According to Celebs, Thigh-High Boots Are the It Shoes of 2023—Here's Proof

over-the-knee-boot-trend-celebrities-304544-1671132227935-main

(Image credit: Backgrid; @dualipa)

Leave it to celebs to be fashion's earliest adopters. Sure, we may still only be at the crack of 2023 but our favorite A-listers are already testing out one of next season's most notable emerging trends: over-the-knee boots. Now, knee boots have reigned supreme for several seasons but based on our evidence, spring 2023 is when our staple boots will start creeping ever higher over the knee. 

They've been making a big impact on recent runways, too, cameoing at Diesel, Fendi, Jil Sander, and Bottega Veneta, just to name a few and while our initial reaction was one of hesitation since OTK boots are notoriously tricky to style, we're positive that they'll become the biggest boot trend of spring 2023 after seeing how celebs are wearing them.

From Rihanna to Emily Ratajkowski and Dua Lipa to Margot Robbie, the sheer number of celebrity outfits we've spotted with over-the-knee boots have us questioning whether they'll replace our knee boots for good. All the proof your need is up ahead.

over-the-knee-boot-trend-celebrities-304544-1671654466952-image

(Image credit: Backgrid)

On Rihanna: Dion Lee dress and jacket; Balenciaga boots

No stranger to a controversial trend (see here and here), naturally Rihanna was one of the first to test-drive the thigh-high silhouette with a snug patent leather pair.

over-the-knee-boot-trend-celebrities-304544-1671654536032-image

(Image credit: Backgrid)

On Emily Ratajkowski: With Jéan Midnight Dress ($150); Sonora Hermosa Suede Over the Knee Boots ($944); Balenciaga Lindsay Bag ($2050)

EmRata let her Western waders take center stage when she styled them with a black minidress and minimal accessories.

over-the-knee-boot-trend-celebrities-304544-1671654568569-image

(Image credit: Backgrid)

On Margot Robbie: Bottega Veneta Cotton Striped Shirt ($1700), Canalazzo Over-the-Knee Boots ($3000), and Brick Cassette Shoulder Bag ($3300)

Effortless and cool are exactly how I'd describe Margot Robbie's take on the look. Somehow a poplin shirtdress strikes the right balance with the boots' sultrier feel.

over-the-knee-boot-trend-celebrities-304544-1671654569092-image

(Image credit: @rosiehw)

On Rosie Huntington-Whiteley: Bottega Veneta trench, tank, skirt, Woven Over the Knee Boots ($9500), and earrings

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley married her Bottega Veneta pair to a denim skirt and trench coat for a daytime—and dare I say wearable—approach.

over-the-knee-boot-trend-celebrities-304544-1672862397009-image

(Image credit: Getty Images)

On Victoria Beckham: Victoria Beckham dress, bag, and sunglasses; Balenciaga boots

Tight and tall boots look especially good underneath a flowier midi dress, as exhibited by Victoria Beckham.

over-the-knee-boot-trend-celebrities-304544-1671654569611-image

(Image credit: @dualipa)

On Dua Lipa: Bottega Veneta shirt, Woven Over the Knee Boots ($9500), bag, and earrings

Dua Lipa clearly got the Bottega Veneta memo, too, and the singer is making a strong case for over-the-knee boots with a minidress.

over-the-knee-boot-trend-celebrities-304544-1671655028665-image

(Image credit: @chrissyteigen)

On Chrissy Teigen: Gianvito Rossi boots

To balance out her tall sock boots, Chrissy Teigen opted for an oversize sweater on top, and it's a casual winter outfit worth re-creating.

over-the-knee-boot-trend-celebrities-304544-1671654787415-image

(Image credit: @hoskelsa)

On Elsa Hosk: Isabel Marant sweater, boots, and bag

Celebs clearly agree that big knits are the move when it comes to these thigh-high boots, Elsa Hosk being the latest to put a spin on the combo.

Next: Kendall Jenner, Zoë Kravitz, and Ashley Olsen Already Love This 2023 Trend

Senior Editor

Anna is an NYC-based senior fashion editor who has been a member of the Who What Wear team for over seven years, having begun her career in L.A. at brands like Michael Kors and A.L.C. As an editor, she has earned a reputation for her coverage of breaking trends, emerging brands, luxury shopping curations, fashion features, and more. Anna has penned a number Who What Wear cover interviews, including Megan Fox, Julia Garner, and Lilly Collins. She also leads the site’s emerging travel vertical that highlights all things travel and lifestyle through a fashion-person lens.