3 Creative DIY Projects With Shoes

IY projects with shoes might sound complicated, but in reality it can be quite simple. When you find the idea that seems right to do, think carefully about how to adjust it to what you need and want to achieve. To avoid the disappointment of the project gone wrong and ruined pair of shoes, you have to consider everything and plan well.

Try to imagine the final product and don’t expect your results to be exactly the same as the blog, or site you’ve found the idea on, shows. The actual beauty of DIY is that no two things need to look the same. If you add something unique to every project you work on, you will end up with unique results.

So, here are some interesting ideas you might want to try for the fall season.

Chevron Sneakers

Source via www.refinery29.com

Supplies:

• white canvas sneakers
• ruler and pencil
• stiff cardboard
• scissors
• fabric markers of various colors

How to:

Source via www.refinery29.com

1. First you have to create a zigzag pattern on the cardboard, like shark teeth, and cut it out (see picture).

2. Then remove the laces from the sneakers, so you don’t get color on them.

3. Using the template trace the pattern, starting at the toe of the sneakers. Do it all the way to the back. You can vary the spacing between the lines, however you decide.

4. Take your markers and color the rows in whichever order of colors you choose. Color the inside rim and make sure you didn’t miss any of the small spaces, for example seams.

5. The hardest part will be coloring the sneaker tongue, but since it is not as visible as the rest, it doesn’t have to be perfect.

And voila! Put the laces back in and walk away.

Colored Toe

Source via greenweddingshoes.com

When you get tired of your solid color shoes, you can easily remake them into a new pair. Try this with heels, ballet flats, or even sneakers and boots.

Supplies:

• solid color shoes (nudes or neutrals might work the best)
• spray paint in a neon shade
• masking tape
• old cloth or towels

How to:

1. First decide on how big you want the colored cap to be and mark it with tape. Roll the rest of the shoe into the old towel. You might want to tape off the sole area that’s left unprotected.

2. Then spray the shoes with 2 or 3 coats of paint. Leave every coat to dry well. Do this outside or in a well ventilated space.

3. You thought there’s more? No, no more. Wait for the paint to dry, remove the cloth and the tape, and you have a brand new pair of shoes.

Kitty Flats

Source via www.llymlrs.com

This last project is my personal favorite. Make a cat face on your shoes like on those amazing Charlotte Olympia kitty loafers. Yes, the bad news is we can’t all afford these, but the good news is they are a great inspiration.

Supplies:

• shoes (ballets or loafers are best) in a darker color, in leather or similar stronger material
• gold or silver permanent marker
• a piece of leather for the ears (optional)

*Alternatively:

• shoes (ballets or loafers) in darker color, of softer material like velvet
• gold or silver embroidery thread
• a piece of leather for the ears (optional)
• embroidery skills

How to:

1. First try a few drawings of a cat face and decide which one you like best (you can also do a mouse face, inspired by Marc Jacobs mouse flats). Draw the most prominent features: eyes, nose and mouth, whiskers and ears. From this point you have two options, depending on the chosen material of shoes and tools, and your skills.

2. Option 1, with leather and markers: trace out the cat face on the shoes with a pencil. Take the marker and go over the drawing. You can incorporate the ears into the drawing, or you can cut them out from a material similar to your shoe material and glue them to the shoes.

Or:

3. Option 2, with softer material shoes: again trace the face on the front part of the shoes with pencil. Take needle and thread and embroider along the lines. Decide whether you want the ears separately added or embroiderd, too.

And then you get to walk around with the adorable face on your feet!

Now, with these three DIY projects with shoes, your shoe collection is definitely richer, so enjoy the fall.

Menswear: It’s for Women

One

Prada has us thrilled with these bicolor, lace-up wedge loafers. Not only is the mixture of blue and brown eye-catching, but these shoes look amazingly comfortable. We would love to slip on a pair with our favorite colored cords.

Two

Say goodbye to the traditional brown and black oxfords of the past. These oxfords are bright, metallic, and fun. Can’t you picture them with a pair of black skinny jeans and a red sweater?

