Knee-high boots are all the rage again. But why do they make my legs look so darn fat?
By Liz Jones
Last updated at 10:02 AM on 31st October 2011
On trend: Knee-high boots from Gucci autumn/winter 2011
Losing your head is all too easy when it comes to fashion. You are in a rush, you're hot, you have no clear idea what you want and are about to spend time among fashion folk in an unfamiliar city.
These are my excuses, anyway, for spending 850 I don't have on a pair of long boots I don't like.
Let me explain. I had been invited to Istanbul to see the new collection by London-based designer, Bora Aksu.
I knew this trip would involve walking and sightseeing. I normally avoid sightseeing because my shoes are too high for anything involving cobbles, churches and galleries. But I was determined to be properly shod for this assignment.
While shoe-boots have been all the rage for the past few seasons, this winter the only boots to be seen in are ones that reach to the knee.
In theory, this sounded a good idea: warm and practical, they would cover my legs and feet, so, avoiding waxing, bronzing and pedicure costs.
I set off to the new shoe galleries at Selfridges — I had in my mind chunky biker boots with a 2in heel.
First stop was Kurt Geiger, but the boots were too high or not chunky enough. Next, I went to Jimmy Choo. One pair caught my eye, but they were lined with real rabbit fur.
The next was a pair of mock-croc bikers, for 750. There was nothing in my size. I then tried Stella McCartney, wanting something not made from leather. But the boots felt really heavy, while the over-the-knee versions were too high.
The Prada boots were too saggy, but I had to laugh when the sales assistant said I could always wear thick socks.
I thought: 'I'll buy something at Heathrow.' Don't ever, ever believe you will find what you want at the airport. The pressure of the flight being called is too much, while the choice and range of sizes is always limited.
Burberry had only bags. Miu Miu was not yet open. And so my only recourse was Gucci.
'Do you have any biker boots?' I asked.
'Non.'
'OK, but I don't want boots that are too high. I want to be able to walk.'
'Non.'
WELL HEELED
These Boots Were Made For Walking was a Number One hit for Nancy Sinatra in 1966
The flight indicator board was flashing. I bought, in a rush, a pair of 850 knee-high black boots with a high chunky heel and flashy G-logo straps.
They made my knees fatter as they squashed the flesh upwards.
No matter. I bought them, almost throwing my shoes at the sales assistant because I'd decided to wear them on the flight.
Imagine my dismay at security when I was asked to remove them. 'I bought them in the airport,' I pleaded. 'Like water and sunscreen, they should be immune to the X-ray machine.'
Three people helped to pull them off, then helped me put them on again. What's worse, the boots were boiling.
Is there an alternative to knee-length boots? Mid-calf boots are everywhere this season, too, but as they expose the calves at their widest point, they work only on long, slim legs.
The mid-calf chunky bikers by Miss KG Farrell are good (Asos.com, 95). And what length of skirt works? A midi somehow makes the legs look muddled. A knee-length skirt creates a yawning gap.
The only length that works with mid-calf boots is a skirt ending mid-thigh.
Over-the-knee boots are another option. The key with these is to avoid looking like a prostitute or a character from a panto.
My advice when buying boots? On no account listen to the sales assistant.
In Dior and Jimmy Choo, I was told to fold over the top, exposing the lining. This, they said, was 'having a bit of fun'. Don't fold anything.
Don't buy black suede boots, either: these remind me too much of Cherie Blair, and black suede looks cheap.
My favourite style are biker boots: the chunky heel gives height, and they look great over jeans or with a floaty dress. But please don't wear them with tights; you have to go bare.
A more feminine alternative to biker boots are flat riding boots, which can be bought in tack shops. I also love faux suede, flat, knee-boots from Beyond Skin, made from recycled bottletops, 149.
But I have found my ultimate boots: fake sheepskin Ugg rip-offs from Primark, for the princely sum of 5.
I am toasty, have no blisters and am no longer feeling guilty after spending so much on my credit card in Gucci.
MY TOP SIX BUYS
Carvela bikers from Selfridges, 200: These are really soft, and give a bit of height
Stiletto-heeled long boots with buckle by Karen Millen, 258, Asos.com
Over-the-knee flat Cheryl boots by Asos.com, 75: Great for work, as they are smart but comfy
Motorcycle boots from Topshop, 105: Comfy and well-made, with a nice, wide calf
Black leather bikers from Debenhams, 159: Good width for the fuller figured
Mid-heel boots with round toe by Dune, 129: These work with eveningwear and eight denier black tights
You spent 850 on a pair of boots on a whim??? Your'e supposed to be broke. No-one normal pays 850 for a pair of boots.
- Sara, Farnborough, 02/11/2011 09:13
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