Between my obsession for accoutrements and current role as The Zoe Report’s Accessories Editor , I’ve tackled a fair share of wild shoe trends in my day. Be it a stacked platform, vibrant print or quirky, architectural heel, I’ve been known to give almost any shoe a chance. Almost. There was one particular piece of footwear that seemed a bit too much for me. I’m talking about this season’s most daring boot trend: The thigh high.
Photo: @dior
The trend made its most recent appearance on the Fall 2015 runways of Dior , Pucci and Burberry , to name only a few, worn by models likely over 6-feet tall. (To put things in perspective, I come in at a whopping 5’3”—on a good day.) Despite how absolutely stunning these boots look on many women, I was terrified by them. Here’s why:
1. The wrong outfit choice can take this boot from “sexy” to “skanky” in seconds. And being a girl who cares more about accessorizing than clothes, I was afraid I didn’t have the wherewithal to crack the code.
2. As I mentioned, I’m short. So short that the first time I tried on a pair of thigh-high boots they practically swallowed my leg. I’m also petite, so I have a difficult time finding a pair that isn’t baggy through the leg and foot, or that doesn’t end up being “too much look” due to a sky-high, stiletto heel (so not my style).
Just when I was about to give up, accepting the fact my boot collection would never amount to more than a sea of ankle-grazers, I learned about Stuart Weitzman’s special-order program, seemingly made for the vertically challenged. From now until the end of the month, the brand’s Thigh’s the Limit collection allows shoppers to custom build their own pair of way-over-the-knee stocking boots, choosing from a selection of 6 neutral hues, 3 widths and two style options (flat or block heel). Obviously I was intrigued, so I decided to try them out. Here’s what I discovered:
I ordered the flat version of the boots and am so glad I did. They made me feel far more confident than I did in the stiletto styles I have tried in the past. If you’re a height-obsessed girl, opt for a pair that has a block heel for a less intense outcome. I also had them made in black, because that’s the color I feel most comfortable in. The range of neutrals were also gorgeous, so if you’re game to rock the trend in an unexpected hue, I highly recommend one of those shades.
As far as the fabric is concerned, I couldn’t be happier. I can’t do anything about my stature, but these boots come rendered in super-soft suede that can be pushed down slightly (without looking baggy and scrunched up) to adjust the height. My favorite feature is the drawstring leather tie in the back. It allows you to adjust the width of the boots for a seamless, second-skin outcome. Regardless if you’re petite, curvy, short or tall, this particular style works for almost any woman.
So now that I finally found a version of the trend that fits me properly (and more importantly, one I’m confident wearing), here’s how I chose to wear them for both day and date night:
Styling my new boots with skinny jeans and a tweed jacket dressed down the sexiness, making them more daytime appropriate. And—as an added bonus—going with black denim resulted in the appearance of longer legs. Score.
For date night or GNO, I found they looked killer with a short, breezy dress (coincidentally, my wardrobe go-to). Make sure the silhouette isn’t fitted and low cut; instead opt for something long sleeved with a little volume. Your inspiration should be “modern bohemia” rather than “Vegas bachelorette party.” Trust.
If I’ve learned anything from this experience, it’s that veering from your comfort zone can be a good thing. I recommend trying thigh-high boots—or any tricky trend for that matter—as you never know what might happen. Like me, you may end up pleasantly surprised. I went from feeling intimidated and skeptical to cool and confident in what I now consider my new favorite accessory. Who knew?