Three

These Prada Scrunch Loafers are classy and they look oh-so-comfortable. These loafers would look great paired with your favorite jeans and a neutral sweater.

Four

We love the fun, bright orange color flaunted by these Hadleigh’s smoking loafers. A pop of blue lines the heels, which makes these vibrant shoes even more eye-catching.

Five

Are you obsessed with boat shoes? Have you let all your dresses pile up at the back of your closet just so you can keep sporting the Sperrys day after day? These Sperry Top-Sider Seabourn Platform Wedges have all the comfort and class of a typical boat shoe, but with a heel. Bring those dresses back into rotation, ladies.

Six

Steve Madden has us love struck with this pair of Jazzy Oxfords. These shoes solve an ever-present problem. You almost always want to go out, but you don’t always want to wear heels, right? You’ll be able to jazz up an outfit without carrying your shoes by the end of the night thanks to this menswear inspired design. You won’t miss the heels, we promise.

Seven

Metallic, leather, wing tip detail, colored laces. Is there anything more you could want in a Lace-Up Oxford by Cole Haan? These stunning shoes will have you center stage in no time.

Eight

This Prada Studded Smoking Loafer has plenty of studs and style. We’d have a hard time ever taking these beauties off.

Nine

Fred Perry Garner Leather shoes never looked so good. This timeless Oxford style is classy and sophisticated. The neutral tones keep it traditional, which is a nice change of pace from other menswear inspired designs. They’d look amazing paired with a bright colored top and accessories.

Ten

Stuart Weitzman never lets us down. This high-heeled Uprise shoe features a gold metallic stripe down the heel. We love the combination of animal print and menswear inspiration. It’s an unexpected combination that has us squealing with delight.

10 Must-Have Shoes to Change Your Look

Every woman is obsessed with shoes. If you ask any girl how many shoes she owns the number is likely to be between 25 and 60, and some of them would be even ashamed to admit the real amount of shoes one could find in her closet.

Shoes are a guilty pleasure and a powerful tool to always look amazing. They can completely and radically transform an outfit and define a style and they truly make your personality shine. In fact, one could say you should never judge a book from the cover, but you will always judge a girl from her shoes!

Everyone has her own must-have shoes from which they cannot absolutely part but here are the ones that will make all the change to your everyday looks. So, tick on the list the shoes that you already have and go out to buy the ones you don’t. They will stay with you a life-time and you will not regret it!

1. Practical but glam: Pumps 

Source via missrenaissance.com

A practical pump is one of those must-have items that will stay with you from teenage years to retirement. It is so versatile that you can wear it with everything and for every occasion, from work to shopping with friends to a date night.

In order to make sure that it will be a truly timeless piece, get it in black or nude color for a chic and sophisticated look. The height of the heel has to be one that will make you feel comfortable and not shaky, but, of course, the higher the heel the more provocative and amazing you will look.

Styling tip: wear them with a lace cocktail dress to toughen up the look and make it more sensual but still elegant and sophisticated.

2. Flats

For every girl who is quite tall naturally, flats are the perfect alternative to heels. Just like pumps, they can go with absolutely everything and they are versatile enough to be worn in most occasions.

Styling tip: wear a pair of flats in a bright color or a cool design to spice up a boring outfit.

3. Knee-high Boots 

Perfect for Autumn and Winter. The perfect pair of boots are in brown or black and reach just below the knee. They can be flat or with a heel, it is not important, but make sure to get them in a great quality and structure and they will last you a lifetime.

Styling tip: wear them with leggings and an oversize sweater for a casual but cool look.

4. Booties

Source via thefashiontag.wordpress.com

A small and thick heel and a neutral color will make the perfect bootie that will accompany you during the long days of Autumn and Winter. The trick is to get them with the top part wider than your ankle, as it will create an optical illusion making your leg look slimmer and longer.

Styling tip: wear them with tights and a nice woolen dress in Winter or a pair of skinny jeans in Autumn.

