All products featured on Vogue are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links.
The weather in New York might still be in flip-flop territory, yet many show-goers were impatient to get a step ahead of fall’s key trends, with just as many boots as sandals lining the front row. While scrunched-up slouchy boots were present, alongside “uber-only” heels, many of the boots were refreshingly simple, if not, dare we say it, boring. It’s part of a more general move towards anti-peacocking, could-actually-wear-this-in-real-life street style that has taken hold in New York this week.
Wherever there was a short hemline it tended to be accompanied by a pair of flat knee-high boots, a classic that grounds all transitional outfits, while still looking polished. The most dominant style was arguably a very minimalist black knee-high, with a glossy finish and very little decoration. The best thing about investing in a pair of boots like this is that they will ground all of your dresses and skirts, without much styling consideration needed.
It’s an extension of the riding boot trend that brands like Toteme and Ferragamo have accelerated in recent years, with Vogue declaring last autumn a “Jilly Cooper era” thanks to the dominance of equestrian boots. This year, riding boots continue to have a street-style presence, however there are lots of sleeker iterations without the horsey buckles if you don’t want to dress like Princess Anne on the way to the stables.
We’ve also seen a number of conker and chocolate-brown boots in New York this week, typically realised in suede. Gianvito Rossi has crafted a beautiful pair, while the high street has certainly got the brown boot memo, with stand-out styles at Massimo Dutti and COS. If you are after something with a little more attitude, biker-style knee-highs with harnesses and buckles at the ankle are the way forward, and remain a street style constant for another fashion month.
Something tells us this is a trend that is only going to pick up momentum in London this weekend. Keep reading for our edit of the best flat knee-high boots for autumn and beyond.
-1381.png)
-1380.png)