How to Wear Over-the-Knee Boots: 6 Styling Tips for OTK Boots

Over-the-knee boots, also known as OTK boots or knee-high boots, are shoes that extend over the knee. OTK boots come in many styles, including low block heel, flat, high heel, and stiletto versions. Equestrians originally wore knee-high boots to protect their legs from mud.

Fashion OTK boots have flexible fabric to fit over the knee, while knee-high equestrian boots are fitted throughout the calf and have a rigid band at the top. OTK boots are similar to thigh-high boots, but the top of the latter extends over the knee to reach the mid-thigh.

There are many ways to style over-the-knee boots to fit several occasions. Here are some styling tips to follow if you want to take on the OTK boot trend.

1. 1. Mind the season. Style over-the-knee boots with different pieces to transition into different seasons, from warm to cold weather. Skinny jeans tucked into over-the-knee boots styled with a tie-front top and a leather jacket is a classic autumn outfit. For a winter outfit idea, pair black suede OTK boots with opaque tights or leggings and a turtleneck tucked into a mini skirt. Add a fuzzy or wool beret for retro-chic flair.
   
2. 2. Style a casual outfit. You might associate these tall boots primarily with formal dressing, but they’re easy to dress down. Flat over-the-knee boots are easy to walk in and style in a casual outfit. Pull these tall boots over a pair of leggings, then tie an oversized French tucked T-shirt or long sleeve V-neck over your leggings. (An oversized sweater also works as a top for this ensemble.) Cover the look with a slouchy cable-knit cardigan or peacoat.
3. 3. Make an office-appropriate look. OTK boots give off a classy vibe that suits business casual looks. Style a calf-length sweater dress underneath an oversized blazer, then finish up the look with over-the-knee boots. For extra coverage and warmth, add a pair of tights under the dress. Alternatively, try layering your OTK boots under a maxi dress and a blazer.
4. 4. Pair with a dress. You can wear any type of dress with over-the-knee boots. With a hemline falling a few inches above the knee, a mini dress allows you to show off the whole boot. Alternatively, midi dresses (and midi skirts) cover the top of the boot while the rest of the calf remains exposed.
5. 5. Try a preppy ensemble. Add some edge to a preppy outfit combo by styling over-the-knee boots with a plaid skirt, a sweater vest, and a cardigan. Opt for gray or brown suede OTK boots (but black over-the-knee boots always work). Finish off the look with a headband and a mini backpack.
6. 6. Wear with a leather skirt for date night. A pair of flirty, stiletto-heeled OTK boots makes a great foundation to build a date night outfit around. Style a leather skirt with a lacy blouse, some OTK boots, and an unstructured blazer or biker jacket. Accessorize with big earrings and a bold lip.

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