Would You Wear… Over-the-Knee Boots?
Blake Lively, Kate Moss, a model at Givenchy SS09 RTW, and Lindsay Lohan wearing over-the-knee boots
It’s only July, but style blogs everywhere are already abuzz about possible fall fashion trends. One of the most talked-about trends? Over-the-knee boots.
This trend first appeared at the Spring 2009 Ready-to-Wear shows when Givenchy sent an amazing shiny black pair (pictured above) down the runway. Then Blake Lively’s character Serena famously caused an internet uproar when she wore a suede pair during Gossip Girl’s first season. Ever since, the trend has taken off! Over-the-knee boots showed up on all the Fall 2009 RTW runways, spotted everywhere from Louis Vuitton to Prada. Celebrities love this trend too: everyone from Lindsay Lohan to Rihanna to Kate Moss and even Miley Cyrus has worn over-the-knee boots recently.
Whether they’re thigh-high or slightly above the knee, leather or suede, flat or stiletto-heeled, every possible incarnation of over-the-knee boots will be available in stores this fall. But will you be buying?
Let me know what you think… would you wear over-the-knee boots? What do you think of this trend? Will you be picking some up this fall or sticking with below-the-knee boots? Leave your thoughts in the comments.
Posted on on July 15, 2009 / Filed Under: Would You Wear? / Tags: Blake Lively, Boots, Celebs, Fall 2009, Givenchy, Gossip Girl, Kate Moss, Lindsay Lohan, Rihanna, Spring 2009, Style, Trends, Would You Wear?
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Emma
Ha, so I have huuuuge calves from soccer and I don’t think I’ll be able to find a pair that’ll fit me. Do you have any tips for us athletic folk? I do love the suede ones Serena wears – so pretty.
Candice
Yes, totally, I loved it the first time I saw it.
ashley
I like the one’s that Blake Lively is wearing :)
But, I don’t think I’d be comfortable walking in them.
Madi
Ehhhhh. I’m not too keen on this particular trend. To me, it just seems as though the boots engulf their legs. It’s a bit much. Yeah, I won’t be one to follow this trend during the fall…
emma
Oh yea! I love this look! Especially over dark-legged skinnies. Such a victoria’s secret look right there.
Kenzie
I totally love the look, but like Emma I don’t think that I could find a pair that would fit me…
Valerie
I love boots in general. And these over-the-knee boots are no exception. I like that you can wear them in so many different ways, dressed up or down.
Kayla
I second Valerie. Boots just have a way of making me feel more sexy. I’ve never tried over the knee boots, but this trend does look promising. I’m a little bummed that my just-below-the-knee boots won’t be looking too hot this fall, though. Oh well, who said trends were everything. ; )
rachelle
i love these boots! espeially the suede ones! but i will defeinitely need the kind that have a side zipper because slipping boots over anything thicker than leggings is sooo frustrating!
Brittney
I like the look, but it doesn’t look particularly comfortable.
Julie
I would totally do it if my legs were longer. I want some thigh high boots like the ones Queen Michele is wearing here http://kingdomofstyle.typepad.co.uk/my_weblog/2009/07/thighs-the-limit.html.
Jennifer
I actually like them. When you initial said ‘over-the-knee boots’ I was thinking the fisherman’s hip boots, the kind to keep your legs dry when you go fishing and want to stand in the water, but the one’s pictured are actually pretty nice. And it’d be a bonus if they would keep your legs a bit warmer too.
kirsten
I love over the knee boots when it is done the way Kate Moss is wearing them… it looks classy and not hookerish
miraclebabyblog.com
I love all four, they all have different style, and usage, and look good in all four styles. thanks from miraclebabyblog.com
Hannah
i love this trend! however, i don’t know that it would look good on my legs from running so much. haha.
kenzie
yeahh, im a swimmer so ive got huge calves….plus im 5′ 9″…..so finding boots that are both tall enough and fit correctly…..
=/
Jess
I actually like them. Do I think everyone can pull it off, umm not so much.
I think, just like every trend, not everyone can pull it off, even if they think they can.
I don’t know if I can pull it off but I love wearing boots during fall and winter seasons so I might go try them on and see:)
Claire
All you looking for bigger boots, I found a UK site fittedbootstore, they make boot to measure you give them your shoe size, ankle measurements, calf and how high you want them and they make them!
Harley
I bought a black pair like the ones in the first photo last winter, and they were amazing. I adore them and am going to try and get a leather pair this year.
