I've Been Swayed By Over-The-Knee Boots—Here Are 5 Ways I Would Style Them

If I'm completely frank with you, I have never owned (or even tried on) a pair of over-the-knee boots. The one main reason being; I'm an ankle boot girl through and through. So much so, I only really started branching out by wearing knee-high boots for the past few years. Now, I'm interested in venturing even further north into the unfamiliar territory of over-the-knee boots. Because if we're all being honest here, they're not for everyone—mainly due to the fact they can actually just be quite tricky to wear. 

As a stylist, I can see their outfit potential, but for me, I still have to put some thought into how and where I would actually wear them without them looking well, a bit tacky.

Luckily, so many chic brands—from COS to Khaite—have created iterations this year, making it easier to find 'the one' and pair them with anything from a knit mini dress to leggings. Still not convinced? Keep scrolling to see 5 surprisingly easy ways to wear over-the-knee boots this season. 

1. Over-The-Knee Boots + Shirt Dress + Knit Vest

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Style Notes: Styling with a mini dress is probably the easiest way to wear over-the-knee boots. At this time of year, though, you'll need some extra winter woolies so a layered knit vest and tights will be your favourite plus ones for a night out. 

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2. Over-The-Knee Boots + Mini Skirt + Knit

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Style Notes: I am fully embracing all things red this season (not hard when it's absolutely everywhere) and this cashmere knit is on my to-buy list. There's something about red and burgundy that looks so expensive when worn with grey. It's giving grown-up school girl, in a good way!

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3. Over-The-Knee Boots + Knit Mini Dress

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Style Notes: These suede boots look so premium already, but when you add them to cosy textures in the same colour palette, it keeps them looking on the polished side. If you get one item this season, make sure it's a floor-sweeping maxi coat–love, love, love. 

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4. Over-The-Knee Boots + Leggings + Oversized Blazer 

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Style Notes: This look is solid proof that over-the-knee boots can work for off-duty days. All you need to do it opt for a flat, chunky sole pair and keep it casual with leggings, a striped knit and throw on an oversized blazer. 

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5. Over-The-Knee Boots + Split Midi Skirt + Nice Top

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Style Notes: Hello to these Khaite boots, and these Khaite boots only. Bound to gain all the attention, they're just asking to be worn for after dark. This side split sequin skirt will give a subtle flash of your thigh-high boots as you walk. And no doubt everyone will ask where you got these from. 

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Next Up, The Best High Street Pieces On Instagram This Week 

Opening Image: The Style Stalker Szymon Brzóska Szymon Brzóska for Who What Wear

Freelance Fashion Editor

Harriet Davey is a freelance fashion editor who has been part of Who What Wear's extended team since 2017. She previously worked in print at Look magazine and has since worked across print, digital and social for many other titles, including British Vogue, Stylist, Grazia, Refinery29 and Marie Claire. Also a stylist, Harriet has had the pleasure of producing cover shoots and editorials along with commercial shoots for brands including Boux Avenue, Watches of Switzerland, Benefit Cosmetics and Revolution. To add to this, Harriet also works in live TV styling for ITV’s This Morning. Back to Who What Wear. With hundreds of published stories on site, Harriet knows what the WWW reader wants. Keeping up to date with the latest It buys and runway trends, she can guarantee to keep you one step ahead of the most stylish people. When not writing or styling, Harriet loves to go shopping (yes, more fashion). If she’s not in a local Hackney bar or restaurant, you can find her forever searching for her next holiday destination.