HighRise STYLE FILE
22nd May 2015
Never failing to make a statement, the over-the-knee boot is without a doubt this seasons must-have shoe. Wittner Walk Tall influencer Lana Wilkinson helps us to step into this nostalgic style with a few tips and tricks.
I’ve never needed an excuse to get my Saturday Night Fever on! I’ll be the first to admit that I’m excited that the modern seventies trend is in full flight. 2015’s version offers a clean, contemporary and minimalist take on the 1970’s aesthetic. Think Studio 54 glam, rather than the boho chic of Woodstock.
As the temperature cools down, it’s the perfect time to experiment with layering and volume. With the resurgence of the seventies trend, it’s all about subtle touches in retro lapel shapes, an abundance of denim, long coats, knits and pant silhouettes. Think ghetto gold jewellery, flares and cinched waistlines. The 2015 take on the seventies is all about luxe dressing and experimenting with shapes.
A roll neck knit is my must-have for the cooler months ahead. But whilst we are still seeing glimpses of beautiful autumn days, I wanted to experiment with the other hot accessory for winter, the over-the-knee boot. The Buckley OTK boot cuts a fierce silhouette. The suede design features a sleek stiletto heel, finished with gold trim detailing around the pointed heel. The luxe suede design makes it comfortable to wear and it can be dressed up or down, depending on the occasion. Perfect for wearing over jeans or paired with a short flippy skirt and over-sized knit, this classic design will certainly become a wardrobe staple.
How to style it? The key to wearing the over-the-knee boot is to look more street styled than street walker. Whether you’re curvy, petite, or tall; the over-the-knee boot ensures you step up your footwear game. It also looks super stylish and on trend.
My tips on how to style the over-the-knee boot based on body shape;
Tall
Opt for an easy sweater dress or shift that hits right at the thigh and gives a little breathing room between your boots and your hemline. Remember, don’t show too much skin.
Curves
Choose a pair that hits right above the knee, and create a long, lean leg line with a pair of dark denim in a similar hue. As for the top, stick to long sweaters, knits or blouses that hit below the hip. Style with a jacket perched on your shoulders to give it street-style cred. Also, figure-hugging separates are your best friend. While a miniskirt might feel a little too provocative for daytime, a pencil skirt that hits just below the knee feels appropriate and sophisticated paired with the over-the-knee boot.
Athletic
Over-the-knee boots are a great way to accentuate the leg line. Look for tights or jeans in the same dark colour as your boots. Keep the look classic with a blazer and a belt at the waist as it helps to further slim your frame.
Petite
Use fitted and structured clothing to highlight your small frame. Don’t hide your boots under a long hemline that will shorten your legs; instead opt for a miniskirt that leaves plenty of space between the boot and the hemline.
Over-the-knee boots can be perceived as hard to wear, however the most important tip, regardless of your shape, is keep it casual by always countering a thigh-high hemline with covered sleeves and a jacket up top.
Outfit credits:
Knit and shorts by Cmeo Collective
Bag by Saint Laurent
Jewellery by Damselfly
Photography: Liane Hurvitz Photography