Bold as can be, this ideal pair of shoes for fall has the merit of infusing any look with just the right amount of sexy. Here’s how to adopt it without making a mistake.
It is the sensual fashion asset par excellence. Long controversial, these seasonal shoes have the particularity of cutting the leg with emphasis on the lower body. Whether you prefer them ruched, bodycon, leather, suede or vinyl, these bold boots promise to spice up every look, from the most tidy to the most offbeat. We tell you how to adopt them later.
Popularized at the end of the 1960s, these boots embodied a new ideal of femininity, at a time when fashion imagined innovative silhouettes and revealed new cuts and textures. However, these shoes initially only had a utilitarian purpose. They appear since Antiquity and are then formidable allies to keep the legs of soldiers warm during war.
We had to wait until the 1930s for thigh-high boots to gain their fashion credentials, making their entry into women’s wardrobes. Practical, they are appreciated for their ability to provide warmth and insulation to the legs. In 1967, Brigitte Bardot propelled thigh-high boots to the rank of fall wardrobe essentials, slipped into an ebony Roger Vivier pair in her famous “Harley Davidson” music video. She was immediately imitated by other starlets of the time, like Jane Birkin, who preferred the bohemian suede version, or Catherine Deneuve, who happily appeared with immaculate thigh-high boots on her feet.
If these shoes started to get a bad press in the 1990s, labeled as being vulgar, they have since become synonymous with chic and daring again. The proof is that during the presentation of their latest collections, many established brands have redefined this classic. At Chloé, the thigh-high boots feature graphic, gathered lines, in a retro spirit, while Dior imagines them discreet and noticeably bohemian, thanks to their suede exterior. As you will have understood, over-the-knee boots are very versatile and can suit any style, depending on the model you choose.
Rather small? Opt for tight-fitting thigh-high boots that stop at the knee, not the thigh. This will give the illusion of an elongated and slimmer leg. Converselyif you are tall, don’t hesitate to let yourself be tempted by very high thigh-high boots, capable of enhancing your legs as much as possible. Finally, if you have rather strong calves, we recommend that you opt for an oversized model with a gathered or simply wide style, for more comfort.
This alternative will allow your ankles to breathe while allowing you to embrace the trend with style. So, are you ready to take the plunge?