Feature Showcase

Shop the look: Daniel Larisa Black Leather Stretch Over-the-Knee Boots

Cowboy

Still not over the summer of Beyoncé and Taylor Swift's Era's tour? Neither is anyone else. The cowboy boot trend has continued its popularity into the over-the-knee boot trend. Pair these styles with shirts and denim for a classic cowboy look, perfect for autumn.

Biker

The biker or moto boot has also been popular this season on the runways. But why not combine your two favourite styles of boot? The rugged sole, rounded toe and buckle embellishment are perfect for a grungy, rebellious autumnal look. Wear these black OTK boots with dark denim or leather mini skirts and a jacket.

Footwear Feature Showcase

Shop the look: Daniel Sictor Black Leather Double Buckle Over-the-Knee Boots

Pant boot

These skin-tight over-the-knee boots can almost double as trousers. The streamlined, minimalist look provides a sexy and sophisticated look for every occasion. Pair these with mini or midi skirts and dresses for a polished, refined look.

Footwear Feature Showcase

Shop the look: Daniel Stret Grey Suede Over-the-Knee Boots

Suede

Swap your above-knee boots in leather for some suede over-the-knee boots. This cosy texture has been very popular on the autumn and winter 2024 catwalks and will never go out of fashion.

Footwear Feature Showcase

Shop the look: Daniel Sippy Tan Suede Over-the-Knee Platform-Heeled Boots

Tan brown, chocolate brown and beige

While the autumn leaves are falling, you may be inspired by autumn colours. Swap your black over-the-knee boots for some brown ones in rich tan, sumptuous chocolate or beautiful beige to encapsulate the season in your wardrobe.

Footwear Feature Showcase

Shop the look: Daniel Giselle Taupe Suede Over-the-Knee Boots

Burgundy

Alternatively, opt for burgundy over-the-knee boots to be super on-trend. Burgundy is the season's must-have colour, and a great way to incorporate the colour into your wardrobe is through footwear. Even though burgundy is trending now, it's still a classic autumn colour, so your investment won't ever go out of style.

How to put on over-the-knee boots?

Putting on over-the-knee boots can be a struggle sometimes, especially if they are tight-fitting or are made of stiff material. If you're wrestling with your over-knee boots, here are our top tips for making the process easier.

  • Choose the right fit: Firstly, make sure you have the correct size to begin with. Boots that are too small may be too tight and difficult to put on, and boots that are too big may not stay up.
  • Wear tights or long socks: Wearing tights, stockings, or thin over-the-knee socks can help your legs slide into the boots more easily. The tights or socks reduce friction if the boots are too snug on bare skin. They will also provide extra warmth.
  • Loosen any zippers or laces: If your boots have adjustable laces or zips, undo these to widen the opening to make it easier to put them on. Pull the boot up your thighs before securing the zips or laces again.
  • Perch on a seat: If you feel unstable when pulling on your over-the-knee boots, sit on a chair, bench, or the bed's edge. Then, insert your foot into the boot and gently pull it up by gripping either side or using a boot pull.
  • Secure your boot: If your over-the-knee boots slip down throughout the day, try securing them with fashion tape. Remember to secure any adjustable fastenings to help prevent slippage.
  • Wear them in: If your boots are new, wearing them around the house for short periods can help break them in and make putting them on easier over time.

Over-the-knee boots at Daniel Footwear

Now you have ample inspiration for styling over-the-knee boots, you're good to go! Hop on this devastatingly addictive trend and shop our complete collection of over-the-knee boots here at Daniel Footwear.

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