The OTK Boot---A Sixties Rage Returns with a Vengeance

 
Barbarella 1968

 

I recently took stock of my own boot collection, one in which I've meticulously collected over the years like  pieces of fine jewelry. While reflecting on my own boot brood, the 1960's Armour Hot Dog jingle came to mind: "Big kids, little kids, kids who climb on rocks, short kids, skinny kids, even kids with chicken pox." Yes, they are like my children, each distinct, purposeful and varied. My boot portfolio can describe a veritable plethora of attitudes and can fill every boot wearing function: rain, snow, cowboy, modified cowboy, bootie, motorcycle, riding, pointy toe flat, pointy toe high, killer knee high 4' heel (the kind you need help peeling off) and even the native American fringe boot, I've still yet to wear. But I don't own this one.  I don't own an OTK boot, that is an "over the knee" boot.  So before you go "boo hoo", I am not saying I am buying the new and improved version, which by the way, Jane Fonda sported over forty years ago. I am just saying I don't own it. But if I were to purchase one, I want to share with you some of my favs.

 

Stuart Weitzman OTK Flat Boots $535

 

Juicy Couture Honey Over- The-Knee Boots $500
 
Stuart Weitzman Suede Thigh High $675 My friend, Julie owns these and finds that the suede allows her to hike up on the pole while pole dancing with more efficiency and speed. Hmmm?

 

Steve by Steve Madden "Lapeeps" Boot $349
 
Stuart Weitzman OTK $625

 
L.A. M. B. "Junee" $649

 
 
Via Spiga "Mallory" $298

Via Spiga "Leona" stretch $498

 

Now I don't propose you wear the OTK with a leotard wielding a weapon as Jane so aptly does. Rather the best way to wear it is with a short skirt (this is a young look), a short sweater dress and tights or with skinny jeans or leggings tucked neatly into the boots and a sweater that covers the bum (appropriate look for all ages). Below are a few ideas in which to wear these OTKs. 

 

The idea above is basically a uniform: any long sweater would work with an opaque pair of tights and knee high or OTK boots. I would recommend a slightly longer sweater than seen here and one with a thicker gauge as to give more coverage.  

 This is the young look I was talking about: the naughty school girl ditches her lace up oxfords for OTK boots.

I love this look, very classy, yet appropriate for every day.

 

Finally, the look here is the most typical in that we have a novelty "date night" top with the ubiquitous skinny jean tucked into a high boot.

So you may wonder if I'm going to adopt this OTK newcomer. Probably. You end up loving all your children. But for sheer economic reasons, I will keep my eye on these above and wait for them to go on sale soon.

Linleigh Richker is a wardrobe consultant based in Los Angeles. For more information visit her website, www.linleighstyle.com

 
 

Comments

[Monique]

Here's the thing about the OTK boots. You try them on in the store and they look hot. You feel fashion forward and bold. If you can carry them off, they're a confidence builder. But then you get them home in your closet, and be honest here, how often will you actually pull them out and wear them? More often than not I go to the boots that say who I really am - comfy, stylish boots that are somewhat understated and classic. For that reason, I agree with the author, buy this kind of item on sale and really don't shell out the big bucks. Shell out the big bucks for boots that you will wear until they need re-soling. I'd rather spend on boots that I will wear day in and day out.

[Mary Kate Hughes]

Do you think these boots would be appropriate for a mother of three in her mid forties? I think they are cute with tights and with skinny jeans and I'd wear the flat suede otk boots on the weekends - but I'm wondering if that look is just a bit too young. I'm always cautious of that as I am a size 2 and I can fit into a lot of stuff that is on the younger side - but in many cases its just not appropriate.

[Linleigh Richker]

Monique,
I have a client who actually went through the same thought process as you did and she called me with this same conundrum. But because she's single and dates, this boot adds that "I'm hot, it factor" that other boots can't do. I say unless you can make this your "go to" boot for dinners out on the town, wait for it to go on sale. Linleigh

[Linleigh Richker]

Hi Mary Kate,
I think you can definitely wear this boot at any age, it's how you wear it. For you, skinny jeans and a long sweater with a low slung belt would be perfect for almost any occassion. Check out Vince sweater. They have the right attitude for this outfit. Linleigh