A Simple Outfit Formula With Knee-high Boots

Knee-high boots are trending this fall, while ankle and over-the-knee styles are spending a little more time in the back of the closet. If you’re shopping for a new pair of dressy boots, look for a slim style with a block or kitten heel. How do you wear them? Here’s one outfit formula that you can wear with your knee-high boots. It’s simple enough to adapt for work, weekends, or a night out.

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My Sarah Flint Knee-high Boots

My knee-high boots are Sarah Flint’s Alexandra 50. I joined the Sarah Flint Brand Ambassador Team earlier this year (which means that some of my Instagram posts were in partnership with the brand). I had no obligation to buy this pair or write this post – I just truly appreciate her aesthetic, the quality of the shoes, and the vision of her brand.

I’ve also been looking for some dressy burgundy boots to wear to our fall and holiday events. This color is from a past season but is currently available in black, espresso, or navy. Use my code to receive your discount.

I sized up from my usual size 7 to a 7.5 to allow a little more room for my almost-wide feet, but the style is considered true-to-size especially if you have narrow feet. The stretch suede fits snugly around my calves and the block heel gives me height without discomfort. If you’re looking for a pair of boots that fit like gloves, these may be your favorite pair!

P.S. You’ll find more details about Sarah Flint in my The Perfect Summer Wedge Sandals post.

The Knee-High Boot Outfit Formula I’m Using This Fall

Ready for the simple outfit formula for knee-high boots? Here it is:

Knee-high boots + Above-the-knee dress + Slightly longer outerwear.

Why does this work? It follows the rule of thirds. If you haven’t heard of the rule of thirds, imagine dividing your height into three equal sections. Horizontal lines, such as the hem of your clothes or the top of your boots should land at either the one-third or two-thirds mark. A t-shirt that is tucked into jeans, would create a one-third section on top and two-thirds on the bottom. This knee-high boots and dress outfit creates a two-thirds section on top and one-third on the bottom.

I’m wearing Eileen Fisher’s Mock Neck Tie Waist Sleeveless dress which bought during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. The mock neck gives you the illusion of length. And of course, the black color is slimming. I’m wearing an XS and am just under 5’4″. This Mock Neck Plisse dress is similar.

If you’re wearing slim, fitted boots your hem can land above your boots (like my dress) or cover your boots (like my coat). If your boots have a wider shaft, a dress or coat that covers your boots can give you the illusion of wider calves, so opt for a slightly shorter length.

Other Above-The-Knee Dresses

Here are some other dress options that would work in this outfit formula:

Looking for a printed dress for your fall photo shoot or holiday party? Take a look at this Velvet Dress.

For a casual look on a cold day, try this sweater dress with tights.

This Resume Dress ends at the knee or below depending on your height, but I had to include it because it’s such a classic piece (and has a petite option). You could also have it hemmed to work with your boots. It’s made in Italian stretch wool and is the kind of dress that you could wear to work or dress up for a holiday party.

Midi Coats

My coat is over ten years old, but now that dark brown is back in style, it feels new again! (If you need some help with adding brown to your closet take a look at my How To Wear Brown This Fall & Winter post).

If you’re looking for something new, J.Crew’s New Lady Day Coat is one of my favorite styles. I didn’t wear it here because mine is hot pink which would have clashed with the burgundy.

If you have any questions about my Sarah Flint Alexandra boots or want any other styling options, let me know in the comments below!