I’m sure all of us have experienced the total chokehold that over the knee high boots had on us about 10 years ago. So is this thigh-high boot a wardrobe staple that will last a lifetime or is it some sort of millennial thing from long ago? We think that fashion has been in such a flow lately that we do whatever we want now.
Moreover, over the knee high boots are great for winter wardrobe inspiration when you need to wear a mini skirt or sweater dress but still want to be warm. So don't throw out those boots just yet!
As you continue reading below, we’ve listed 6 over the knee high boots styling ideas to achieve a bold look!
6 Over the Knee High Boots Styling Ideas
1. With a Sweater Dress
A sweater dress paired with over the knee-high boots gives a casually elegant and warm vibe that’s perfect for the cooler months. This combination of the sweater-style feel of the sweater dress and the fierce, nipped lines of the boots provides a pleasing contrast. The sweater dress, made of wool, cashmere, or chunky knit, falls loosely over the figure, often reaching just above the knee or slightly longer, which provides warmth without detracting from the style.
You can finish it off by wearing a long coat or tailored jacket over the sweater dress for extra warmth and sophistication. You can also add a belt at the waist to show off your body part, especially if the sweater dress is looser. For the accessories, a chunky scarf, a wide-brimmed hat or even statement jewelry will give the outfit a boost without taking focus away from the main pieces.
The color palette could range from beige, gray, or black to more adventurous hues, as per the individual. Whether you are headed to brunch, shopping, or out for the night, this dress effortlessly pairs easily with bold style.
2. With a Mini Skirt or Shorts
Over-the-knee boots over a mini skirt or shorts is a flirty yet bold design that shows off the dramatic height of the boots with the shorter, more exposed silhouette of the skirt or shorts. It’s a perfect pairing that conveys confidence and brings a little rebelliousness to your look for people who are serious about being different.
The mini skirt (whether denim, leather, or flowing fabric) brings a little bit of youth and flirtiness to the look. It typically sits at or above the thigh, and its patch of skin is softly highlighted by the coverage of the boots. Over-the-knee boots, extending above the knee, offset the bare legs, drawing the legs to a lengthened silhouette and accentuating the curves of the legs.
Depending on the design of the boots, they might play off against the silky texture of the skirt or blend into it for a more cohesive look. A pencil skirt made of leather, for instance, works well with strappy leather or suede boots, and a flowy mini skirt in wool or cotton could be paired with a lightweight boot (such as suede) to set textures apart.
High-waisted shorts also underscore the audacity of the knee-high boots. If worn with boots, the shorts lengthen the legs even more, creating the illusion of height and fashion-forward silhouette. The over-the-knee boots are insulated and structured, making this easy to wear in the cooler months.
3. With a Long Blouse or Tunic
When worn with a long blouse or tunic, over-the-knee boots offer a balanced and chic look that is casually sophisticated and contemporary. The long tunic or blouse, often sleeveless and flowy, contrasts brilliantly with the heavy, edgy height of the boots, providing an elegant balance between sheer fabric and clean, streamlined shoes. The tunic stretches out beyond the hips and sometimes down mid-thigh or knee length, letting the boots stand out in spectacular fashion while appearing to balance the body.
Over-the-knee boots evoke a certain power and control in the outfit, elongating the legs and making the sheerness of the tunic’s fabric look ungainly. Depending on the type of boots you are wearing, flat, heeled, even thigh-high heels, you can opt for a more casual or a more formal look.
Suede boots, for example, go well with sheer, loose tunics in cotton or linen, giving the structured boots an intimate contrast with the sheer fabric of the top. Conversely, leather boots combined with a more fitted or tailored tunic can create a more formal, trendy look.
4. With Leather Pants or Skinny Jeans
A pair of over-the-knee boots and skinny jeans or leather trousers give a clean, contemporary style that’s comfortable and chic. This pairing is especially effective for emphasising the extreme elongation effect of the boots without distorting the overall shape. The skinny jeans or leather pants will conform to the shape, hugging the thighs and forming a sleek, structured base on which the boots will appear as the star of the show.
