CF Fabulous Finds: Chinese Laundry “Tripin” Boots
From the moment I saw CF’s “Would You Wear…” article on over-the-knee boots, I was intrigued. I already loved Rodarte’s crazy-cool leather boots that were high enough to resemble pants from their Fall 2009 runway show, and it seemed like the over-the-knee boots I saw in stores could be an easy way to get that sleek yet tough look.
However, I did have many of the same fears the readers commenting on the “Would You Wear…” article stated. Standing at a mere 5’3 (and that’s rounded up), am I tall enough to pull these off? If I try to mix these into my everyday college-student attire, am I going to look more like Julia Roberts pre-Pretty Woman makeover than a fierce Rodarte model?
So overall, can I pull these off without looking ridiculous?
I obviously had my doubts. That’s why I was particularly nervous when I was given a pair of these mythical over-the-knee boots for Christmas (thanks, Mom!), a pair of the Chinese Laundry ‘Tripin’ Boots. In person they looked pretty harmless, but how would they fit in with the rest of the clothes in my closet?
Why I Love My “Tripin” Boots
As it turns out, they did not fit in. In fact, they stood out pretty obviously–but in the best way possible. I have basically only taken them off since I got them to sleep! The sleekness I loved about them on celebs and on the runway absolutely translated into daily life and I love the way they add undeniable style to anything from simple leggings to dresses.
To address my height worry, it turns out that it really isn’t much of a problem. The key to pulling off this trend is proportion. There are some tunics and dresses that I cannot wear with these boots, as it will absolutely make my legs look like stumps since they are longer and the hem will hit just about where the boots come up to.
How to Wear Them
I found that the best matches for these boots are tunics that just graze your upper thighs paired with skinny jeans or leggings. These boots also work well when paired with a dress that hits mid-thigh. Here are two examples of how to add these boots into your wardrobe.
Product Information: Striped Shirt: Warehouse.co.uk, Jeans: TopShop.com, Necklace: Oasis-stores.com, Tunic: Allsaints.com, Dark-Wash Jeans: Missselfridge.com, Headband: Net-a-porter.com
The above examples illustrate how to incorporate over-the-knee boots into your daily wardrobe. The look on the left is a fresh spin on the typical shirt-and-jeans combination for class, as the funky necklace adds something to the plainer shirt and the boots jazz up casual skinny jeans.
The look on the right is a great look for a weekend day grabbing coffee with friends or going shopping, as the geometric, floaty tunic gives the look a relaxed, bohemian vibe. Accentuate this with a fun headband, and then bring the look into 2010 with slimming dark-wash skinny jeans and those boots!
Product Information: Earrings: Bananarepublic.gap.com, Dress: Uniqlo.co.uk, Patterned Leggings: Republic.co.uk, Belt: Forever21.com
The above is a fancier, more party-appropriate look that is perfect for the season! I chose a dress that was fairly simple so that it would not be overwhelmed by the addition of accessories. The jewel tone keeps it from being boring and a black belt cinched at the waist gives it more shape. Patterned tights or leggings will look really cute poking out between the dress and the boots, while the dangly earrings give it an extra element of sophistication.
A Few More Reasons These Boots Rock
Hopefully at this point you’re on board with the over-the-knee boot trend. However, at the cost of $100 or so, I understand the hesitation in buying boots that are so trendy. That is why I love these Chinese Laundry boots in particular. Besides that black leather ones I have shown, they also come in black or gray suede, so they can pretty much work with any outfit.
But the absolute best part for me is that they are convertible–you can easily scrunch them down to be below-the-knee boots or even unsnap them and then re-snap them the opposite way so that they are pretty much a new pair of below-the-knee boots. That way, they will certainly be able to be worn for winters ahead!
What Do You Think?
Are you a fan of this look? Have you tried out a different pair of over-the-knee boots? Do you own the CL boots? How would you wear these boots? Let us know in the comments!
