It seems like it was just yesterday that every college student, business professional, and brunch-goer would don a pair of leather riding boots as soon as the air began to chill. But as trends shift and popular boot styles fluctuate, it may have you wondering: Are tall boots still in style?
Before you write off your favorite pair of tall boots, you’ll be pleased to know that they are etching their mark in the timeless shoewear category once again.
Few footwear options offer the same versatility, comfort, and sleek appearance as a pair of high boots. With the right styling tips, you can make them an integral part of your carefully curated closet. In this article, we’ll explore how to style tall boots and help you discover how to wear them with confidence.
Unveiling the Current Trend Status of Tall Boots
As any savvy shopper knows, fashion is cyclical, and if you hang on to your beloved pieces long enough, they’ll eventually come back into style. This is definitely true for classic knee-high boots, which are reentering the fashion circuit in a big way.
Whether you’re looking to complete your business casual ensemble or you want to keep wearing your favorite dress from summer to fall, a pair of knee-high boots – namely, the Phillipa Tall Boot, Ynez Tall Boot, and Inessa Tall Boot – can elevate your look while helping you stay comfortable.
Are high boots still in style? While they took street style by storm in the 2010s, you can expect tall boots to be a major trend in future years. Knowing what to pair them with can help you revamp this classic boot and upgrade your everyday looks.
A Close Look at Their Contemporary Appeal
As they gain their next wave of popularity, knee-high boots offer a fresh, contemporary appeal when styled with flair. Although you may have worn them with black leggings or skinny jeans 10 years ago, there are plenty of modern pieces you can pair them with to stay up-to-date with the latest trends.
Rather than asking are tall boots out of style or layering a flat, tall pair of boots over a pair of tight pants or trousers, keep your look relevant by opting for new styles, colors, and textures.
For example, a squared toe or chunky heel can ensure your knee-high boots align with modern sterling trends, and pairing them with a mini-skirt can help you upgrade your next date night look. Here are some easy tips for finding the right tall boot to complete your ensemble:
- Play with heel height – While you may remember the flat riding boots that were all the rage in the 2010s, modern knee-high boots enter the scene with a little extra height. Slip on a pair with a kitten heel for a touch of sophistication, or make a statement with a tall, block heel.
- Modernize with color and texture – While you may be used to wearing black or brown leather boots, embrace the era of bold colors and textures when it comes to your footwear. Opting for a funky texture like suede – as featured in the Ashburn Tall Boot – or a bright color or pattern can turn your knee-high boots into the centerpiece of your ensemble.
- Make a bold statement – Because of their height, tall boots are naturally eye-catching—so don’t try to hide them beneath pants or long dresses. They were born for the spotlight, and so were you, so go for the bold and show off a pair of funky tall boots under knee-length skirts and dresses.
Exploring the Timeless Allure of Tall Boots
The reason tall boots are such a timeless fashion staple is that there are so many different styles. From classic riding boots to the elevated over-the-knee variation, anyone asking, “Are long boots still in style?” need only look around at the best-dressed women in the room. (Hint: They’re wearing long boots.)
Whether you’re into patent leather, a chunky heel, or a rounded toe, you’ll find a pair of high boots that suit your signature look. A classic leather riding boot, a slouchy pair with a high heel—there’s no doubt that you’ll look cool and on-trend this season with a pair of tall boots.
The Role of Tall Boots in Modern Dressing
The key to keeping your look fresh with a pair of tall boots is to lean into the boot’s shape and structure, adding other outfit elements that balance them out and let them shine, giving your footwear the spotlight they deserve. For example, rather than pairing slim boots with tight pants, opt for a flowy skirt or dress for a more balanced silhouette.
Check out these easy ways to integrate tall boots into a modern wardrobe this season:
Level Up Your Tuck Game
As oversized shirts and roomy trousers are all the rage, you may wonder how to pair them with tall boots. To keep your look contemporary and stylish, remember the two key areas for tucking: Your waist and your ankles.
Consider tucking in a portion of your shirt to add more shape to your ensemble. Then, to show off your tall boots, wear them over your jeans. (Yes, even if they’re baggy. Trust us.)
Embrace the Skirt
From a mini skirt to a maxi, tall boots pair perfectly with skirts of various lengths and styles. In colder months, you can pair sweater dresses with boots and tights for extra layering, and when the temperatures rise, you can add them to a short, flowy skirt or dress.
Choose a midi with a pair of knee-high boots for a sophisticated style that shows less skin and makes your legs look a mile long.
Go Western-Chic
For a look perfect for the country music concert or the block party, slip on a pair of tall western boots with denim shorts. But to keep this look modern, opt for longer shorts that hit just about mid-thigh.
To make this look extra sophisticated, pair it with an oversized blazer. Or, to embody the southern girl at heart, throw on that cowgirl hat and conquer your day.
Styling Tall Boots With Confidence
From fitted silhouettes to slouchy leather, there’s an endless array of tall boot styles. Throw in their patterns, colors, and textures, and it can seem almost overwhelming to decide which pair completes your look.
Here are some tips to help you feel confident and personalize the tall boots trend seamlessly.
Find Your Perfect Fit
The right fit can make all the difference when it comes to tall boots, so make sure to take a measurement of your calf before shopping for a pair. Sit in a chair with your feet flat on the ground and wrap a tape measure around the widest part of your calf to get a better understanding of the sizing you’ll need.
You’ll feel your best in a pair that’s stylish and comfortable, so make sure to find a boot that suits your calf measurements and foot shape. For instance, if you have wider feet, you’ll want to look for high boots that not only fit you in the calves but also allow your toes to move. You’ll also want to consider if you have flat feet or high arches, as well.
Finding comfortable boots for women who need specialized sizing is easy at Vionic. Whether you have muscular calves, high arches, or wide toes, you can rest assured that you’ll be able to find the right tall boot style for your body so you can feel comfortable and confident this fall and winter.
Transition Tall Boots Through the Seasons
Whether it’s fall, winter, or spring, you can style your tall boots to create a chic and contemporary ensemble. During warmer months, pair them with a flowy, floral dress for bohemian flair, or slip on a pair of long shorts with knee-high heeled boots for an edgier look.
As temperatures drop, don’t be afraid to pair wider calf boots with a pair of boot-cut or straight-legged jeans for a slouchier, effortless style. You can bring more structure to your outfit by tucking in the front half of your sweater. If an oversized sweater is more your thing, layering a structured jacket over your top could go a long way. With the right styling tricks, it’s easy to wear your knee-high boots year-round.
Making Tall Boots Your Style Statement
Ready to make tall boots part of your signature look? Whether your style is boho-glam or understated elegance, adding a pair of tall boots to your footwear essentials can help you stay comfortable and look chic in casual and professional settings.
Great with a pair of khakis in the office and a maxi skirt at brunch, the right pair of tall boots will help you complete your look no matter your vibe.
Stay Comfortable and Chic with Tall Boots from Vionic
Get ready for tall boots to make a major comeback. This timeless style has re-emerged, and with the right styling tricks, you can keep your knee-high boots looking chic and modern.
Not only can you stay in tune with the latest trends, but they’re among some of the best support shoes for women, available with various levels of flexibility and structure for your unique needs.
At Vionic, we believe your footwear should combine style and comfort, which is why you’ll find built-in orthotics in every pair of our boots, shoes, heels, and sandals. Whether you’re looking for women’s shoes with arch support or the perfect wide-calf boots, we’ve got you covered.
Sources:
- Matthews, Brandon. “The Boot Shaft Explained: What It Is and How To Measure It.” BootSpy. Updated 4 July, 2023. https://bootspy.com/boot-shaft/
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