"In a season where ankle boots prevail as most people’s boot of choice, a classic pair of knee-highs often gets overlooked. While in theory they seem a bit less versatile, my real-life carousel of looks styled with them says otherwise. As my most-worn boots, I couldn’t possibly get by without them; they’re the hero piece that quickly takes my fall essentials to new heights (literally). In fact, if you ask me, no fall wardrobe is complete without a pair of knee-high boots.
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Though I didn’t always feel this way. When skinny jeans left the chat, for a while, my knee-high boots did, too. At a loss for how to style them in the era of baggy jeans, my once most-worn pair of shoes unfortunately got the boot (pun intended). That was until last year, when my husband gifted me a pair of the highly coveted Staud Wally Boots, and I once again realized the versatility knee-high boots have. Contrary to popular belief, knee-high boots can be paired with just about any outfit—not just ones that feature a dress or skirt—and these six looks prove it.
How to Style Knee-High Boots
1. With Wide-Leg Jeans
Though skinny jeans have been put on pause, it doesn’t mean that styling knee-high boots with denim is out of the question. While the transition to baggy jeans was a disruption to the tucked-in way we were used to styling our knee-highs, wearing them underneath your more relaxed denim styles is just as chic. While no, you can’t see the entirety of the boots, I take comfort in knowing I’m able to get more use out of mine.
2. With Skirts
The most tried-and-true way to style knee-high boots is undoubtedly with a skirt. If I’m reaching for a midi skirt, I always opt to pair it with my knee-highs (rather than shorter boots) for a more seamless look. The same goes for my mini skirts—though if I’m pairing one with my tall boots, I usually will layer a pair of tights under, too. The next time you try the skirt-and-knee-high combination, try playing with the proportions of your top. My rule of thumb is to opt for a top that’s the opposite of my skirt (for example, a long, chunky sweater with a mini skirt or a tight, form-fitted turtleneck with a midi).
3. With Leggings
Perhaps the most underrated cold-weather combo of all is leggings and knee-high boots. (Please don’t attempt this with booties—been there, done that. It was not good). To balance out the slimmer profile of leggings, add a top with larger proportions, like a button-down paired with a long-length wool coat or heavy, oversized jacket.
4. With Straight-Leg Jeans
OK, so maybe not all hope is lost when it comes to tucking your denim into a pair of knee-high boots. When tucked into a straight pair of denim with a slimmer fit, knee-high boots bring an edge of effortless coolness that’s hard to top. Though this outfit could have been finished with the double-layered knit combination and wool coat, reaching for a baseball hat as a finishing touch gives an “I didn’t try too hard” effect (no, I didn’t spend 10 minutes tucking these jeans into my boots).
5. With Long Shorts
My most-worn outfit combination as of late includes a pair of longline shorts and my knee-high boots. It’s an unexpected combination that allows you to wear summer staples well into the cooler months and is a seamless swap for a mini skirt if you’re looking for an outfit that feels a bit more out-of-the-box.
6. With a Dress
Your pair of knee-high boots is the ultimate complement to a dress, especially when the proportions are perfected to this extent. The fitted dress and boots are balanced out, but with a more oversized wool coat that makes the styling feel versatile and easy. If weather permits, tights aren’t necessary, but as we venture into the colder months, they can help to make the combination winter-ready.
Tinsley Crisp, Fashion & Beauty Staff Writer
Tinsley Crisp is a Fashion & Beauty Staff Writer at The Everygirl and specializes in reporting on the season’s latest trends and hottest products. As a New York City-based stylist, she’s committed to injecting joy into the art of getting dressed and delivering attainable yet aspirational content to our readers.