Steph
I like the ones that BlakeLively and Kate Moss are wearing,but i have curvy legs and don’t want to have to squeeze in.I think they look amazing on some people but not everyone can pull them off
ciara
yesss, i would wear these. Im just hoping i could pull them off since im only 5′1.
Aury
I am totally gonna be rocking this trend this fall. Still trying to come up with ways of rocking it though, but when I do I will definitely do a blog post on it.
Gigi
i would wear the leather ones with jeans and the suede ones with skirts but i would never wear leather ones with a skirt
Colleen
hmm i like them but at the same time, i also love my jeans and my tunics and i don’t think they all mix that well!
Thorn
I like this trend!
I would def wear a pair of these boots
Caitlin
I prefer the slightly over the knee as opposed to the thigh highs, atleast for myself to wear, but I think they’re all very nice. Where can I get a pair of Serena’s boots (or something similar)?! I was looking for a budget friendly pair everywhere last year. Although I guess if they’re going to be in for fall I won’t have to look very hard lol
elle
Haha, most girls are complaining about thicker calves and here I am wishing my calves were thicker!! :( :(
I tried on those Blake Lively GG boots and they were too big around my calves.
I bought a pair of Steven over the knee boots in black leather (flats) and I love them to death! They are my most expensive pair of shoes so I’ll def be wearing them throughout the fall and winter season :D :D :D
Jessica
I would totally try this!
Arianna
I’m 5′3″. That means no maxi dresses, no long skirts, and definitely no over-the-knee boots. :(
It is kinda cute though!
Deanna
Yes! I love the boots!!
Anna
I love Serena’s boots, but the rest aren’t really for me. They seem like they would be uncomfortable and a hassle to get on. Plus, they are slightly hooker-esqe. I guess the suede types are good, but the leather heels? A little trashy.
Christina
I bought the boots Blake Lively is wearing when I first saw that Gossip Girl episode. They are wonderful! So comfy and a definite compliment getter!
Jackie
And hide my beautiful, thick calves? (as if I could fit boots like that over them) No.
Liz
Before you say nay or yay, you MUST try on a pair first. Over the knee feels completely different from knee length. I personally found them to be uncomfortable, and I have “normal” legs. I just don’t like the scrunchy feeling to be around my knees. (I hate the scrunching at the ankles too but that can’t be helped.)
I think that they look awesome on certain people, but it’s not made for active wear – running around on foot and constantly sitting up and down. I’m perfectly happy with the regular calf or knee length boots.
Trista
Love itt, id be afraid it would look kind of like hookerish though.
justbex
Heck yea. I bought a pair in dark brown during the summer to wear this winter (always cheaper to buy winter clothing/shoes during summer) and I cannot wait to wear them. I am 5′4″ and a size 2 so they will go well with skinny jeans and a sweater. I think this is one trend that honestly would look great on every gal.
mani
TOTALLY LOVING THIS LOOK! I swear once I wear a pair you won’t be able to get me out of them. These are cute but they need to be done right in order not to look trashy, however it’s a look I seriously adore and it’ll continue to be until further notice :)
pig
how does it look on short people? lol
bryn
I like this trend- especially the boots Serena is wearing. I’m not too fond of thigh high boots- just ones that go slightly over the knee. The Kate Moss boots are nice too. Everyone that wants to know where to get Serena’s boots- I’m not positive but I’m pretty sure they are from Chinese Laundry. They might not have the exact same style but they have similar boots so it’s worth checking out chineselaundry.com. Hope that helps!
Luna
I really love the ones that Serena and Kate Moss are wearing. I’d love to give this trend a try, but it doesn’t seem like soemthing that would be very practical if you live in a colder area or if you wear it in the dead of winter.
Rayna
Hell yes, I’ve been waiting for these!
i love Lindsay’s i hope i can find some similar to hers…
They’ll definitely be very practical, especially because my knees get
strangely cold in the winter…
keigee
i dont think i would be. cuz i dont have the long legs for it unfortunately. =’(
kinda makes me sad. but yeah, i think id be sticking with the below the knee ones. i think those are classic, and would be in for the next 2-3 years. =)
Rachael
I must agree with some past comments, this look does nothing for those of us with shorter legs. Also I feel anyone with legs that are normal to chunky won’t look flattered by them either. One just for the catwalk and skinny celebs methinks.
lauren @ la petitefashionista
i love this look! blake lively looks amazing in them. I unfortunately don’t have the long skinny legs to pull it off, but i think they’re super chic!
