Today in the Ask Our Stylists blog series, stylist Katy Cook weighs in on unisex fashion, specifically over-the-knee boots for men.
Fashion Dilemma: I’m a 22 yo straight boy from Italy and I really like the over-the-knee boots trend. I am into wearing some simple, flat otk boots over jeans once in a while. In my opinion these boots (e.g. the Weitzman Hilo flat ones) look really unisex and if worn simply and in a linear and casual way, they should look good even on guys. What’s your opinion? Shall I try it? Some girls have said to me “It’s really OK, it can be very chic,” but some of them say “Absolutely not.” What I don’t understand is why there is so much prejudice about this- after all, boots were first made for men and a look like what I have in mind is certainly not provocative nor offending!
Stuart Weitzman Hilo Flat Boots
Tips From Stylist Katy Cook: I think it’s fantastic that you’re embracing a trend that you love despite some mixed feedback. Since it seems like you have pretty sound fashion sense, I would encourage you to trust your instincts. If a particular trend or look calls to you, staying true to your own sense of style and trusting your intuition is the most important fashion advice I can offer. When you love what you’re wearing and feel confident, you can make almost anything look good.
That said, I think boots look phenomenal on men- there’s something very rugged and dashing about a man in boots that evokes a chivalric military vibe. The streamlined, linear manner in which you describe wearing them sounds totally legitimate and fashionable. For a more fun spring or summer look, you might consider pairing them with shorts, à la Givenchy (see below). As far as the rest of your outfit, I think you’re right to keep it simple and let the boots take center stage in your look.
As far as the prejudice about crossing gender lines when it comes to fashion, I think you may be ahead of the curve on this issue. Givenchy’s F/W 2009 collection featured men in sparkly, form-fitting over-the-knee boots and socks, lending a rebellious, progressive attitude to the collection and pushing the definition of fashion-forward even further forward. This crossover of trends is true for women as well as men; I consistently check out the men’s collections and use them to help inform my own style. In short, fashion should transcend many things- gender barriers included.
Leather Maverick Knee High Boots
Ellie Knee HIgh Boots
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My Fashion Plate Stylist Katy Cook
About the author: Katy Cook is the San Diego Fashion Examiner for Examiner.com, and a freelance stylist, editor and writer.
Kathy this was an absolutely amazing article! I have for a long time been a great fan of riding boots, but am having a tough time finding anything suitable where I live. It’s a shame that at one point in history it was common for men to wear such gear, however, alas no more. There is a wealth of boots available for women in the local shops, but nothing for men…
my complete article “flat otk boots: a modern style crusade for a trend that can be unisex” here:
http://bit.ly/aUOc94
Kathy, thanks so much for publishing my question!
Lovely idea, lovely trend. I have been wearing overknee boots in my daily life for over 10 years. All I got since then is sweet compliments. Go for it boy, enjoy your love for tall boots like I am doing all the time
Flat tall boots are definitely also for men.
Having worn over-knee boots for many years, I can add my enthusiastic support. The only comments that I hear are “Great Boots!” or “Those are great, where did you get them?” Go ahead and wear your over-knee boots, but be sure you wear the right outfit with them.