The slim fit of the jeans or pants offsets the more cumbersome and substantial height of the boots, making the whole look stylish and flattering. The boots often fit over skinny jeans, so that the jeans’ hem ends up tucked inside the boots. This gives it a more formal, monochrome effect if both the jeans and the boots are of the same or opposing color, such as black jeans and black boots or dark denim and tan boots.
The tight jeans frame the leg length and over the knee boots add a little drama to the silhouette, giving the legs a longish appearance. To achieve a more casual effect, simply cuff the edge of the jeans so that the boots pop up more and stay straight.
Paired with leather pants, it gives the outfit a darker, more luxurious vibe. The shiny texture of the leather pants and its slightly thicker feel make it very interesting when compared with the rough or shiny surface of the boots. It looks rock-chic and trendy when worn with a strappy top, like a tucked-in blouse, a turtleneck or a hemmed sweater.
The feel of the textured leather of the pants and the smooth or textured fabric of the boots make for an intriguing contrasting effect, calling attention to the detail and construction of both.
5. With a Long Coat
Over-the-knee boots and a long coat give a smart, feminine, and warm look, especially in the colder months. The over-the-knee boots, with their tall, bold style, give the ensemble a neat structure, lengthening the legs and lending them some confidence. The long coat, whether it is a wool coat, a tailored trench, or a long-sleeved duster, brings both style and flexibility to the boots, lending structure and motion.
If you want to create a balanced, flattering silhouette, then a long coat with a belt that ties around your waist will help define your frame so the boots don’t stand out as much. The coat length, typically falling right at or below the knee, fits perfectly with the boots, lining the top of the boots and creating a seamless look. The sharpness of the tailored coat and the softness of the boots gives the whole outfit a high-fashion look.
A wool coat in neutral colors such as camel, gray, or black is timeless, while a statement coat in bright colors or patterns can be eye-catching, especially when paired with clean, neutral-colored boots.
6. With a Maxi Skirt
The over-the-knee boots paired with the maxi skirt make for a slightly unexpected and feminine style that combines flow and athletic wear. The stark contrast between the long, plunging fabric of the maxi skirt and the low, sculpted height of the boots is a striking one, making the outfit both sophisticated and professional.
The flowing maxi skirt, which is typically airy and drapey, made from chiffon, silk, or cotton, creates a subtle and fluid texture. The over-the-knee boots bring a structured, dramatic element, striking a perfect marriage. The maxi skirt, which tends to run down to the ankles or the ground, will usually be long enough to completely envelop the boots.
You can accentuate this style further with a skirt that’s slightly split, allowing for more of the boots to show through. You can also opt for a slimmer, more minimal look that keeps the attention focused on the contrast of the boots and skirt.
Over the Knee High Boots: FAQ
1. What do you wear with over-the-knee boots?
Over-the-knee boots are extremely adaptable and easy to dress up or down. They go with skirts, dresses, skinny jeans, leggings, and even shorts.
2. Would you be able to wear over-the-knee boots casually?
Over-the-knee boots can of course be worn casually. You can pair them with skinny jeans, leggings, a mini skirt, sweater, or a long blouse for a stylish and comfortable look.
3. How do I prevent over-the-knee boots from slipping?
If your over-the-knee boots are falling off, look for models with an inner elastic band or silicone at the top to hold them in place. It is also essential that you opt for boots that comfortably accommodate your thighs. Underneath, you can wear tights or leggings to keep the boots a little bit warmer.
4. What can I pair with over-the-knee boots?
Accessories should not overpower the edge of over-the-knee boots. Wear simple, subtle jewelry such as a delicate necklace or earrings. A structured bag or crossbody echoes the sophisticated style of the boots, and scarves or hats provide extra substance.
5. Should I wear over-the-knee boots during the summer?
Although the over-the-knee boots are often associated with cooler temperatures, you can dress them up in the summer with lightweight, breathable materials. Pair them with a loose mini skirt, shorts, or a light dress for a balanced, holiday-ready look.