How to Wear Over-the-Knee Boots

how to wear over the knee boots, otk boots outfit ideas, how to style tall boots

I remember when over-the-knee boots came on the scene two years ago. There were about a thousand websites telling you how to wear them “without looking like Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman.” (For the record, people, prostitution is illegal, but saying the word “prostitute” is not. Stop giving Julia a hard time.) Anyway, most of those websites were just trying to convince you to buy OTK boots and threw in some very vague advice on how to style OTK boots, advice that was helpful if you happened to be a supermodel.

Now that it looks like over-the-knee is here to stay for awhile, I thought I’d share not one, not two, but eight tips for styling these boots, with 2 actually-worn outfit examples of each. Yes, that’s right, SIXTEEN outfit ideas for your non-prostituty footwear. Now let’s get down and dirty, but no kissing.

1.  Monochrome Tights & Boots

You know how your legs looks super long when you wear nude pumps with your dresses in the summer? Well, this is the cold-weather version. And it’s more comfortable, too. The boots I’m wearing below (similar styles here and here) are totally heel-less, but with a shorter skirt and black opaque tights, they’re still very leg-lengthening.

how to wear over the knee boots, otk boots outfit ideas, how to style tall boots

2.  Tunic Sweater & Leggings

On cold weekends, who doesn’t love getting comfy in an oversized knit and some leggings, right? Well, if you have to leave the house, adding over-the-knee boots to the equation makes you look instantly fabulous without subtracting comfort.

(Both of the boots below are Franco Sarto.)

how to wear over the knee boots, otk boots outfit ideas, how to style tall boots

3.  Layered Button-Up and Sweater

A classic shirt / sweater combo is one of my favorite go-to looks for work, but it’s also one of a million other people’s favorite go-to looks for work. Statement boots let me (and you) maintain a reputation as the coolest girl in the office.

how to wear over the knee boots, otk boots outfit ideas, how to style tall boots

4.  Bare Knees

For the fall months when it’s chilly in the morning but you’re still putting off wearing tights, over-the-knee boots keep most of your legs warm. Plus, I think the little sliver of skin is kinda cute. Maybe even sexy. But not street-walker sexy.

how to wear over the knee boots, otk boots outfit ideas, how to style tall boots

5.  Just Add Leather

When you’re ready to take this trend to the next level, feel free to wear your leather jacket (or skirt) with those sexy boots. As long as your sexy boots aren’t fire engine red, patent leather platforms, I’m confident you can pull this combo off.

how to wear over the knee boots, otk boots outfit ideas, how to style tall boots

6.  Plaid Skirt

I call this the rebellious school girl look. I love a plaid skirt but I always worry it looks like part of a Catholic school uniform. I’m pretty sure OTK boots aren’t nun-approved, so I figure they’ll prevent people from asking me why I’m not in class, young lady.

how to wear over the knee boots, otk boots outfit ideas, how to style tall boots

7.  Skinny Jeans + Anything

One of the reasons I love over-the-knee boots is that they let you layer like crazy over the part of your body (or, at least mine) that gets the coldest. It’s amazing what a difference that knee coverage makes. On really cold days when I wear my OTK boots with jeans, or even with tights and a skirt, I wear knee-high socks underneath too. Super cozy.

how to wear over the knee boots, otk boots outfit ideas, how to style tall boots

8.  Contrasting Tights

I saved this one for last because it’s a little more daring, so it might not be for everyone. But if you have any tights with fun colors or patterns that you’re unsure of, wearing them with really tall boots means they have a less intense impact. So maybe this isn’t such a daring option after all!

how to wear over the knee boots, otk boots outfit ideas, how to style tall boots

Thanks for tuning in for the latest episode of my How to Wear series! If over-the-knee isn’t your thing, you might get your kicks from my How to Wear Ankle Boots post instead. Otherwise, pin this for later and shop some boots below to get started.

How to Wear Midi Skirts

how to wear midi skirt, how to style midi skirt

Wear a midi skirt and look awesome? In the words of Barney Stinson, “challenge accepted!”

In case you’re a total beginner (no judgement…OK, maybe a little), a midi skirt is a skirt with a hem that ends below the knee but above the ankle. They’re awesome because you never have to worry about flashing your Britney when you’re getting out of the car, but they look much more professional than a maxi skirt. On the other hand, they can be awkward because more fabric equals more potential for frump. And frump is not your friend, ladies.

So Step #1 is figuring out the best shape and length for your hot bod, whatever type of hot that may be. I’m partial to A-line midis because I’m pear-shaped, but there are plenty of body-con options out there too. And because I’m on the shorter side (5’3″), I prefer a shorter midi – right below the knee. That’s not to say that petite girls can’t wear longer midis; they’re just a little bold for my every-day life. But for long midi inspiration, check out Cathy’s outfit. Oh, and in case you think midi skirts are just for skinny bitches, allow Georgette to drop some plus-sized knowledge on you.

OK, back to me and my genius styling tips. To ward off the frump factor, I think the best way to go is to highlight your waist as much as possible so you keep your shape. There are a few ways to accomplish that: wear a top that fits close to your body, tuck your top into the skirt (assuming the skirt sits at your waist), or knot a button-up shirt at the waist. Below are examples of each…

how to wear midi skirt, how to style midi skirt

how to wear midi skirt, how to style midi skirt

how to wear midi skirt, how to style midi skirt

Alternatively, you can add more height with some killer heels. Basically, if it looks like there’s more of you shooting out the bottom of your skirt, you’ll look taller overall and less overwhelmed by the extra length of your midi. For bonus points, wear nude-colored heels in warm weather, or match your shoes and tights in cold weather.

how to wear midi skirt, how to style midi skirt

Here’s another trick for elongating your body in a midi: wear the same color or print from collar to hem with a midi dress! You can always find a TON of options in stock at Asos.

how to wear midi skirt, how to style midi skirt

But if you don’t want to buy a new dress, you can still fake it by wearing a top that matches your skirt. Look at that. Insta-dress.

how to wear midi skirt, how to style midi skirt

Finally, I’d be remiss if I didn’t remind you that rules are meant to be broken. The best way to pull off any look is good ol’ confidence.

how to wear midi skirt, how to style midi skirt

There you have it. That’s everything I know about midi skirts. If you enjoyed this little lesson, be sure to check out my ever-popular “How to Wear Ankle Boots” post!

BLOGLOVIN’ | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | PINTEREST | INSTAGRAM