How to Wear Over-the-Knee Boots

10 Fresh Ways to Wear Over-the-Knee Boots

By Amber Rambharose

Updated on December 20, 2023 @ 01:23PM

In Lieu of Pants

Wearing thigh-high beige over-the-knee boots Karina Niguay shows how to wear over-the-knee boots as pants with a blazer. — Getty Images

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

Wearing thigh-high over-the-knee boots, a woman shows how to wear over-the-knee boots with a tiered mini dress — Getty Images

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

Wearing barbiecore thigh-high boots, Cara Santana shows how to wear over-the-knee boots with a denim dress. — Getty Images

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

Wearing white leather thigh-high boots, Heidi Klum shows how to wear over-the-knee boots with a tee shirt dress. — Getty Images

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

Wearing sheer over-the-knee boots, Rini Jain shows how to wear over-the-knee boots as stockings with a red mini dress. — Getty Images

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

Wearing black-over-the-knee boots, a woman shows how to wear over-the-knee boots with a blue midi-shirt dress. — Getty Images

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.

With Preppy Separates

Malvika Sheth shows how to wear over-the-knee boots with a pink blazer, blue skirt, and colorful tie. — Getty Images

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.