Booties have been all the rage for the past several years, putting knee high boots in the back seat. As always, the fashion world gives us what we’re craving about the time we want it each and every season. And this year, knee high boots and higher have called shotgun for fall 2017!

Tall boot trends and how to wear them in fall 2017

Knee high boots: This classic, wardrobe staple has been sparse for the past few years, but it’s back for 2017. I love the look of a heeled, fitted dress boot, but if lower heels are more your speed, there are kitten heels and close to the ground block heels. All sorts of toes can be found as well from pointy to almond to round.

Choose from riding boots or dressy boots with a heel. Look for boots that stop close to your knees. While the fashion police may not give you a ticket, your tall boots from several years back that hit further down on your leg will look a bit dated.

Unless you fall into the slim calf (13 3/4″ or less) or wide calf (16″ or greater) categories, you’re not gonna get this next point, but it’s important for tall boots to fit your calves well. The good news is that you can filter your online searches (or ask a salesperson) by calf width, and the options you’ll find are far better than I’ve ever seen.

If you fall into the slim calf category, no matter how expensive the boot, it will look terrible with a big gap and can look much less sophisticated than what you’re probably intending. While tiresome, you’ll most likely have the best luck finding your perfect fit tall boots online.

Of course if you fall into the wide calf category, you’ll be miserable in a too tight boot. You may be a huge fan of booties, but like I said, your choices are better than ever, so I encourage you to start your search!

If elongating your legs and looking taller is your goal, my very best tip is to keep the contrast of your boot and hemline low. For example, black boots with dark skirts. Winter floral dresses with a dark background look spectacular with dark boots.

If you want to cut your height, by all means, feel free to have fun with all colors of boots! While perhaps not perfect for the office, I’m loving bright red boots!

Slouchy boots: In addition to traditional riding boots and dress boots, knee high slouchy boots are making a comeback. Hello, ‘80’s!

Even though I didn’t wear these in the ‘80’s, they’re still not my favorites. But that doesn’t mean they’re not for you. Pair these “baggy” boots with anything from skinny jeans to midi skirts.

Slouchy boots, since they appear a little like they’re falling down, are okay to wear a little short. Most shaft lengths (you know the part that goes on your leg) are about 15.5 inches.

Over the Knee: It feels like this boot trend is waning just a bit, yet I’m listing them, because they’re so practical and warm for Colorado.

My OTK boots hit just at the top of my knee-cap, and are cut lower in the back for comfort. While the last couple of years “style gurus” dictated a gap between the top of your boot and your skirt, longer skirts and dresses are “allowed” for fall 2017.

Thigh High Boots: Much like Over the Knee boots, thigh high boots seem to look best with skinny jeans. As a wardrobe consultant, I have a hard time condoning these boots with a micro-mini-skirt unless you’re a teenager or top model in NY.

Thigh high boots are prettiest in suede, especially in golden brown or fawn. Black seems so heavy since there’s so much boot; however, it’s really a matter of personal preference. Again like OTK boots, this style can also be worn with longer skirts, providing maximum warmth!

I’ve just begun my boot search, and have actually already bought and returned a pair trying to find a fit for my skinny calves. It’s tempting to give it up and stick with ankle boots, but tall boots are sooo practical and warm for our Colorado winters…hopefully, I can stick it out! Cross your fingers for me!

Now over to you…will you be a tall boot convert or are you sticking with your ankle boots?

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