5. Comfortable Sandals

How many times does it happen in Summer that you have to run around doing things under the heat or walk miles to visit a new place when you are on holiday? Comfy sandals are an absolute essential for Summer. They are easy to slip on and take off and, if you choose them in a cool model, they can complete an outfit fabulously. So, even though you might be tired and sweaty after a long walk in the heat, you will still look gorgeous and pulled together.

Styling tip: wear them in bright colors with cute sun-dresses or playsuits for a fresh and young look

6. Strappy Wedges

Wedges are fun, summery and comfortable. Perfect during the day but also for a relaxed night out. They work not only in Summer, but in Autumn and Spring too, so they will be a great investment for your closet.

Styling tip: wear them in funky colors or with crazy patterns to make a statement with your shoes.

7. Biker Boots

Another must-have shoes are the biker boots. They are quite alternative and not at all obvious in any outfit. They are not as versatile as some of the other shoes I have mentioned, but very cool and comfy. They will for sure toughen up all your looks!

Styling tip: wear them in Spring with a floral or lace dress and a leather jacket for the perfect contrast between sweet and fierce.

8. Cool Brogues

Source via streetscout.me

They are an item stolen from menswear that keeps coming back in fashion over and over again. They can be quite smart but also casual and cool shoes, but most importantly they are super comfy and can be worn during all your daytime activities.

Styling tip: wear them with a cute dress and a blazer for a sophisticated yet casual look.

9. Party Heels

Girls just wanna have fun… also when it comes to shoes! Here you are allowed to go crazy with colors, details and height! Your party heels are must-have shoes that will be able to turn you into the star of the evening and make every outfit special and fun. Your goal? To attract the attention of anyone you walk by.

Styling tip: wear them with an LBD when going out with friends. Your work outfit will immediately become a perfect party look!

10. Sneakers

They are certainly not the most desirable pair of shoes, not like the ones you have been eyeing for months in the window of that shop, but every girl should have a pair of them. They are the perfect motivation for starting to go running or to the gym in the morning before work or later in the evening. Even though you are not a sporty person you should most definitely store a pair at the back of your closet.

Styling tip: wear them ONLY at the gym or when you are doing sports. Make sure to have a good spare pair of shoes with you. Who knows who you might meet while running and, in case he asks you to go out for a drink after, you already have the right life-saving tool to amaze him in your bag!

These are some of the must-have shoes that any girl should have in her wardrobe and that will step up your everyday looks, no matter your size, age or personal style. After you have the basic, then, you can go crazy and have fun in adding up with other fun and cool shoes in different versions. My mantra simply is: a girl can never, ever have too many shoes!

What are your favorite shoes? Is there a pair of shoes that you could not absolutely part from? Are there other types of shoes that you would include in this list?

9 Shoe Styles Every Girl Needs in Her Closet

The world would be a better place if every girl was born with Imelda Marcos’ or our very own Carrie Bradshaw’s shoe closet, but in reality, that is not the case for most of us mere mortals. The good news is that unless you are a high-flying Hollywood socialite attending dos every night of the week, this packed to the brim shoe closet is not required.

We have rounded up 9 styles of classic shoes that every girl must have in her closet. These styles will save you hours of staring-into-the-shoe-closet time. Remember that a pair of well constructed, good quality shoe is better than hoarding ten cheap ones. Your shoe can add that final bit of glam to pull your look together, so keep it simple and stylish!

1. Boots

Choose a pair of well polished, low fuss medium to high length boots. Make your choice between browns or blacks according to your color preference and wardrobe versatility.

Rain, hail or snow, boots are made to sustain erratic weather conditions so it is best ditch the stilettos and settle for flatter heels. Style boots with pencil skirts, well fitted trousers or your classic pair of jeans. And no, your UGG boots don’t qualify. They are merely boot-like and very warm bathroom slippers.

2. Ballet flats

Ballet flats are like a cup of cappuccino, you can’t function without these. They are easily the most versatile style and can be worn all year round. A slight variation from the ballet flats is the loafer which is more unisex. These flat shoes are best worn with relaxed clothing like shorts, cropped pants and knee length skirts. Think clothes with a show of well moisturized legs!

