Summer got off to a late start here on the East Coast and though we are still in the deep heat of it, it seems like everywhere you look, people are starting to think and breathe fall fashion. There’s nothing like a lazy day out in the sun to get you pondering over what you’ll be wearing when the sun starts to go down in October.
Take a trip over to Style.com and it’s not hard to see what the designers think we should be wearing. Between the oversized, menswear-style blazers and the long-sleeved, cotton dressed that dot the runways, the thigh high boot is strutting its stuff down many a catwalk. Though you’d be crazy to wear these boots while it’s still hot, it’s never too early to find your inspiration – from studded boots at Charlotte Ronson to leather bandage boots at Rodarte, the thigh high boot is set to be huge this fall.
The thigh high boot has been on the radar for a while now. I can remember spotting a beautiful, scarlet red boot as far back as 2003, for the Chloe Fall Ready to Wear collection. Soon after, Sienna Miller was spotted wearing a pair of black vintage thigh highs around the streets of London and various celebrities and designers followed. Back then, the thigh high boot seemed like only a shoe. This year, it looks like they will be the key element to any successful outfit. Whether you are wearing your boot with a breezy-yet-simple dress (Isabel Marant, Fall 2009 RTW) or wearing a pair so high that they almost look like skinny jeans (Stella McCartney, Fall 2009 RTW), you are certain to stand out in the crowd.
Looking to the runways for inspiration? At Charlotte Ronson (#1) they opted for a pair of slightly-studded, leather-look boots together with leather high-waist shorts and a slinky sweater. For a similar look, try the Candela OTK Pirate Boots ($430) from Saks.com together with Bebe’s Wide Sleeve Striped Sweater ($48.99) and Obey Women’s Sheila high Waist Shorts ($39) from 80′s Purple’s. At Isabel Marant (#2) a simple white shirt dress was paired with a pair of skin-tight boots to create an oh-so-French, sleek two-tone look. The Daftbird Poplin Pocket Dress in White ($89) from Revolve Clothing paired with the Colin Stuart OTK Hidden Platform Boot ($169) from Victoria’s Secret will provide you with a comparable look.
Not surprisingly, over at Rodarte (#3) things started to become a little more, shall we say, fancy. To get an equally avant-garde look, we like the Pour La Victoire Dahlia OTK Boots ($442) from Shopbop paired with a dress like the Purple Label Women’s Monet Color Block V-Neck Dress ($64) from 80s Purple or the Erin Fetherston Twisting Tulip Dress ($1,295) from Shopbop. Over at Stella McCartney (#4) they went for classic black with slim, streamlined silhouettes. For a similar look, pair the Silence & Noise Black Long Party Blazer ($78) from Urban Outfitters with these Dolce Vita Stud OTK Boots ($355) from Bloomingdales. Or, go for the real thing and buy the Stella McCartney Pierced Leather OTK Boot ($1,595) from Bergdorf Goodman.
If you prefer to look to the stars for your style ideas, these five ladies are all rocking the thigh high trend. Byrdie Bell, who is definitely on the up-and-coming fashionista radar, wears her thigh highs like a pair of tights, pairing them with super-short shorts and a slinky tee and jacket. Want to take a stab at this look? Pair Bebe’s Perforated Bomber Jacket ($83.99 – $98) with a simple white tee and denim cut-offs and then add the Convertible OTK Boots ($188) from Free People.
Moving clockwise, we have Daisy Lowe, London It Girl and model, wearing a billowing, pleated tunic dress with her boots. If you’d prefer something not quite as sheer, you could try the Clu Black Jersey Henley Tunic Dress ($75.64) from Bluefly paired with Rampage’s Glazed Leather Oversized Clutch ($148) and finished off with the Dusk Suede OTK Boots ($180) from Topshop.
Next up is Rihanna, wearing a leather ensemble that could literally shred you to pieces. For a slightly less hazardous version of this look, try the Love Yaya Fix Skinny Pant ($136) from Shopbop or the Kate Fit Pant ($228) from Victoria’s Secret with the Dark Harts Faux Leather Hooded Moto Vest ($98) from Urban Outfitters. Nine West’s Iunia Boots ($139) will complete the look, leaving you ultra-dangerous and super-chic.
Carine Roitfeld, photographed here by the famous fashion blogger Garance Doré, wears an oversized cape coat together with a slinky, zippered pair of thigh high boots. To look like the French fashion editor herself, pair the Cape-style Jacket ($49) from Newport News with the Colin Stuart OTK Stretch Boot ($169) from Victoria’s Secret. Add a pair of leather gloves for the ultimate in Paris chic.
Lastly, Alice Dellal, another London It Girl and model with slightly more punk-esque sensibilities than Daisy, wearing a studded vest, crop top and mini skirt with her boots. If you are ready to take fashion risks like Alice, pair this Stretch Cropped Tube ($28) from Free People with a Jean Moto Vest ($99) from Bebe, and then add a pair of the Two Lips Over The Knee Boots ($160) from Victoria’s Secret to complete the look.