Posted on on January 3, 2010 / Filed Under: Shopping / Tags: Boots, CF Fabulous Finds, Chinese Laundry, Inspiration, Over-the-knee boots, Trends
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Kim - Cal State
Colleen, I totally know what you’re talking about, being 5’3 myself, I know the plight of the vertically challenged fashionista haha. I got some over the knee boots over the summer and I was wearing them everyday almost, but for some reason when winter rolled along I stopped wearing them, like you said it’s challenging to figure out what to wear with them, but if you wear them correctly you look totally chic. I’m gonna pull out those babies and start rocking them again asap.
Suburban Sweetheart
So cute! How much? I just never want to splurge on stuff like this that I probably can’t wear to work… but I HATE the boots I have!
Hannah
I own the black suede version and I love them! I’m on the taller side (5’8), so I didn’t have as much of an issue with the proportions. I wear skirts and dresses almost exclusively, and I’ve had fun pairing the dramatic boots with girly dresses and fabrics like lace and cashmere to create a contrast.
Unfortunately, because they’re suede, the boots quickly lost their shape and have permanently slouched into a mid-calf height boot. They’re not so cute anymore – I wish I had bought the leather version! :(
BreaD
I’m 5’3 too and I have these shoes in black leather. I adore them but I do have issues with trying them on with some of my clothes and thinking “geez my legs are short!!!” I pair them up with skirts and tights allll the time. They’re really comfortable and look great – worth every penny.
Isabelle
I laughed when I saw the last outfit because I bought those same earrings not 30 minutes ago. They’re super gorgeous and sparkly in RL.
Lulu
I’m 5’5 and bought a pair of over-the-knee pleather boots with a 1.5-inch heel for a steal. At less than 50 bucks, I was more than willing to try this trend, which I had secretly been lusting after but harboured the same fears as you!
It was a success! The boots look WAY less trampy than I thought they would. To push the envelope, I wore them to the office with a pair of black skinny jeans and a blazer on Casual Friday, and actually received compliments! Too bad it’s all snow and ice up here in Canada right now (the tread isn’t very deep in the soles), but I will certainly be busting these babies out for clubbing nights and incorporating them more consistently into my wardrobe come Spring!
Meagan
I’ve always been a little hesitant to wear over the knee boots, because I can never find ones that really suit me, but these look super cute. The only problem is, I have super long legs and I’m not sure if these boots would be the right length.
Kristina - University of Arizona
Haha, I’m the third CF writer to stand at 5’3″! I love the over-the-knee boot trend, but I feel like i should try them on in the store instead of buying online because of the proportion issue. Great tips though! I love Chinese Laundry shoes!
Nicole
I loved these boots online, but bought the gray suede and they are way to big for my calves! They just don’t look right. Has anybody ever had boots altered?
Madeleine
I am a fan of the over knee boot trend as it is very Serena Van Der Woodsen-esque. I haven’t tried the over knee boot trend yet because I havent really come across a pair that is cheap enough for my budget. I don’t own the Chinese Laundry boots, I don’t really shop at Chinese Laundry ever. I’d wear these boots with my striped slouchy Polo Ralph Lauren sweater, my favorite pair of skinny jeans, and a belt that hits at the waist to make the slouchy sweater more shapely.
Katie
Thanks for this rec! I’ve never been that on-board with the over-the-knee trend (I keep skimming, thinking, “can’t pull this off, not for me”), but this post made me think it was way more doable than I thought! I’m definitely going to try these on next chance I get.
rachelle
i ordered these online thinking i could just return them, which is exactly what ill have to do because at 5 feet tall, these just do not work for me :(
Kath
I’ve been debating buying that exact pair! However I keep hearing that the suede version run big in the calves (like Nicole mentioned). Does anyone know if the leather ones are also wide, or where I can find a skinnier pair that are still casual? I’m don’t mind being lanky but chicken legs don’t work so well with tall boots :(
Cara
I am dying to try the over-the-knee trend, but price is definitely an issue as are the “those are trampy” glances of my mother every time I suggest she help me purchase a pair. These lovely, convertible Chinese laundry ones might be just the ticket.
Roxanne Lee
Pls tell me where I can purchase a pair of teh Chinise Laundry Tripin Boots??