2 Ways To Style Over The Knee Boots for AW16

 I know what you’re thinking: it’s only August and you’re already talking about autumn? Again? But on the basis of there being only a three letter difference, and that the high street is already dropping some incredible new season pieces quicker than you can say helpmeIjustmaxedmycreditcard, I think it’s well and truly an acceptable time to start thinking ahead.

One of the trends I’m glad is staying firmly in the forefront of fashion is over the knee boots. When they first cropped up on street style stars and in runway shows it was almost impossible to locate an affordable pair crafted well enough to stay on without slipping down. Now EGO’s AW16 collection totally eradicates that issue. The butter-soft faux suede mocha Ivy pair are cleverly created with ties at the back and with an elasticated panel inside the calf to keep them snugly on your leg. Then the black Rivea pair are made from a stretch-knit fabric that sculpts to your legs absolutely perfectly. Plus, with a cut-out heel and peep-toe, they’re perfect transeasonal styles.

When styling over the knee boots, I try to play a game of proportions to keep them looking, well, less sexy. Tight dress + tight boots? Are you familiar with the film Pretty Woman? Yeah, that. So for me, it’s all about languid, louche layers and free-flowing skirts. Think pleats splaying exactly where the boots finish on your thighs, so with each step you show off just the teeniest glimpse of skin. Or a boudoir-style duster coat, neatly wrapped and belted so that a couple of inches of thigh splice through with your strides. It’s still sexy, just laced with a demure touch.

The finishing touch? Sunglasses. They work season on season. Prada’s 09QS Cinema pair, from the AW13 runway collection, were inspired by the modern day femme fatale. Fusing feminine feline aspects of classic cat-eye sunglasses with a gold aviator-style bridge bar, you’re left with the ultimate interpretation of bad girl glamour. And that’s exactly what Prada is all about: a fearless woman not afraid of subverting conventions to create a made-you-look-twice image.

 If that’s not a sartorial match made in heaven for over the knee boots, then I don’t know what is?

Photography by Lydia Collins