Cast your minds back to 2004. Tiered gypsy skirts were the bomb. Studded, low-slung waist-belts completed each and every outfit. To wear a hanky-hem top was to be chic. And boots tucked into jeans made up the casual combination to strut in around town. Wait. Hold up a sec. Is it just us or is the trouser-tucked-into-knee-boot formula starting to shuffle its way out of style Siberia? Kate Moss—the bellwether of rock-chick classicism—has never faltered in her adoration for this styling trick, but we’ve just noticed a few street-chic ladies who are choosing to use the same layering tactic this winter.
It could be down to three things. Our wardrobes have been almost overflowing with knee-high boots since the '70s touched down on the runways, and so, being the ingeniously creative types we naturally are it was only a matter of time until these pull-ons received some special treatment. Second, 2015 was a year run by the opposite: denim worn over boots. And we all know fashion loves to buck an existing trend and do a 180. Third, we are in the midst of a legging renaissance—a leg-assiance, if you will. They are beyond ripe for tucking into slim-fitting long boots and act as a timely nod to the resurgence of the 1980s as the new influencing decade.
It’s happening. So are you going to step into it? Shop from the key pieces below to make the look work in 2016…
On Chiara Ferragni: Stella McCartney sweater; Levi's jeans; Chiara Ferragni boots.
Style Notes: Who says you have to go tonal? Make like this über blogger and use your boot and jean pairing as a real statement.
On Courtney Trop: Theory sweater and cardigan; Alexa Chung x AG jeans; Chloé Leather Knee-High Boots (£740/£518).
Style Notes: A pair of tan boots look instantly retro, so feel free to add like Courtney with her vintage-style double knits, long pendant and tousled hair.
On Gigi Hadid: Karen Walker sunglasses; IRO Cliff Sweater (£270/135); Citizens of Humanity Carlie High Rise Skinnies in Black Oak (£194/£135); Stuart Weitzman Highland Boots (£650).
Style Notes: You can take your look a step further by opting in on stretch-suede over-the-knee styles to create a long-line against skinny jeans.
On Soo Joo Park: Chanel Boots.
Style Notes: This is the chameleon's approach to the comeback trend. Fling the boots on like a welcome winter-friendly afterthought to the other messages you are sending in your outfit.
On Kate Moss: Topshop jacket; Chanel bag; Christian Louboutin boots.
Style Notes: This is like Step 1 for beginners: Black jeans and black knee-highs are the most flattering way to do the trend.
On Helena Bordon: Loewe Column Ring Suede Boots (£990/£594).
Style Notes: Balance out leggings and knee-boots by a chunky knit.
Shop the best boots to do this trick with now...
Do you think you'll enjoy this comeback? Let us know in the comments box below…
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