When it comes to the ideal fall footwear in terms of both form and function, black over-the-knee-boots reign supreme. The nature of their silhouette (thigh-high) means they’re automatically going to make any outfit you wear them with twice as warm, and it also means they’ll bring the drama no matter what you wear them with. In short, you need some of your own—don’t let the prospect of styling them deter you from investing in a stellar pair.
The modern day black OTK boot trend (they first became de rigueur for women in the ’60s) can, in my opinion, be traced back to a singular style: Sam Edelman’s Paloma boot. In around 2010 it absolutely took over fall footwear trends and has been cool and hip and covetable ever since. If you look online, you’ll notice it’s sold out everywhere. Clearly, the style has got staying power!
Since that boot became the Chanel baguette of shoes and spurred fast fashion retailers and high-brow designers alike to churn out their own iterations of the silhouette, OTK boots in all of their forms have become somewhat of a fall style staple. Wear a block heeled pair with a flowy midi dress, a flat chunkier pair with a plaid mini skirt, or a stiletto pair with skinny jeans—you only need to look to the supermodel darlings of today to find ample inspiration on how to style them. But first, you need to actually own them—here are 10 pairs to shop.
Deconstruction Zone
OVER-THE-KNEE HEELED BOOTS
$90
ZARA
This pair looks like their heels were chopped off, painted gold around their perimeters, and stuck back on for a gravity-defying effect. They’re chic and boast an elevated design detail, but in a subtle way. A great option if a standard heeled pair isn’t what you’re after.
Low Rider
Thelma Over-The-Knee Boot
$98
Urban Outfitters
I love OTK boots with a slightly chunkier heel—I feel like it renders them casual but still with a chic allure. Case in point: see above.
Ziggy Stardust
BAMBOO Over The Knee Boots
$160
Topshop
Need I even write anything about these boots?! They’ll make you glitter from thigh-to-toe and boast a slightly Western silhouette. Hi, New Year’s Eve!
The Standard
FLAT HEELED OVER-THE-KNEE BOOTS
$90
Zara
For those of us who can’t afford Palomas, these are a pretty ace alternative.
Sky High
ASOS DESIGN Kassidy heeled over the knee boots
$79
ASOS
Another pair of chunky-heeled boots, except these are super high. If you’ve got the coordination and the balance I say go for them–they’re beyond sexy.
Get to the Point
High tip boot
$120
Mango
The ultimate power shoe.
Gold Standard
BEAU High Leg Flat Boots
$95
Topshop
These are also excellent standard flat OTK boots, except their heels boast little gold details. Why not go for a but of extra hardware?
Jeepers, Creepers
ASOS DESIGN Kami flat chunky over the knee boots
$79
ASOS
Chunky creepers, but in over-the-knee form. These paired with a mini skirt and turtleneck would look so rad!
Vinyl Night
OVER-THE-KNEE COWBOY BOOTS
$100
Zara
If you’re shopping for post-10 pm shoes and can’t do the above sparkly ones, at least opt for these patent stunners.
Laced Up
Suede Lace-Up Over Knee Boot
$173
& Other Stories
A decidedly different style of OTK boots, these feature a lace-up front and chunky treads. They’re more casual than the others but would look pretty badass paired with a flowy floral dress.
Source: Read Full Article