There are many things about my personal style that have changed since I started my career in fashion. I have developed a new-found appreciation for natural fabrics, my shoe collection has practically quadrupled, and I now understand that leggings are in fact a wardrobe hero. Though there have been many changes, one thing remains the same: If you were to ask me where I get my style inspiration from, I would point you towards the French.
I believe that the French have the rare ability to make their outfits look perfectly polished, yet somehow entirely effortless. With a good 10 years of obsessing over their style, I’ve picked up a few tips and tricks that are well utilised by French women and that seem to set their style apart from the rest.
The French fashion set are experts at working with the proportions of their clothing, making a longline coat look neat and chic for example, rather than oversized and messy. Their cropped jackets are elegant and suave, rather than uncomfortable and stuffy, but with their knee-high boots, they’re even better. Pairing the trending style with everything from jeans to miniskirts, they seem to make the boots—which are often difficult to style, look incredibly easy to work with.
Seeing as boot season is well underway, I've done what I always do and looked to my usual suspects for outfit inspiration. Read on to discover all of the ways French women are styling their knee-high boots this winter, and shop the styles below.
1. KNEE-HIGH BOOTS + LEGGINGS
Style Notes: For their body-hugging fit and streamlining effect, leggings are a secret weapon of mine for elevating my looks. When styled with a pair of knee-high boots they come into their own. Complementing the smooth leather, a legging pairing will elongate the legs for a sleek and put-together look. Add a knit and oversized coat to fair the windy weather, and you're good to go.
Shop the Look:
Stirrup styles elevate basic leggings and pair just as well as with pointed-toe slingbacks as they do with knee-high boots.
Kitten-heel knee-high boots are the biggest footwear trend of winter.
These zip-cuff leggings could pass as normal trousers.
Block heels prioritise comfort as well as style.
2. KNEE-HIGH BOOTS + MIDI DRESS
Style Notes: Teaming knee-high boots with a midi dress in a neutral hue equals an effortless outfit. This season, consider a long-sleeved or knitted iteration.
Shop the Look:
Style this puff-sleeved dress with an equally feminine pair of heels, or juxtapose the feel with knee-high biker boots.
Wear with tights or bare legs as the weather gets colder.
Long-sleeved dresses and the no-fuss solution to dressing smartly during the winter.
Pointed-toe shoes and boots are the new-season silhouette that our favourite celebrities can't get enough of.
3. KNEE-HIGH BOOTS + MINISKIRT
Style Notes: This ensemble is so elegant. The boots, miniskirt and textured jacket are pure polish.
Shop the Look:
This structured mini would look great with a black belt and crew-neck knit.
Deep chocolate shades are the right on trend this winter.
Perfectly pleated, I'll take one in every colour.
'00s-style biker boots are the boots of choice amongst the fashion set this season.
4. KNEE-HIGH BOOTS + SKINNY JEANS
Style Notes: Baggy jeans are currently a big deal, but skinnies are a classic choice—especially with knee-high boots.
Shop the Look:
No matter what anyone says, black skinny jeans will never go out of style.
I'm on the hunt for the perfect suede boots, and these tick all my boxes.
Dark-wash denim is all I'm wearing this winter.
In my opinion, this is the perfect heel height.
5. KNEE-HIGH BOOTS + LBD
Style Notes: You can't deny the power of a simple LBD for an easy, chic look. Your favourite style will look fantastic with knee-high boots and a slouchy blazer.
Shop the Look:
A boat-neck dress is oh so French.
Modern kitten heels scream chic.
Boho and floaty, this is my ultimate LBD.
Paris Texas is my go-to for leather boots that stand the test of time.
6. KNEE-HIGH BOOTS + PLEATED SKIRT
Style Notes: A pleated skirt is an elevated staple that works perfectly with elegant knee-high boots.
Shop the Look:
Asymmetric skirts were seen all over the streets this London Fashion Week.
This calf-hugging style is perfect with a flowy skirt.
Style with a glitzy top or staple button-down.
Cowboy boys are the enduring trend I'm still shopping this year.
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