I am so pleased to have received so many comments, questions, and requests for advice regarding OTK boots. I know that for many of you OTK boots are hard to pull off. Men are embarrassed to be judged and appear weird. For women, it can be hard to feel so “visible” and they might be even afraid to be seen as an object of sexual desire. In many ways stereotypes are playing a big role, and since I am not a big fan of them I decided to share how I see OTK boots and why they are a stylish and practical choice. You should know that I don’t consider myself a fashion specialist or an expert in the boot industry. My knowledge simply comes from owning several pairs and wearing them during "boot season". You can discover how many pairs I own, what brands they are, and when I wear them at the end of this post. ;) What is “OTK”
For those who don’t know, OTK is the shortcut for over-the-knee boots. The full term is also used for the 15th century riding boots for men, later adopted by women. Other terms you can find are thigh-high boots, known also as thigh-length boots or simply thigh boots, which are boots that extend above the knees to at least mid-thigh. These types of boots can be made of various materials such as leather or synthetic materials including vinyl, polyurethane, or latex, or various fabrics such as silk or polyester microfiber. Today you can find numerous types on the market such as pairs with zippers or pull-on boots. They can also be armed with any type of heel or simply be flat.
OTK boots were originally a male invention, initially for riding horses. In the late Victorian era, over-the-knee-length leather boots became a trend among London prostitutes, attracting particular sort of clients. Fascinating, isn’t it? The change from useful riding boots to objects of sexual desire. Perception of anything can change at any time.
Nevertheless, In the world of women's fashion, thigh boots run through cycles. But before OTK could even be in every women’s wardrobe, their credibility as wardrobe stapes was hurt by the movie Pretty Woman, as she was styled as a prostitute by wearing them. No matter the styling, what remains true is that OTK boots are rarely overlooked and considered by many as a symbol of women’s power and sex appeal (which in the end Julia Roberts had.) Why many people don’t want to wear OTK? For some OTK can be somewhat challenging to pull off. As leather clothes, high boots accentuate a part of women's body which some women would prefer to cover. And leather OTK boots never stay unnoticed. So you need to be prepared for people to watch you and be aware that their looks will highly depend on your style. “Style is a matter of attitude and what makes OTK look “cheap/weak/sexual” are not the boots.” Knee-high boots give an impression of strength and dominance, which not everyone can fully embrace. Don’t forget - initially, it was men who wore them, so a woman wearing boots can be perceived as having a strong personality and are often the one to take control of the situation. There is often a masculine side in the personalities of boots wearers. So clearly OTK boots are not for everyone. Or, more precisely, not for people who are not ready yet. To all the men and women who have a partner who you would like to see in OTK boots…you need to be understanding, supportive and patient. Every person has their own pace, and finding their own style might take years. But once they find it, they will bring sparkle to your life with confidence and uniqueness. Wait for it! The time to wear OTK is now! It took some time, but now not only are OTKs are a very popular fashion item, but one I would call a must-have. And from the practical side they keep you warm on chilly days. In my previous post, I mention that daring and unique style makes people more visible but also unforgettable. OTK boots will surely highlight your individuality even more. If well-styled, you can make an impact in people's lives, and it certainly doesn’t need to be sexually perceived if you don’t want to. Choosing shoes, in general, requires a lot of thinking. Especially if you are about to choose OTKs. Depending on the style (heel or flat) they can be worn during the day or for a night out. I personally have OTK boots for every occasion. I have a flat pair for daytime wear, and several with heels for nighttime or special occasions. When it is cold outside, I appreciate how they cover most of my legs and keep me warm. When I wear a pair with a heel, my legs appear longer and overall slimmer (not that I would need that though :D).
The effect of the heel is more or less the same as any other heel concerning body position and appearance. On the other hand, unlike heels and sandals, boots offer protection and send a strong message about getting more grounded. The effect boots have on me is similar to leather clothes - I feel empowered and safe. Choosing the right boots is also part of your style, and that’s true that if you choose inappropriately - it won’t have the same impact, like choosing the wrong t-shirt. The choice of boots also depends on your outfit. Usually, less is more, so if you take OTKs you don’t need anything else which stands out. The boots will do the job. Keep it cool and simple. Normally shoes are not the first thing people noticed, but your over-the-knee boots will surely attract attention. “According to fashion experts, adding a touch of class to your outfit with some nice heels can help you appear more confident. Beautiful heels can give you a sense of poise when you walk and give you an extra boost of elegance. Fashion experts say that these shoes convey confidence and are often worn by people with great taste.” So imagine what well-chosen OTK boots can do! Do you have OTK? How do you feel when wearing them? How do you style them and how do people react when they see you walking around? Leave a comment or write me a message on Instagram. Frequent Q&A How many pairs do I own?
Currently 10 pairs Why don’t you wear boots in summer?
For obvious reasons, boots are not very comfortable in hot weather. I enjoy wearing them more in autumn and winter and leave other types of shoes/heels for summer. Which style do you prefer - OTK boots, knee boots, or ankle boots?
I like them all and style them differently based on the occasion.
Brands of my boots I recommend: Casadei, Balenciaga, ALEXANDER McQUEEN, Miu Miu, Stuart Weitzman, Fernando Berlin