Venus
Kate looks great (but lets face it, when doesn’t she?) – I like the trend but I think Lauren above is right that you need the long, very skinny legs to pull it off right. Besides, not-so-thin legs might look a little tree-trunk-esque if one was to wear brown thigh high boots!
I wouldn’t wear the patent leather ones – they’re a bit too ‘moulin rouge’ I think ;-) or white ones like Lindsay Lohan cause they look a little tacky, but suede is nice.
Dubai Stylista
I love this trend! Maybe on other people more than me, per se. I must try out a pair and see how I feel about it. The ones Blake Lively is wearing is by Chinese Laundry. I love that its suede and flat. I think heels on over the knee boots can look a little too costume-ey for the average girl.
Luisa
I love this look, and have the legs for it, but I’m still not sure I could rock it comfortably! I definitely like it better with a skirt or dress though. Over skinnies they just take over the whole leg.
Speaking of those adorable suede boots, think my fringed suede knee-highs in the picture for the fall? Or do they go in the time capsule for a decade or two now?
crystal
I really liked this trend when it was popular last Fall. Then, though, there weren’t many options in stores. I hope there will be more this Fall!
And, I hope I’ll be able to find a pair long enough for my 37″ inseam! :P
Caitlyn
I love them! As previously stated, they definitely have to be done correctly. Where can you find them resonably priced and cute?
Anca
No, i don`t really like them. They look nice on Serena, but i don`t see me in those boots. :) xoxo
Leah
My calves and thighs are way too big to even get a pair on, not to mention rock the look. Although I love that it gives an edge to anything- you just have to be careful. I’ve seen too many people look like they’re working a corner when they try to wear them…
Ana
I totally love them, and would go out to get like a million pairs if my legs were even half as long as thiers…
Jojo
I would wear them, mainly because I have long legs. I think they’d look silly on a shorter person …
Serena’s are awesome!
Sophie
I love the over the knee high boots, and i am starting a new college with no one i know, so its a great time to experiment i think!!
Alyssa
I love boots in general, and therefore love these over-the-knee ones, but I’ve found some during online shopping and they’re noticeably more expensive. I’d probably have to save up for one pair.
Pretty Lil' Things
Definitely don’t have the legs for it! Such long boots will only make me look chubby and stout (I’m about 5″2)
CHICKDOWNTOWN.COM Brooke
It’s an interesting look, that’s for sure. I’m not really sure if I would be so bold though. I love the way Blake Lively is wearing them. Then again, I love the way she wears practically everything. I’ll probably try them at least once though, being the trendsetter that I am.
Melissa
I love over the knee boots! I’d been looking for some for a while, and when I saw the ones Blake wore in Gossip Girl, I got them. They’re awesome & with jeans, they always looks cute.
lucy
totally love this trend, can’t wait to try these boots on.
Rebecca
I really like the look of these, but I have two of the problems that people are on edge about: I’m short and shapely. With calves like mine at my height, I’d have mini tree stumps for legs. So sadly I vote no for myself, but I’d recommend to almost anyone else.
Sometimes it’s not just about style, but what looks good on YOU :)
Amber
Would this style work if your short???? I’m 5″2 and have legs on the shorter side .
Valeria
i love blake’s and lindsay’s
but i cant wear them… my legs are too chubby, so no boot fits me :(
michele
i love this trend! it looks really great over a pair of skinnys.
Jane
I have a huge shoe collection and most of my boots either come up to my knee or over my knee. I love to wear them and I have found that you can wear them with anything except maybe a dress then I go for a more elegant shoe. But with jeans or trousures these type of boots look ace with them.
cory
I have the ones that Blake Lively is wearing in Gossip Girl, but in a black suede (although i do love the grey!!) and absolutely love them. I don’t think I’d wear anything higher then just above the knee though.
Katie
I love the look but personally I could never wear them because i’m 5 feet tall and they would totally overpower me. I also think it depends on the material and what you wear with them cause with a mini skirt and barely there tank it could get way too slutty way too fast! Overall though I think if you have the height go for them and that they are a great trend for everybody not just celebrities!
Alicia
YES! they are so cute!
Reiss
I love Lindsays knee boots! she always looks nice!
Julie
I had knee boots years ago and LOVED them..I’m definately going to get another pair this year!
M.
for me they are a must-have this fall!
Nessa N.
I love this, don’t know if i can afford a pair though. I think they’ll be more comfy than over the knee socks.