3. Black pumps

If you have a little black dress, then you must have a pair of versatile black pumps. A pair of black pumps will make any girl feel sexier! It’s almost as if these shoes exude sex appeal and we say – higher the heels, better a girl feels! Wear these classy shoes to work or for a dinner date.

Look #1:

• Juicy Couture Coat – theoutnet.com
• Blythe blouse – jcrew.com
• Factory printed pencil skirt – jcrew.com
• Stuart Weitzman trooper – piperlime.gap.com
• Eddie purse – jcrew.com
• Lanvin gold metal neckpiece – ssense.com

Look #2:

• Sera top – jcrew.com
• Denim shorts – jcrew.com
• A.R. Trap Sunglasses – jcrew.com
• Kate Spade ballerinas – piperlime.gap.com

Look #3:

• Planet navy pea coat – houseoffrazer.co.uk
• Dolce and Gabbana Rose printed dress – net-a-porter.com
• Zara maxi pearl necklace – zara.com
• Kate Spade pumps – piperlime.gap.com

4. Wedges

Classified as summer essentials, wedges are an easy solution if you shudder at the thought of walking in high heels. Wedges are much stable and easier to walk in with the added height. Take your pick in summery prints or pretty bows to add a punch to your wardrobe. Pair these with maxi dresses, bohemian styles and playsuits.

5. Strappy metallic sandals

Jazz up your wardrobe with a pair of very feminine, strappy metallic sandals. The year 2013 is witnessing an explosion of metallic trends. Metallic layers in clothing are the new twist in the layering trend and shoes are not far behind.

A little diamante or a cluster of rhinestones will take your look a step ahead for those special occasions. Whatever the trends says, strappy metallic sandals are full of oomph will never go out of fashion! Wear them at your bestie’s big wedding.

6. Flat leather sandals

A more serious alternative to the super- casual flip flops, flat leather sandals are your summer staples. Light, airy and easy to wear these are a blessing for the feet and for the lazy ones. Slip on your sandals for a casual stroll in the mall or a day out sunbathing on the beach (can’t get these wet though!) A little birdy told us that embellished ones with tiny bead detailing will be flying off the shelves this season.

Look #4:

• Crosby by Derek Lam – shoplesnouvelles.com
• Moda Spana holly wedge – dsw.com
• Grace Hamilton Neogigi – boticca.com

Look #5:

• Z Spoke Zac Posen Marlene clutch – piperlime.gap.com
• Badgley Mischka Adonis II – piperlime.gap.com
• Diamond in the Ruffles Dress – modcloth.com

Look #6:

• MADEWELL Longroad Denim Vest – madewell.com
• Mango button down jumpsuit – mango.com
• B BRIAN ATWOOD Flat Sandal – jildorshoes.com
• Lucky Brand Hammered Earring – piperlime.gap.com

7. Nude peep toes

Watch heads turn in your nude peep toe shoes. The idea is to pick the right shade of nude – pick one closest to your skin color and instantly lengthen your torso. Pick your shoes wisely, show more than the first two toes and you have committed a peep toe faux pas. Peep toe shoes look best with a fresh pedicure in eye popping colors!

8. Booties

Booties are ankle length boots best suited for the transitional seasons – spring and fall. Wear your ankle booties with chic cropped trousers. Let a bit of skin peep for a sensual, mysterious appeal. Pick a pair in luxurious suede with little or no detailing.

9. Sneakers

Sneakers will never let you down. Whether it is hitting the gym or walking the dog, a girl cannot do without a pair of these bad boys. Comfort should come before the style when buying sneakers.

If you are big on running, lighter ones will help you move with ease and run faster. Look for cushioning and support in the walking ones. Punchy neon highlights will instantly attract attention.

A pair each of these nine must have shoes will arm you to strut out in style. Before you head out to redo your shoe closet, here is a fun fact – in Australia, flip-flops are called thongs! Yes you read it right. So the next time an Aussie compliments your thongs don’t look confused, they really mean the footwear and not the underwear!

