Everybody’s Wearing Knee-High Boots
From stilettos to flat riders, there’s a knee-high boot for everyone. Here, FRANCINE HEATH reveals the pairs that are trending right now – and that you’ll also love for years to come…
The hashtag #grwm (get ready with me) has amassed more than 157 billion – yes, billion – views on TikTok. And, when it comes to winter fashion trends, the recent focus has been on one key item: knee-high boots. A non-negotiable if you want to see the colder months out in style, this season’s trophy boot comes in many guises. Read on for the three essential shapes to know…
The sharp stiletto
There’s nothing like slipping on a sharp pair of power boots to lift the spirits on a cold and gloomy winter’s day (as long as it’s not snowing/icy, of course). And this season’s stiletto-heeled knee-highs are perfect for adding polish to your cozy winter wardrobe. Gianvito Rossi’s leopard-print velvet boots come with a sharp pointed toe and look particularly good paired with seasonal burgundy, while Manolo Blahnik’s buckled ‘Bayhi’ suede boots slot in nicely with this season’s penchant for chocolate-hued dressing. For something edgier, try Amina Muaddi’s ‘Fiona’ boots, which have ultra-wide cuffs and slanted heels; or, for a real power look, consider Paris Texas’s ‘Stiletto’ style in snake-effect leather – guaranteed to turn gray days into great days.
High block heels
The perfect underpinning for both mini and midi hemlines, tall block-heeled boots are the most classic of this bunch, but that doesn’t mean you can’t experiment with fresh shades and textures. Valentino Garavani’s ‘Pattie’ boots come in ivory leather for a nod to styles from the ’60s, while Saint Laurent offers a similar style in smooth matte black. Of course, no boot roundup would be complete without the addition of Chloé – the brand’s ‘Georgia’ boots from the Resort ’25 collection are crafted from ruched leather with boho-style fold-over cuffs and ombré wooden heels. Show them off with mini hemlines.
The flat riders
Admittedly, there is something about wearing super-polished, heeled knee-highs that can make you feel slightly overdressed for everyday. But fear not: there is a wealth of inspiration on hand for luxe, low-level alternatives, with the street-style set serving up a masterclass in flats during fashion month. Notably, leather equestrian-inspired styles were the perfect match for kilt-style skirts and floaty dresses. If you’re looking for something more traditional, look to Stuart Weitzman – the brand’s ‘Bella’ boots have classic buckled straps and a chunky 40mm heel that’s ideal for everyday wear. Meanwhile, Toteme switches things up with its typically sleek design in plush suede, which you’ll need to spray (liberally) with a protector before the very first outing to really maximize mileage.
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