It’s officially boot season (hurrah!). So the time has come to embrace footwear that’s as functional as it is fashion-forward—and knee-high boots are tailor-made for the task. After all, what other accessory has the power to instantly elevate an outfit while shielding us from the Autumn/Winter chill?
Take the riding boot, for instance: a countryside-chic staple whether or not you’ve ever set foot near a stable. Simply tuck in your jeans (yes, skinny styles really are making a comeback) and add a slouchy sweatshirt for the kind of off-duty look Princess Diana famously favoured. Or reach for a midi skirt for something a little smarter. Either way, you’ll land on a look that feels infinitely more polished than trainers, with the added bonus of toasty and dry calves on drizzly days.
Chloé Autumn/Winter 25
Then there’s the heeled knee-high boot, a catwalk constant and the perfect partner to hiked-up hemlines—as seen at Chloé’s Autumn/Winter 25 show. To opt for a stiletto or chunky heel is the question. Or perhaps a slouchy silhouette will catch your eye, made possible with soft, supple leather as championed at Louis Vuitton and Balmain this season?
Tod's Autumn/Winter 25
Really, there's no short supply of knee-high boots styles, and if you've already found one that works in your wardrobe, all that's left is to find a new finish. Classic black, chocolate brown, or a trending animal print, as styled at Tod’s, are all tempting.
Below, discover my edit of the chicest knee-high boots to invest in now and wear with, quite literally, everything in your wardrobe.
Shop the Best Knee-High Boots
A polished black boot brings a formal feel to any outfit—this pair will look particularly chic with jeans tucked inside.
Is it even winter yet if you don't own a pair of Toteme's croc knee-high boots? They are the go-to pair by stylish women around the world looking to invest in a style that will last for seasons to come.
A mock-croc and a kitten heel? These black knee-high boots combine two trends in one.
A classic riding boot is hard to beat for a more practical pick—consider these your go-to for wet weather.
These Valentino Garavani boots prove the quiet luxury aesthetic is still reigning supreme, with only a small logo on the heel revealing the brand.
Animal print accessories are the easiest way to liven up an outfit, and this Jimmy Choo boot will do exactly that.
&OtherStories have really upped their shoe game and this croc-print leather knee-high boots look way beyond their high street price tag.
Everyone should own a pair of snake print boots, and this Khaite pair is particularly chic. Plus, not to mention, animal print is trending.
Style these lace-up boots under skirts and dresses for a more fashion-forward look.
Classic riding boots are having a moment. They will feel far more polished than chunkier flat styles.
Burgundy is beginning to crop up everywhere, as it's certainly the shade of the season. To dip a toe into the trend, opt for a burgundy boot over classic black or brown shades.
If you're planning on wearing your new knee-high boots with a mini skirt or shorts, consider this buckled top design as a simple way to add extra interest.
Chloé put studded knee-high boots in the spotlight on it's Autumn/Winter 24 catwalk, and the trend is proving just as popular one year later.
I own two pairs of Paris Texas boots and these are at the top of my next must-buy list—they're the perfect width for people with wider calves.
Add some colour to your winter wardrobe by layering these incredible purple boots with warm winter tones such as sage green, mustard yellow and blue.
Louis Vuitton and Balmain both made a case for slouchy boots on the Autumn/Winter 25 runways, so be prepared to see a lot of soft, supple leather this season.
