Love The Look: Dresses & Knee High Boots
A match made in cold-weather dressing heaven, we can’t get enough of midi dresses and knee-high boots this season. Polished and smart with very little effort involved, here’s how we’re wearing the look, from cosy knitted dresses by day to sexy slips for evenings out.
Knitted Dresses
A prerequisite for the cooler months, a chunky knit dress is going to become one of the hardest-working pieces in your wardrobe. We love them with grungy ankle boots while you can just about still get away with bare legs, but when the temperatures start to dip or you just want to look a little more pulled together, swap for this season’s hero knee-high.
There are plenty of options on the high street, from COS’s bottle green oversized number – we love the extra long sleeves – to ARKET’s sumptuously soft grey marl turtleneck.
If you’re looking to invest and the budget can stretch further, check out Anine Bing’s mossy-hued Aurora dress – the chunky rib knit gives it a cool military vibe.
Keep it business up top and party on the feet by playing with textures. We love a simple cosy knit dress paired against textured or statement print boots.
When adding boots to the look, textures are key. We love a fussy soft knit mixed with a buttery suede boot – Isabel Marant’s Denvee cowboy-style is top of our wishlist but the high street has plenty of affordable iterations. Or, keep it business up top and party on the feet with Russell & Bromley’s fierce leopard print style.
SHOP OUR EDIT BELOW…
Retro-inspired Prints
From interiors to accessories, the 1970s are everywhere right now and this look is the perfect way to nod to the trend. Honour the iconic decade with vintage-inspired prints such as Rixo’s wavy textured Teresa dress or Sea’s ditsy autumnal midi.
For something that feels a little more subtle but still flirts with the ‘70s, check out Zara’s polka dot print high-neck dress or H&M’s chic snakeskin shirtdress – FYI it looks way more expensive than its £34.99 price tag in the flesh.
When it comes to boots, keep things tonal. Off-white or classic black boots work well with monochromatic colour palettes, while this season’s retro shades like mossy green and rusty orange execute beautifully in high-shine leather or buttery suede – just check out those Stuart Weizman boots in burnt tangerine.
SHOP THE EDIT BELOW…
Midi Skirts & Chunky Knits
This look works equally as well with midi skirts of the same hemline. Plus, playing with more layers and textures can add a luxe and curated edge to the look.
For example, take one of summer’s favourite silky slip skirts and add a chunky knit and knee-highs for a look that’s not only practical but one that errs just on the right side of sexy too.
We also love a slip skirt paired with a tougher leather-look shirt – M&S’s belted creamy version will create a flattering silhouette and can be layered over a fine knit polo neck or under an oversized blazer for added warmth.
SHOP THE EDIT BELOW…
Evening Looks
Up your cost per wear of a new pair of boots by styling them with evening looks as well. We love the juxtaposition of a dress that shows a little bit of skin – a lace slip or a thigh-skimming slit – with a more covered-up boot.
The key here is, again, getting the hemline right. Go for midi lengths and fluid shapes and the finished look will always feel polished.
The boot brand on just about every fashion insider’s lips right now is Paris Texas. We love their croc-effect milky white pair or the disco-inspired Holly’s, which are made from black suede and covered in tiny crystals – perfect with a slinky black slip dress or velvet pleated midi.
On the high street, Zara’s western-inspired tassel boots will add an element of fun to an evening look and work well tucked over jeans and paired with a chunky blazer in the day.
SHOP THE EDIT BELOW…
The products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however, The Handbook may make a small commission on some products purchased through affiliate links.