Look #7:

• Helmut Lang twist back top – farfetch.com
• Geometric section collar – dorothyperkins.com
• LOVE Nude Short Lace Skirt – inlovewithfashion.com
• Nude Peep Toe Court Shoe – wallisfashion.com
• Studded chain belt – rarelondon.com

Look #8:

• Anne scallop blouse – seasonsclothing.co.uk
• Kate Spade sunglasses – piperlime.gap.com
• Baum und Pferdgarten Neta Blue Trousers – coggles.com
• Stuart Weitzman Cleanly – piperlime.gap.com

Look #9:

• Gerboise’ Down-coat – alducadaosta.com
• JCrew sweater – jcrew.com
• JCrew jenny jeans – jcrew.com
• Nike free run – nike.com

10 Most Expensive Shoes in the World

“The fact is, sometimes is hard to walk in a woman’s shoes. That’s why we need really special ones now and then to make the walk a little more fun.” – Carrie Bradshaw

For centuries women have obsessed over shoes. From a mere protective cover for the feet; the shoe has evolved into a piece of art and jewelry for some. Carrie Bradshaw from Sex and the City added to the euphoria of shoe obsession and made designers like Manolo Blahnik shine in the global arena.

There are times when celebrities and socialites have had to shell out thousands of dollars for a pair of custom designed Christian Louboutins.

Our list of top ten most expensive shoes in the world will blow your mind. Thousands of dollars will sound like petty cash at the end of this!

#10: Nike’s Socal Air Force 1 Supreme Max

The only pair of sneakers to have qualified in our top ten is Nike’s So Cal Airforce 1 Supreme Max shoes. Sitting proud on number 10, the sneakers are encrusted with 11 carats of chocolate colored diamonds. The diamonds make up the outline of the famous Nike logo.

The limited edition shoes with champagne diamonds were customized and brought to life by Laced Up owner Ernel Dawkins and C Couture boutique owner Rita Patel. These were then purchased by Outkast’s Antwan “Big Boi” Patton. The proceeds from the sale went to Big Boi’s Big Kidz Foundation.

Big Boi’s Nike shoes are worth a hefty sum of $50,000. How would you like to shoot a basket in these ones?

#9: Slippers from 18^th Century India

Slippers on number 9 have a glorious piece of history attached to them. Dating back to circa 18^th century, the diamond and ruby embedded slippers once belonged to Nizam Sikandar Jah, a Prince who once ruled a rich Princely state in India.

It is said that the first diamond mines were established in the Nizam’s state of Hyderabad which is the core reason for the Princes’ wealth. The Nizam’s slippers were designed in the traditional “mojari” style, a design that signifies curled toes and encircles the ankle by master craftsmen and shoe makers.

The slippers, designed and created some 200 years ago were a symbol of Royalty and are important because of their historical significance today. The slippers were stolen from Toronto’s Bata Museum in 2006 and recovered later.

These sparkling shoes have an estimated worth of $160,000 today.

#8: Stuart Weitzman’s “Diamond Dream” Stilettos

Shoe designer Stuart Weitzman has earned a reputation of creating unaffordable shoes. His designs come with a plethora of bling and a combination of shoes and jewelry. No wonder that six out of ten shoes featured here on our list were designed by him.

On number 8, are Stuart Weitzman’s Diamond Dream Stilettos. Adorned with over 1400 diamonds exceeding a total weight of 30 carats, these shoes were created in association with jeweler Kwiat. Set in platinum 1420 diamonds sparkled and made a debut on the feet of Anika Noni in 2007 for the Oscars Red Carpet event.

The Diamond Dream Stilettos are worth $500,000.

#7: Ruby Slippers from the “Wizard of Oz”

Treasured as a memorabilia from the famous 1939 movie, The Wizard of Oz, these Red Ruby shoes were worn by Dorothy. Dorothy had to click the heels thrice to return back to Kansas – how easy was that! Originally, there were seven of these pairs of which only five remain.

