Second Skin Boots Rule Paris and Milan Runways for Fall 2024

Designers in Paris and Milan are opting for second skin boots as hemlines rise for the fall 2024 collections.

Brands like Gucci, Dior, Courrèges, Acne Studios and more have all offered up options of the style, which, similar to the sock boot trend of a few years ago, features a sleek silhouette that stretches tightly around the weather’s foot and ankle. The style is tall, stretching to about knee-high if not over the knee. The result means that they can often be worn as tights. Missoni, Courrèges and Ferragamo employed this technique — Missoni’s trademark prints applied on their boots marked a unique take from other labels.

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Acne Studios also added a spin: with a toe strap and a cutout at the heel, the label’s second-skin boots seemingly take inspiration from wearing tights with heeled sandals. Versions of this are present in the same runway show.

Christian Dior’s take on the trend approaches the knee but is studded with gold accessories.

Whether dubbed the sock-boot, stocking boot or the second-skin boot, tall boots that borrow their silhouettes from tights are nothing new. Notably, Julia Roberts wore black patent seductive thigh highs in 1990’s “Pretty Woman.” Raf Simons brought the style back to the fore in 2015 while at Christian Dior. Since then, brands like Balenciaga, Gucci and Yeezy have gotten in on the style, notably worn by the Kardashian-Jenner brood of celebrities.

Last year, Louis Vuitton seemed to parody the idea, offering a trompe-l’oeil style that, while not tight, provided wearers visually with a second skin as the design gave the illusion of a fake leg and sock.

The second-skin boot can be perfect for monochromatic dressing: at Jil Sander this season, it was the perfect compliment to a quilted cape of the same hue. The silhouette allows the boots to disappear into the overall look, allowing other pieces to shine. But they can similarly be used to provide a pop of color, becoming the focal point for a look

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