While flip-flops dominated summer and blinged-up ballet flats shot to fame in spring, knee-high boots are set to take centre stage this season. And, they’re proving even more popular thanks to a huge push from the runway.

Chloé’s boho-focused show sent studded suede over-the-knee styles sauntering down the catwalk with loose-fitting dresses tucked into the opening; Gucci kept to colour-blocking shades, coordinating boots with shorts and coats; and Fendi layered chunky black boots over boldly coloured tights, amplifying the shoe even further.

These three strikingly different styles prove there’s no fixed way to wear the shoe, which only adds to its appeal (to say nothing of the fact that it helps to keep us warm no matter what we’re wearing). Plus, with different fabrics, heel heights and colours to choose from, there’s a knee-high boot to suit every style and outfit.

If you need a little more inspiration for how to wear yours, we’ve rounded up five chic looks below, many of which can be pulled together with pieces you already own. Take this as your autumn wardrobe lookbook straight from the street style of the most recent fashion weeks.

A good percentage of knee-high boots are crafted from leather or leather-like fabrics, so it can be tempting to pair them with other textures, such as denim, chiffon, cotton, etc. However, as we approach autumn and winter, leather is proving to be incredibly popular and it can make a striking outfit when layered altogether. A leather skirt, suede jacket and cosy cardigan, for example, could add a tougher edge to any look. 

Jorts (AKA jean shorts) were one of our favourite things to wear this summer, with Stylist’s fashion director, Lucy Reber, marking them as a must-have for warmer weather. If you invested in some this season or had a pair lying around from years gone by, the good news is that you don’t have to pack them away just yet. With the addition of a chic knee-high boot, the long denim short can stay in your autumn (and even winter) wardrobe without risk of giving you frostbite. 

If knee-high boots were designed for just one wardrobe essential, it would undoubtedly be a midi dress. Elevating the mid-calf frock further that a trusty trainer or a ballet flat, they cover the lower part of the leg to make the look appear chic and seamless. Plus, they help to keep you warm once the cooler weather comes around. As a top tip, be sure to pay attention to colour as some midi dresses will work much better with black knee-high boots than brown (and vice versa). 

When it comes to office dressing, even those of us who find outfit building second nature are often stumped. So, we had to offer an office-friendly knee-high-boot look as some form of inspiration. Adding extra warmth to a chic co-ord or suave suit, they’ll easily slot into your workwear wardrobe, matching especially well with a wide-leg trouser. To make it appear even sharper, we’d suggest styling with like-shades: a black suit with a black boot, for example. 

Jeans lovers, rejoice: your favourite wardrobe find will work just as well with this flush footwear. To keep the boots the star of the show, simply tuck your jeans inside, whether bootleg, straight or mum style, for a cool casual finish. So long as the calf width is wide enough to fit the amount of fabric inside, you’ll be golden. 

Images: Getty; Lauren Cunningham