Over-the-knee boots are back in this season (as long as you know the dos and don'ts)

Forget everything you thought you knew about these leggy boots, there’s a way to wear them this season, writes Emma Akbareian

Model wears coat £54.99; skirt £19.99; jumper £19.99; pink bag £19.99; cream bag £29.99; boots £49.99; all newlook.com

Over-the-knee boots have not enjoyed the best of reputations. This isn’t entirely undeserved given the cultural references that are associated with ‘thigh skimmers’ as they are colloquially known. Think Julia Roberts’ street corner chic in Pretty Woman, or any period-inspired fancy dress costume, from pirate to principal boy to Puss In Boots.

But for autumn/winter, designers as varied as Emilio Pucci and Chanel presented their own takes. At Balmain, they were styled under metallic party dresses, while Alexander Wang’s came in two-tone leather, jutting higher at the front and vaguely reminiscent of shin-guards.

It’s not surprising that as a trend, over-the-knee boots are oft approached with trepidation. There are several rules to bear in mind to get this look right. Foremost, never purchase a patent pair - the aforementioned Julia Roberts vehicle rules those out. Preferable materials are matte leather and suede in neutral shades of black, grey, brown or forest green.

The second is to avoid any styles that end in a stiletto, for the same reason – instead, opt for boots that are either flat or have a block heel. The third and final rule addresses what to wear with the boots; proportion is the key. A skimpy lower half should be balanced out with oversized layering on the top half. Thigh skimmers work well over skinny jeans. If you opt for a skirt, only bare legs if the hem reveals a sliver of skin. Anything more than an inch and opaque black tights are vital.