For the longest time, I only had eyes for block-heel ankle boots; no other boot style got a look in. However, a few years ago, I invested in the first knee-high boots I’d had since my teens, and they were a game changer. Aside from jeans, I very rarely wear trousers. Nine times out of 10, you’ll catch me wearing a midi dress. And after years of enduring chilly calves and not-quite-right hemlines and boot heights, knee boots swooped in and made every outfit (read: dress) I wore so much chicer and more put-together.
Fast-forward to 2021, and I currently have four pairs of knee-high boots in my footwear rotation: an on-trend chunky pair from M&S, which I bought as soon as I saw them on editor Emma Spedding; a beige suede option from Sézane, which I invested in hoping it would make my clothes feel a little more French; a basic black pair that I pull on whenever I’m in a rush; and a burgundy set, which I snapped up last year in an attempt to bestow my winter wares with a bit of colour. They’ve all enjoyed a handful of wears so far this year, and I know they’ll make me feel at my most stylish, even in the depths of winter.
As for outfits with knee-high boots, there’s no shortage of inspiration out there. Like me, influencers seem to be wearing little else on their feet right now, so I’ve rounded up all of my favourite looks in one place for you to peruse (and shop) at your leisure. From the skirt style that suits them best to the chic way to do the old ’00s jeans-tucked-into-boots look, scroll on to see nine outfits with knee-high boots I rate.
Style Notes: Maxi coats usually feel pretty glam, but Pernille Teisbaek gives her shearling number a dusting of her imitable Scandi cool by pairing hers with a set of leather shorts and some chunky track-sole knee-high boots. Inspired.
Style Notes: I first bookmarked this chic outfit from Monikh Dale last year, but it still holds up in 2021. While slip skirts might feel summery, there’s no need to pack them away when you have a pair of knee boots and some suede outerwear at your disposal.
Style Notes: I’m petite, and one of my favourite tricks for making me look that little bit taller is wearing knee-high boots in the same colour as my bottom half. Mette Sorrig takes this principle and makes it look so fashion with her ecru boots, white jeans and on-trend checked collared blouse.
Style Notes: I’ve just invested in a knitted vest top, and I’m so glad I did. In tandem with my black leather knee boots, it’s helping me extend the lifespan of so many items, including my shorter dresses.
Style Notes: Tucking your jeans into boots is one thing, but a pair of suit trousers? This member of the street style set has convinced me to give this suited look a whirl.
Style Notes: Nothing feels more seasonally appropriate than knitwear and leather. Being a skirt and dress sort of person, I plan on re-creating this outfit with knee-high boots from Lydia Tsegay ASAP. That burgundy-and-black combination is just sublime.
Style Notes: Sticking on the tailored-trouser thread, I’m also appreciative of this outfit from Olivia Lopez, who has single-handedly convinced me that I need a cropped woollen jacket this winter also.
Style Notes: I live in knitted dresses at this time of year, and, like Noelle Venegas, I like wearing those with splits with a pair of knee-high boots. Though it never occurred to me just how cool a snake-print pair could be.
Style Notes: Classic vintage-wash denim and edgy black leather is my favourite outfit combination. Throw in a pair of knee-high boots in an expensive-looking mock-croc finish, and this is a look I’d gladly wear on repeat during winter. Thanks for the inspo, Linda Tol.