The over the knee boots moment for me was in The devil wears Prada, the 1st time Andrea’s bf sees her after the make over.
Alaina
I think this really depends on the outfit. I would LOVE to wear this look, but I don’t think anything in my closet will really… ‘go’ with these boots… which saddens me.
myvogue
that’s a trend i really like – over the knee boots look extremely sexy!!!
Calico
Like this trend :D As long the boots aren’t garishly patterned or summat, they’d pretty much go with most of my clothes. I looove the ones Blake Lively has on – if I lived in the U.S. I would definately find a pair to try on first, since I’m careful about buying shoes online DX
Don’t know if I could confidently walk down the street in the pair that the model has on, but GUHH, they make me drool …
hot beauty health
I love the look of the over-the-knees boots. I prefer the suede look just like Blake Lively gray suede boots.
Kortnee
First two pictures good. Last two pictures bad.
Katy
I’m not crazy about the ones LL is sporting, but they look amazing on Blake Lively (naturally). I might try it out, but it seems like sort of a tall girl trend to me
Candice
Out of all of these boots, I only really like the ones that Blake Lively is wearing. I think that over-the-knee boots only look good with really short skirts, I’m not a fan of them with jeans. I don’t think I could pull them off but I will definitely try them on the next time I’m shoe shopping.
Sarah
I would have to try them for myself, but I believe I would wear them. I’m a huge fan of boots in general. With the right tunic, I think they would be adorable, very bohemian. As long as something isn’t too kitschy, in fashion I will try almost anything once.
Kimi
Adorable! Although leg-shortening.
Eliina-
Would like those have those but is quite rare to find one in my country + the weather doesn’t really suit. So probably will wear in those colder countries when i own one.
Alex
oh i would! it’s just that it wouldn’t suit the weather in my country and it would be hard to find one. =)
amanda
I love over the knee boots
Miki
Oh I love the ones that Blake Lively is wearing, and the way Lindsay Lohan wears them looks good too! I think I would wear them – but only if they’re not high-heeled…
Lauren
I would so definitely wear them, as I own 3 pairs, the stilettos are least comfy but all of mine are loose casual looking ones. I shudder to think how I would look in those tight ones, it’s just so… tacky.
Lydia
This look should only be done if you a) own a horse, b) own a carriage and c) have to get some to the ball and back home before they turn into a pumpkin
nikki
umm…i am very petite so i would look VERY short with these boots on. haha. they look cute on serena but she is tall. i don’t really like the other outfits…kate moss looks very uncomortable and the third picture looks like if you wore a tunic with it people might think it was just your pants. blake lively may be able to pull off this look, but not me. lol
Linda
I love the suede flats. I’m scouting out a reasonably priced pair now. I’m hoping the options open up more as we move into fall.
I dig these ones, but they are still a bit out of my price range: http://www2.victoriassecret.com/commerce/onlineProductDisplay.vs?namespace=productDisplay&origin=onlineProductDisplay.jsp&event=display&prnbr=EB-243502&page=1&cgname=OSSHUBOOVIL&rfnbr=2096
Rebecca
Well this definitely is a really nice and chic trend but we should be careful as it would look awful if one was a bit not-skinny…so i would be wearing it only if i lose a couple of pounds before fall. lol
Keyerra
The only ones that appeal to me are the ones that Blake wore, but other than that no. They looks really uncomfortable.
Paloma
I wasn’t sure if I could pull of the thigh-high trend either but I saw this pair at AKIRA and thought I might as well give it a go. They are super cute and actually really comfortable! They’re suede and have a gold zipper running down the back…perfect for fall. Also, if you buy them online you get a discount just buy using “blog20″. I don’t know when that code expires though.
http://shop.akirachicago.com/page.php?id=productdetail&idproduct=4977&dept=WOMEN&frommenu=Category&idcat=
Jenny
noo i wouldnt wear them unless ur very tall or have long legs .. b/c they can really cut off the leg line.. making even the skinniest women look heavy
Maddy
I’m sooooooo trying this! i saw a really cute pair at steve madden =]
Cara
I like them, especially as a more daring, overtly sexy outfit for evening, but I think I’m too short. Cutting off my legline midway is not good; I suspect it would e all boot and no leg.
Bhavyy
Hey…
over-the-knee boots, wow really nice trend :P! They look chic and trasgressive at the same time… my only worry would be if they’re adapt for small girls like me…being 5′1 :D!! pls reply :D!!
