Over-the-Knee boots with shorter dress? - YouLookFab Forum

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Over-the-Knee boots with shorter dress?

jenny1963

I'm middle-aged (54) and new to over-the-knee boots, but they appeal to me because I hate my knee and thighs. Wondering if I should buy some at NAS. Can I wear them with dresses that are a bit too short for comfort or will that just look weird or too young? For example, I bought a final sale (mistake!!) Diane VF wrap dress that's above the knee and wondering if I could wear over-the-knee boots with it. Thank you!!

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17 replies

Latest reply was from Echo

Thistle

Veteran

I, personally, feel that's a younger look.

Ymmv.

jenny1963

Hi Thistle! Thanks so for your opinion!!'

binkle

Veteran

Yeah, kind of a younger look, but, if you wear opaque tights, it could work. Or with a sweater dress.

Diana

Veteran

I think it looks good so long as the boots are flat. One thing I've noticed with this combo on myself is that you have to be careful with how the hemline of the dress interacts with the top of the boot. For example, some dresses will get stuck inside the top of the boot when you walk.

Jenni NZ

Veteran

Hi Jenny 1963, I'm Jenni 1961! I've never worn OTK boots, but wear a lot of short dresses and tunics well above the knee with ponte pants ( some with leatherette side stripes) and knee high boots. I don't feel this looks too young for 56 at all. Knees and lower thighs are covered. I happily wear them to work as a health professional. I am short 5 foot 1 or 2 so the proportions are good for my height. You should def wear the DVF wrap dress somehow!

Mainelady

Veteran

Try the DVF dress with a pair of leggings and the boots. If the dress is too short for comfort, the OTK boots may not be the answer to being able to wear the dress, but leggings or skinny pants could be a nice combo!

Scarlet

Veteran

I think it can work. You have to try it to know. I agree the flat OTKs are key. I enjoy wearing OTKs with dresses. If you can't find a combination that is working I agree that leggings or opaque tights can be a good option. Also check the seam of the dress whether there is any leeway to let it down at all.

kkards

Veteran

give it a try....post pictures if you want another eye on it.
but i'm generally of the feeling that if you think the dress/skirt is to short, boots aren't going to make you like the lenght any better, but YMMV.
but agreeing with Mainelady and Scarlet to give leggings or denim a try....
these posts may help
https://youlookfab.com/2017/05.....nts-jeans/
https://youlookfab.com/2017/05.....nts-jeans/
http://www.economyofstyle.net/.....dress.html

Anonymous

It would seem that OTK boots with a short dress would draw the eye right to your thighs. Adding leggings or skinnies would help that problem.

jenny1963

Thanks everyone!! The dress i was thinking about is actually not that short, it's just above the knee and not shorter than that. I definitely not feel comfy showing my thighs thee days. I'm actually not even sure that the dress is flattering on me, so I'm not going to sweat it.

Column

Veteran

I agree that OTK boots all have to do with styling. For example, I think Greetje at No Fear of Fashion who has appeared on this forum occasionally could wear OTK slim fits with heels bc of her great legs. I will be experimenting with chunky low heels this fall with slim ponte pants, leggings, and dresses of all lengths. I might also try denim--I mean, who knows?

DonnaF

Veteran

You won't know until you try, and Nordstrom doesn't have a deadline by which you have to return stuff so you can test the OTKs against your entire wardrobe! I am assuming they are flat or near flat? Spindly heels on OTK boots are a very young look. I think the general (conventional) rule is: The shorter the hem the lower the heel; higher heels will just make it look shorter.

Are you quite tall? I don't think of DVF dresses as particularly short, so maybe you are needlessly self-conscious?

Momo

Veteran

I got a pair of OTK boots last year and I love them, I was a bit nervous at first thinking they were too young but it is all in the styling. I
Mine are flat and dark blue. I wear them with dresses and with leggings and long tops .

jenny1963

I am very self-conscious in general. the DVF dresses I like best are to the knee but this one is above the knee, but only just.
I am 5'7" and a slender rectangle. I REALLY appreciate the input on flat OTK boot vs heeled!!

Jenava

(website)

Veteran

Because of where they end on the legline, OTK boots tend to emphasize the thigh by drawing the eye there. I think wearing a skinny fit legging or pant in the same color as the boot is your best bet for this look. The ratio between my calves and thighs is much larger than average, so I've never been able to truly fit these boots, although I did sport a lace up pair a while back. I found them fussy to style so they didn't get much wear.

Anonymous

Jenny,
I think OTK flats are perfectly fine.
Jenava,
Can you explain the "ratio of calves to thighs" comment? Were the OTKs too short? Too long?

Echo

Veteran

I'm generally not a fan of dresses with OTK boots, especially without tights, but that's a personal preference. However, flat OTK boots can look great with leggings and tunics or skinny jeans or all sorts of other outfits. So I'm not sure the boots will solve the dress issue, though leggings might, and the boots can be worn many other different ways.