The Best Knee-High Boots to Wear, From Work to Weekend
You've already received the memo on the 10 most-wanted boots for fall—and over-the-knee (or knee-high) boots are at the top of the list. While ultra-tall boots may seem a bit daunting, finding the right height and proportion will guarantee they're flattering (not to mention a worthwhile investment). Find your perfect pair of boots to wear for work and play in our list of favorites ahead.
Getty Images1/18The Brown Riding Boot
For a more reserved (but still tough) feel, swap your usual black pair for a stacked-heel riding boot in a rich caramel brown. Wear it with a tweed or bouclé skirt and boxy blazer for work or skinny jeans and a chunky sweater for weekend brunch. Your fall staple outfit? Done.
3.1 Phillip Lim fall 2013
Getty Images3/18The Classic Black Over-the-Knee Boot
An over-the-knee, nearly thigh-high black boot may conjure up Pretty Woman-type imagery (it's like burned into our consciousness), but there's a classy, chic way to do it—we promise! Go for luxe (not patent) leather and a chunky or flat heel to add a casual counterbalance to the severity of the black. The boots will work with a shift dress or pencil skirt for work and then leather leggings or a mini on the weekend.
Ralph Lauren fall 2013
Courtesy of brand4/18The Classic Black Over-the-Knee Boot
Vince Camuto Vatero over-the-knee boots, $229, nordstrom.com
Getty Images5/18The Patent Leather Knee-High Boot
Speaking of Pretty Woman, tall patent leather boots can be done the chic and refined way. Make sure the height just skims the knee, and keep the heel flat or stacked, then pair the boot with fall-ready textures like tweeds, wool, and cashmere for a touch of class.
Calvin Klein fall 2013
Courtesy of brand6/18The Patent Leather Knee-High Boot
Jeffrey Campbell Shane over-the-knee boots, $245, urbanoutfitters.com
Getty Images7/18The Platform Over-the-Knee Boot
We know what you're thinking: over-the-knee (maybe even thigh-high), a sky-high heel, and a platform? But we saw it on the fall 2013 runways, and it looked so good. Here's the big secret: Opt for a softer chocolate brown color to temper the diva-ness of the style. Just a note: This is best kept as a weekend look—paired with a minidress layered under a oversize statement coat, perhaps.
[Donna Karan](<a href=) fall 2013
Courtesy of brand8/18The Platform Over-the-Knee Boot
Charles by Charles David Adelina boots, $145, 6pm.com
Getty Images9/18The Studded Over-the-Knee Moto Boot
True story: We're still drooling over Chanel's rocked-out moto boot and over-the-knee sexiness hybrid from the fall 2013 show. These boots are a tough-girl-cool weekend staple. They give a feminine fit-and-flare dress some edge or dress up a sweatshirt-and-jeans outfit on a lazy Saturday. Want!
Chanel fall 2013
Courtesy of brand10/18The Studded Over-the-Knee Moto Boot
Two Lips Jep over-the-knee boots, $140, dsw.com
Getty Images11/18The Knee-High Zipper Boot
While a basic black knee-high boot is a work and play essential, we're always up for a version with a subtle, interesting detail. A gilded zipper adds a touch of '80s rocker-cool but isn't so overwhelming that you can't make the boot work for the office (especially with a pencil skirt). Of course, you'll probably be living in these over the weekend too—with a leather mini or skinny waxed jeans.
[Theyskens' Theory](<a href=) fall 2013
Getty Images13/18The Suede Thigh-High Boot
The thigh-high boot is a tricky, tricky thing. You definitely want to bring the sexy on the weekends but should avoid being too sexy when picking a pair for work. A softer suede texture and midheel height (minus the platform) can work for casual or fashion-focused workplaces. For corporate types, you'll want to keep this boot weekend-only, when you can pair it with a pair of cuffed fall shorts or a silky, loose-fitting, and very mini dress.
Pucci fall 2013
Courtesy of brand14/18The Suede Thigh-High Boot
Jean Michel Cazabat panpan suede over-the-knee boots, $485, shopbop.com
Getty Images15/18The Cutout Boot
Cutout dresses are all the rage, so why not cutout over-the-knee boots? We see no reason! This weekend-only style is an adventurous way to try out the ueber-tall boot trend. Just keep the skin exposure minimal (like Salvatore Ferragamo did on the fall runway) and pair the boots with a covered-up and heavily textured outfit to temper the sultriness of the heel.
Salvatore Ferragamo fall 2013
Getty Images17/18The Textured Over-the-Knee Boot
Fall is all about prints and textures, and knee boots aren't exempt. While bright patterns are the attention-grabbing way to go, try a more versatile style with neutral and earthy tones, plus posh fabrics, for the office. To keep the focus on your statement boots, pair them with basic colors and luxurious knits in your outfit.
Tom Ford fall 2013
Courtesy of brand18/18The Textured Over-the-Knee Boot
Nine West Belixta over-the-knee boots, $299, nordstrom.com
