10 Fresh Ways to Wear Over-the-Knee Boots

Over-the-knee boots are the Beyoncé of boot styles. Unapologetically bold and eye-catching, they demand attention every time they're out. Wear a pair with your simplest gray hoodie and you’re a street-style superstar. Wear them with a statement mini dress and at least one passerby will have to shield their eyes or risk being blinded by your fashion brilliance. They are, simply put, iconic. Ahead, we’ve rounded up 10 ways to wear over-the-knee boots that will make the odyssey of finding the right pair well worth the effort.

In Lieu of Pants

The very thing that makes shopping for over-the-knee boots such a hassle, is what makes them such a fashion standout: the fit. They’re basically fun pants! Thanks to all the coverage, the right pair can effectively function like pants when worn with a tunic-length top, blazer, or jacket.

With Paperbag Shorts

Casual, comfortable summer separates like loose-fitting paperbag shorts and lightweight cardigans pair beautifully with over-the-knee boots, especially in an eye-catching print or pattern.

With a Floral Minidress

Add some edge to an otherwise sweet floral minidress by wearing it with a pair of vampy over-the-knee boots. No one style of thigh-high boot works best with this look, but we do love the contrast of a floral print and shiny vinyl.

As a Pop of Color

We're not saying that you should drop cash money on a pair of Barbiecore boots, but we are saying that having a pair of over-the-knee boots in a vibrant shade of yellow, blue, or bubblegum pink can transform even your most basic skirts and dresses.

With a Tunic

Snuggly and chic, this 'fit can be as minimal or as over-the-top as you like. A long, vintage graphic tee you've worn for years as a sleep shirt works just as well as a lace tunic dress, like Heidi Klum's.

With an Oversized Hoodie

Another sneakily cozy over-the-knee boots look, this 'fit has a street-style vibe that demands opulent accessorizing. From high-end streetwear statement bags to tattoo-artist-inspired designs and embroidery, don't be afraid to be absolutely extra.

Instead of Stockings

For a high-impact look, swap out thigh-high stockings or tights for a pair of sheer mesh, over-the-knee boots. When accessorizing, opt for textures that bring out the shine in your boots.

Show Off Some Leg

Dresses with thigh slits were basically made for over-the-knee boots. Even simple silhouettes like a classic shirt dress receive an extra-high dose of flirty when worn with thigh-skimming boots.

With a Slip Dress

Channel your inner off-duty model by wearing over-the-knee boots with a lingerie-inspired slip dress. Celebs like Emily Ratajkowski have brought this slinky dress style to our attention and, quite frankly, it slays.

Related: The 19 Best Slip Dresses to Keep in Your Wardrobe Year-Round

With Preppy Separates

There's no escaping the rise of the preppy aesthetic this year. Even if you never went to a Gossip Girl-esque prep school, you can still achieve this aesthetic's blend of academia and fashion girlie by wearing preppy separates with a pair of over-the-knee boots.

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