Thigh-High Boots for Fall Winter 2009

Over-the-knee Footwear Sparks the Latest Must-Have Shoe Trend

Aug 7, 2009

Move over leggings and treggings, Fall 2009's over-the-knee boots are set to be the new season's wardrobe staple when it comes to covering legs.

Love them or hate them, thigh-high footwear is having a fashion moment. Channeling an Eighties-meets-Pretty Woman vibe, over-the-knee boots are all over the high street stores as the first flush of fall fashion (the first drop) represents key pieces for the new season.

It’s time for a footwear overhaul as this sky-high footwear comes in so many heel heights and styles there is something for all tastes from sexy to sporty. From skinny-legged platformed and vertiginous heels to wide Puss-in Boots-style galoshes with heels that are chunky or flat. Revolutionary designs like Prada’s fishing waders and Stella McCartney’s punched faux napa leather (which actually look like tights), have proved the inspiration for high street styles. One such example is the UK based fashion chain, Topshop, which offers a showstopping pair of PVC bottom grazers, the first shipment of which has already sold out online.

How to Wear Thigh-High Boots

Whilst these over-the-knee boots look great over skinny-legged jeans or leggings they are also teamed with the season’s new mini length dresses. To balance out their sex appeal choose a chunky or flat heel or wear with a demure knitted dress for a more classy look.

Climb into these boots, like stockings or tights rather than slipping them on. After the first few minutes of walking they may have a tendency to slip down off the thigh a little but this gives them a more relaxed ruched, slouchy appearance.

Take inspiration from the runway of Vivienne Westwood's Red Label (London Fashion Week Fall 2009) who teamed her long boots with understated mini dresses in neutral shades. Alternatively, for the brave of heart, wear them with wool shorts, to embrace Muicca Prada's Fall runway look.

Who Can Wear Thigh-High Boots?

Certainly for those who are too young to remember them the first time round (or at least only Michelle Pfeiffer’s Catwoman), this must-have footwear of the season is fun, flirty and sassy.

However, you don’t have to be in your 20s to embrace this trend, as Madonna proved in her thigh-high black Louis Vuitton’s at the 2009 Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute Gala. It’s all about matching with the right outfit so as to appear the right side of classy rather than the wrong side of sexy. Team them with a demure dress or soft-fabric trousers and go for boots with a low heel in soft suede or butter-soft leather for a more elegant look.

Women who dare-to-wear this bottom-grazing footwear should expect a lot of attention (wanted or otherwise) from those who are not necessarily au fait with current fashion trends. Feel self conscious wearing them out in daytime? Keep them for eveningwear instead!

The copyright of the article Thigh-High Boots for Fall Winter 2009 in Women's Shoes is owned by Gill Hart. Permission to republish Thigh-High Boots for Fall Winter 2009 in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.