On the Rise: Long Boots
As the chill in the air sharpens and the leaves shift from green to burnished gold, long boots step forward once again as the footwear of the moment. It's a familiar seasonal dance. Long boots reappear each fall, but this year, they seem to arrive not just as a practical choice, but as a defining statement piece—bold, elongated, and unflinching in their versatility.
What is it about long boots that gives them such enduring allure? In part, it’s their ability to straddle the line between utilitarian and fashionable. They protect and ground you, but they also command attention. As designers stretch the boundaries of what boots can be—from thigh-high styles that envelop the leg like a second skin to equestrian-inspired silhouettes that evoke a bygone era of aristocratic leisure—the range of styles feels, in a word, limitless.
Historically, long boots have been associated with strength and authority. Military cavalry, hunters, and even Victorian women tucked into lace-up knee-high boots all harnessed the power of these durable creations. Today, however, long boots have transcended their origins to become a dynamic symbol of elegance, subversion, and effortless cool.
Thigh-high boots are one of the most striking iterations, rising provocatively above the knee and elongating the silhouette. These Women's boots recall the avant-garde edginess of designers like Vivienne Westwood and Jean-Paul Gaultier, whose rebellious designs redefined how women engage with sensuality in fashion. Today, thigh-high boots maintain that subversive air, but can also be surprisingly practical—a pair in soft suede or buttery leather adds instant drama while keeping legs cosy and warm against winter's bite.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, riding boots offer a kind of elegant restraint, hearkening back to the countryside traditions of English aristocracy. Their sturdy, clean lines make them a natural choice for tailored blazers or pleated skirts—a nod to heritage and modernity. Brands like Hermès have long leaned into equestrian influences. Still, more accessible designers are now putting their spin on this classic, infusing it with unexpected details like embossed leather or metal accents.
How to Style Long Boots in 2024
This season, the key to wearing long boots isn’t simply about throwing them on over skinny jeans or under a coat. No, it’s about seeing the boots as the centrepiece of your look—almost as if your entire outfit flows from the boots upward. They’re the starting point, the focal point, and the finishing touch.
Here’s how to pull it off.
Long Boots With the Midi Skirt
One of the most striking ways to wear long boots is under a midi skirt. The dynamic pairing of a slightly flared or pencil-style skirt that falls just below the knee with knee-high or over-the-knee boots creates an elongated silhouette that feels both refined and subtly daring. The key here is to balance proportion—voluminous skirts should be paired with sleeker boots, while fitted skirts can complement chunkier styles. Look to designers like Isabel Marant, who pairs slouchy Western-inspired boots with feminine skirts in a marriage of rustic ease and urban sophistication.
Long Boots With a Short Hemline
Thigh-high boots paired with a short dress or skirt is a formula that immediately evokes a certain bold, youthful energy. But it’s not just for the runway or nightclubs anymore. The 2024 approach is more polished and layered—think a thigh-high boot under a structured coat dress or an oversized sweater that falls just past the thigh, showing only a sliver of skin between boot and hem. It’s about hints of allure, rather than full exposure, evoking a sense of mystery. Designers like Saint Laurent and Victoria Beckham have mastered this balance, crafting looks that speak to both power and elegance.
Long Boots with The Wide-Leg Trouser Tuck
For a more unexpected twist, consider pairing wide-leg trousers with knee-high boots. This styling trick transforms traditional suiting into something modern and architectural. Tuck the trouser hem slightly into the top of your boots, letting the fabric billow ever-so-slightly over the top. It’s a fresh take on volume that adds a sense of ease to an otherwise structured look. Brands like The Row are playing with this contrast—marrying minimalism with oversized proportions.
Long Boots Over Leggings
While leggings tucked into boots might remind some of early 2010s fashion, this combo is having a modern resurgence. But instead of the classic stretch leggings we once knew, today’s iterations feature textured fabrics like leather, knit, or ribbed detailing, adding depth and dimension. Pair sleek leather leggings with thigh-high boots for an all-black, streamlined aesthetic. Layer a loose turtleneck or oversized blazer on top for a sophisticated, yet relaxed, take on off-duty style.
Styling Long Boots From Day to Night
One of the greatest advantages of long boots is their seamless ability to transition from day to night. In the morning, they serve as the ultimate cold-weather staple, offering warmth and structure to any daytime ensemble. But as the day shifts into evening, the same boots—especially those that hug the calf or thigh—take on a different life entirely.
Consider this: A tailored wool coat and sleek boots during the day can give way to a silky slip dress with knee-high boots for a late-night dinner. The contrast between soft, flowing fabric and the solidity of leather adds an alluring edge to the simplest of silhouettes.
The Practicality of the Long Boot
While the visual impact of long boots is undeniable, practicality still reigns supreme. That’s why it’s no coincidence that designers are increasingly crafting boots with comfort in mind—incorporating block heels, cushioned insoles, and wider shafts to accommodate a range of body types. The re-emergence of flat knee-high riding boots is a testament to how the fashion world is increasingly embracing functionality without sacrificing style.
Final Thoughts: Boots That Stand Tall
Long boots—whether they’re a clean and simple riding style, a boho slouch, or a second-skin thigh-high—are never really out of fashion. But their renewed relevance this season speaks to a larger trend in fashion that celebrates individuality, empowerment, and the ability to make a statement without saying a word.
In 2024, long boots aren’t just about putting your best foot forward. They’re about standing tall, commanding the room, and reimagining the timeless allure of this classic wardrobe staple in ways that feel both fresh and utterly timeless.
