Hold On: Every Celeb Is Wearing This Controversial Boot Trend Right Now
Knowing that every out-of-style trend will eventually make its way back again, I held on to my trusty over-the-knee boots even after the style was dubbed "out" a few years ago. I was holding out hope that a handful of celebrities would dare to wear the controversial shoe trend again one day, catalyzing its comeback. And it's a good thing I did because, just as I predicted, over-the-knee boots are heading for a comeback.
Whereas I used to go months without spotting a pair of the extra-tall boots on anyone, let alone a celebrity, I've recently been seeing them everywhere. For a pre-BAFTAs event hosted by Chanel, Emma Watson wore a pair from the almost sold-out collaboration between Jimmy Choo and Mugler. Following the award show, Pam & Tommy star Lily James was seen wearing a mint-green pair of Roberto Cavalli boots to an after-party. And that was only in the last 72 hours or so. More advocates of the trend include Irina Shayk, Kim Kardashian, and Dua Lipa.
But it's not just celebrities. During fashion month, nearly every designer included at least one pair of over-the-knee boots in their fall/winter 2022 collections, from Bottega Veneta and Max Mara to Michael Kors and Khaite. Street style stars outside of the shows also frequented the style, including Caroline Daur and Courtney Trop. Suffice to say, over-the-knee boots are back in a major way, whether you were ready for their return or not.
Prepare for their epic comeback by shopping a few of my favorite pairs below.
On Emma Watson: Nensi Dojaka dress; Jimmy Choo x Mugler 100 Two-Tone Jersey and Mesh Thigh Boots ($1950); Cartier Small Love Bracelet ($4450); Chanel bag
On Lily James: Roberto Cavalli dress and boots
On Irina Shayk: Burberry Medium TB Leather Shoulder Bag ($1750) and Quilted Jacket ($1150)
On Kim Kardashian: Balenciaga leggings, boots, coat, sunglasses, earrings, and bag
On Dua Lipa: Prada jacket, bodysuit, boots, and sunglasses; Heaven x Marc Jacobs bag; Dans Les Rues rings
Shop over-the-knee boots:
Coming up: I'm Convinced This Is the Perfect Boot Trend for 2022

Eliza Huber is currently the Associate Editorial Director at Who What Wear. She joined the company in 2021 as a fashion editor after starting her career as a writer at Refinery29, where she worked for four years. During her time at WWW, she launched Go Sports, the publication's sports vertical, and published four (and counting) quarterly issues tied to the WNBA, Formula One, and more. She also created two franchises, Let's Get a Room and Ways to Wear; profiled Dakota Fanning, Diane Kruger, Katie Holmes, Gracie Abrams, and Sabrina Carpenter for WWW's monthly cover features; and reported on new seasonal trends, up-and-coming designers, and celebrity style.