Real talk: the actual start to fall this year wasn’t when the Kansas City Chiefs faced whomever in their season opener, it was that same night when Taylor Swift dominated the fashion field as a spectator, wearing thigh-high burgundy boots and denim hot pants. Simple, sexy and somehow still sophisticated, her thigh-high boots were the equivalent of fashion shots fired. The singer has gone on to wear the style again: She appeared at the MTV Video Music Awards in another pair of thigh-high boots paired with shorts and a billowy plaid train that parted to show off miles of leg covered in sleek black leather.
This fall boot trend isn’t out of nowhere: Versace, Gucci, Stella McCartney and more showed over-the-knee styles on their fall/winter 2024 runways. I’ve coveted the look since I borrowed a friend’s pair of Prada boots years ago in London, but always thought the look was out of reach of my day-to-day, in both price and wearability. However, now the boots seem to be everywhere, including high street versions being sold at affordable price points (under $200) as well as designer versions demanding indulgent splurge sums. As for wearability, I’m seeing many flat and stacked-heel versions of thigh-high boots that are actually practical—as well as still being sexy. Here are 11 pairs to channel your inner Tay Tay this autumn.