The slippers are embroidered with red sequins on organza fabric. These were later decorated with butterfly-shaped red strap leather bows, and each bow had three large, rectangular, red-glass jewels with dark red bugle beads, outlined in red glass rhinestones in silver settings.

The original ruby shoes are worth $666,000 and are on display at the Smithsonian Museum.

#6: Stuart Weitzman’s “Retro Rose” Pumps

Inspired by the fashion trends in the 1940’s, Stuart Weitzman created these I- strap Retro pumps. The classic I-strap was a rage back then. The rose adornments on the toes of the Retro Rose pumps are made up of 1800 colorless diamonds from Kwiat.

The diamond weight totals up to 100 carats. There are 400 more diamonds embedded into the shoe itself. Take a closer look at the buckle of the shoe and you will spot some. The cost of this dazzling shoe touches $1,000,000.

Diablo Cody, Oscar nominated screenwriter for “Juno” was roped in by Stuart Weitzman to walk the red carpet in the Retro Rose pumps for the Oscars. But due to a controversy between the two, Cody refused to wear the pumps calling it a “cheap publicity stunt” and showed up on the Oscars night in a pair of simple gold flats of her own.

What Cody probably didn’t know was that a number of girls would kill to strut around in those pumps.

#5: Stuart Weitzman’s “Platinum Guild” Stilettos

Imagine removable diamonds on your shoes that can double up for earrings or other jewelry. Stuart Weitzman’s Platinum Dream stilettos are just that. Made from platinum fabric, 464 pear and round shaped diamonds dress the strappy shoes. Oscar nominee Laura Harring was chosen to wear these million dollar sandals for the 2002 Academy Awards night under the watchful eyes of 3 bodyguards.

These Platinum Guild Stilettos are worth $1,090,000 today.

Stuart Weitzman is known to create ridiculously expensive shoes with flashy diamond and gemstone bling that can later be used as jewelry by the owner. Whoa!

#4: Stuart Weitzman’s Cinderella Slippers

Although not glass slippers, Stuart Weitzman’s Cinderella slippers are fit for a Princess. Beautifully created with Kwiat diamonds weighing 595 carats, these sandals are made with Italian leather with a gold sheen. The 4½ inch clear heeled stilettos were worn by singer Alison Kraus to the 2004 Oscars. The right slipper is encrusted with a rare 5 carat amaretto diamond worth more than 1 million dollars itself.

The Cinderella slippers are priced at a cool $2 million.

#3: Stuart Weitzman’s Tanzanite Heels

Stuart Weitzman’s tanzanite heels are a mix of gorgeous blue tanzanite stones and colorless diamonds on sumptuous silver Italian leather. The 285 carats of tanzanite stones along with 28 carats of diamonds embellish the sandal strap and look more like a royal bracelet than an ankle holster. The showstopper of this sandal is a gorgeous 16 carat tanzanite drop resembling a pendant on a necklace.

You will have to shell out $2 million to lay hands on this sparkling beauty.

#2: Stuart Weitzman’s “Rita Heyworth” Heels 

The second most expensive shoes in the world were created by Stuart Weitzman for actress Rita Heyworth.

Inspired by the diva’s favorite earrings, the sandals are an open toe design embellished with diamonds, sapphires and rubies. A sensational burnt sienna colored satin was chosen as the body color and a beautiful ruffle sits pretty on the toes. The gems are encrusted in ruffle.

The late actress passed this heir-loom worthy heels to her daughter Princess Yasmin Aga Khan who is the current owner. Priced at a whopping $3 million, these heels are not for sale. Singer Kathleen “Bird” York was chosen to walk the red carpet in these extravagant heels to the 2006 Oscars.

#1: The Ruby Slippers from the House of Harry Winston

Number 7 on our list is the original Ruby slipper from the movie the Wizard of Oz but in 1989, to celebrate the 50^th anniversary of the movie, House of Harry Winston, luxury jeweler and producer of Swiss timepieces produced a replica of the original 1938 slippers.