Amy
i feel like they look better on girls w/ super long legs. but they look fabulous.
Erica
I just saw a few pairs at DSW – all for under a hundred bucks! I’ll definitely be going back for a black suede pair that looked just like Blake Lively’s.
Megan
um…im short. 1metre40…. :O
but i <3 these!!!!!! would they suit shorties like me :)???
Kate W
I love it :-). I have long legs, so i want buy this shoes :-)
Crystal W
I’m 6′1″ and I couldn’t imagine life without OTK boots. It took SO much searching to find some that fit my cursed dancer calves (grr) but this site called http://www.duoboots.com/ that will customize boots depending upon your calf size. They’re a tad bit more that I was willing to pay but it has been worth it in the long run. I hope I’ve helped some of you =)
Holly
Umm…. why was my comment saying I don’t like OTK boots and that they are a standard prostitute uniform deleted? They are. I wasn’t just trying to be funny…
Holly
P.S. The ones on Blake Lively look nice. All the other ones are hooker city, and I have seen it with my own eyes…
Anika
Why do you call i suede boots? I’m 5′1 and my legs are kinda short. Does this look will fit me?
Zephyr
Holly – It might have been the word you used. I have a spam filter in place that automatically deletes comments containing profanity because there are younger girls who read this site too. If you used the wh word, that’s probably why it was deleted.
Anika – Really depends on the pair! They can totally work if you’re 5′1, you just need to try different pairs on.
Sam
I have a black suede pair by Steve Madden and I love them. They were a bit expensive ( over $200 ) but worth it!! I would recommend them to everyone.
Anika
Can you please do a review about opaque tights? What tops and footwear would be suited in wearing this. Thanks in advance
Abby
I adore Serena’s boots!!! I bought ones just like it yesterday from Charlotte Russe. And they were only $35! Emma, I have big calves too. The slouchy suede ones do fit, but only if you have big feet like I do.
Holly
Oh ok…. well I used the H word for prostitute….. not the garden tool one, the other one. I didn’t think that would be considered profanity. But anyway thank you for explaining. =)
Scarlet-T
I have a pair of these, patent thigh highs which i wore in 2007 and got called all-sorts of names but I wore them in July and nobody batted an eyelid which could be because they’re more in now, or because I styled them right this time around. I think people are prejudiced by pretty women (where she pulls the condoms out of them). But if you put them in the right outfit they don’t look…ahem… (loose moraled shall we say?), i think they walk the line beetween sexy and seductive and women of the night quite well. Especially the suade ones.
Angela
I love it!
Today i just tried on the over the knee boots from Zara they were around 120 dollars and looked amazing!
I don’t really agree that they only look good on tall people with tall legs, i think that if you know how to match it like the picture with kate moss in it then it’s amazing. I’m around 5 feet 3 and 5 feet 4 between and today i tried it on with jeans and the Over the knee boots and looked amazing!
But again i think that they look SOOOO good with jeans and a jacket, blazer….
Sophia
i tried on several pairs of these boots whilst shopping and contrary to what u are all saying, these boots are like miracle leg wear! they actually elongate the leg making it look slimmer at the same time! i agree that unless worn correctly they can look a little hookery, but theyre winter boots so as soon as u throw on a jumper dress or a chunky knit they look fab! i highly recommend buying a pair or at the very least trying pair! (shorties are best with a heel)
debbie
I just bought a pair in grey suede that looks like the one kate moss is wearing.. it comes up mid-thigh and it’s AWESOME. I’m only 5′2, but it looks great too! Girls, dont be afraid to try jsut because of height.
Simone
I LOVE THEM!
I am getting mine on tuesday, can’t wait!
They look so great. OTK boots are going to be the center of my fall wardrobe:D
-SB
Sara
I bought a pair of black OTK boots at Zara about 3 years ago and still have them. At the time, no one was wearing OTK boots and was very surprised to find them. Its been over 3 years since then and now they are everywhere. I don’t think they look good on all types though. Kate Hudson had a pair on and they were not flattering at all. Shorter girls look better with a calf length boot. Its more flattering to their legs.
Angela
I actually disagree with you sara, just this year i bought a zara suede over the knee boots and loving it. i’m short im only 5′4 and the black just makes your legs look super long and also since the heel is 4 inch.
aish
i love the black ones
aish
loving kate moss boots n blake lively frm gg(although blakes look is similar to kate’s style)
Alice Mercado
yes!!! i just bought a pair. And i love them soooo much