Shopping for Over-The-Knee Boots
Keep your style thermometer high with some over-the-knee boots. Don’t let cooler temperatures put a damper on your glamour! By no means a boot for the meek at heart, shopping for over-the-knee boots takes a little thought to prevent you from looking either like a swashbuckling pirate or one of their way-too-trampy wenches. While an over-the-knee boot can easily be over the top, here are a few tips on how to wear these sexy statement pieces without looking like you’re on your way to a costume party or, even worse, the set of an adult film.
Proportion
For starters, you’ll want to find a boot that is proportionate to your height. Look for styles that hit just an inch or two above the knee, especially for women on the petite side. Taller women can get away with slightly higher boots, although those that are just above the knee are the most versatile. If you’re unsure about the proper length for you, try a pair of boots that hits the middle or top of your calves with different heights of over-the-knee socks of the same color to get an idea.
Fit
Pay close attention to how closely the tops fit around your thighs, elasticized tops that are too tight will create an unpleasant effect, even on those thighs that are particularly in shape. Fit is especially important if you’re planning to wear them with skirts and stockings rather than jeans, which helps to camouflage any “overhang” somewhat. Over-the-knee boots with laces at the top instead of elastic are a little more adjustable, but they should still fit fairly well, as too large tops will look a bit Errol Flynn-ish.
Flats
One of the easiest ways to avoid looking like a streetwalker is to skip the heels entirely. Flat over-the-knee boots have a more military and/or equestrian feeling that is inherently classy versus trashy, no matter whether they’re worn with skirts, leggings, or jeans. Keep stockings to a similar color palette (meaning no brights or neons) to avoid looking like Julia Roberts circa “Pretty Woman.” Hemlines of skirts, dresses, and tunics should hit one to three inches above the top of the boot, and refrain from wearing super-duper minis that are overly tight. Pairing shorter skirts with tailored shirts or structured jackets will help to take the edge off a bit.
Heels
If you must have a heel and want to wear your over-the-knee boots with short skirts, opt for a chunky heel instead of a stiletto. Keep another option in mind. Wearing heeled over-the-knee boots with dark stockings or tights and a pair of tailored shorts will give you as much exposed leg without the same risk of overexposure. If you can’t resist the vampiness of stilettos, remember less is more when shopping for over-the-knee boots. Avoid excessive fussiness like patent leather, studs, or other S & M details. Pair over-the-knee boots with stiletto heels with leggings and a tunic to tone down the sexiness factor, or wear them with jeans instead. Just be sure the jeans are fitted to avoid a blousy, Elizabethan pantaloon look.