Unlike the original slippers that were embellished with sequins, the replica was encrusted with real rubies and took 2 months to complete.

Designed and fashioned by Ronald Winston, 1350 carats of rubies and 50 carats of diamonds were used in the bedazzling pair of shoes. 1350 carats of rubies equaled approximately 4600 pieces of real rubies. Only the original Dorothy, actress Judy Garland has had the honor of ever wearing the most expensive pair of shoes in the world.

Currently valued at $3 million, the red ruby slippers from the House of Winston are the most expensive shoes in the world.

If you had a chance to pick one of these top 10 most expensive shoes in the world, which one would it be? 

Fall/Winter Style Report: Over the Knee Boots

For many seasons now the ankle boot has been reigning supreme as the ultimate winter footwear choice: but now the over the knee boot is back, and it’s better than ever. We’ve placed over the knee boots and knee high boots right at the top of our most-wanted Christmas lists due to their versatility and elegance.

That’s right – no Pretty Woman-style fashion faux pas here. Hollywood, by way of Julia Roberts’ character, may have helped place black patent over the knee boots firmly in the fashion trash can, but we’re here to bring them back. Find the right height and proportion for you; stay away from overly sexy boots made of shiny material, and boots that look too much like a 90s throwback with stretchy, spandex legs and you’ll be choosing a worthwhile, hard-working investment for your wardrobe.

Over the knee boots are perfect for toughening up flirty, feminine skirts and dresses, or pairing with skinny jeans and a chunky sweater for a casual downtime weekend look. Take a look at our favorite versions, and we promise you’ll fall in love too…

# Minimalist

Source via style.com

From looking at the runway pictures it’s kind of hard to tell whether they’re boots or leggings, but we can confirm that these Phoebe Philo creations are fabulous second-skin leather over the knee boots. You might need a little help from a friend (and a liberal sprinkling of talcum powder) to squeeze these on, but once you’re there the snug fit will make them look and feel like your favorite pair of leather leggings. Wear with knee length skirts and dresses like the Céline models for a more subtle, conservative look, or flash an inch of thigh by wearing a mini skirt for a sexier take.

# Punk

Source via style.com

The punk aesthetic is one of the most popular trends to have filtered down from the Fall/Winter 2013 runways to retail and the streets, but it can be a tricky one to pull off without looking like a teenager or a groupie. This is where Chanel’s stud- and chain-embellished boots come into their own: teamed with elegant skater dresses and the fashion house’s signature bouclé tweed jackets and coats, the punkish footwear is tempered by more conservative clothing. These biker boot-over the knee hybrids will add a tough girl edge to flirty flared skirts à la Chanel, but would do wonders for dressing up a comfy jeans and sweater outfit for a lazy weekend look.

 # Cut Out

Source via style.com

For a rather more adventurous take on the over the knee boot trend, try taking a pair of cut out boots for a spin. The versions at BCBG Max Azria, Salvatore Ferragamo and 3.1 Phillip Lim were essentially shoes with a boot extension creeping up to the knees; it was at Prabal Gurung where we saw the most statement-making cut out boot. The cut outs, straps and buckles brought to mind bondage wear, or the greaves worn by Roman soldiers, for a strangely intriguing fetish-meets-military twist: choose these boots if you want to stand out from the crowd. Temper the overt sexiness of the cut out over the knee boot by pairing with a more covered-up outfit – this would be a great match for the oversized coat trend.

# Classic

Source via style.com

If you’re unsure about how a pair of over the knee boots might fit into your wardrobe, or are keen on making an investment purchase rather than buying into a particular trend, a twist on the classic riding boot might be the option for you. At 3.1 Phillip Lim and Ralph Lauren, structured knee high riding boots with a slight slouch were among the footwear highlights. Choose a well-made pair with a luxurious sheen to them – steer clear of patent – and a chunky or flat heel to keep them looking modern. They’ll be a versatile addition to your closet: pair with skinny jeans and an oversized coat to battle the elements, or a pleated mini skirt and chunky sweater for a more preppy take.