Take it up a notch

> From the catwalk to the sidewalk, thighhigh boots are back this season

GIVEN that they were all over the Autumn/ Winter 2015 shows, thigh-high boots could well become a must-have for this season after several timid revivals in recent years. We've taken a look at the finishes, colours, lengths, and combinations on offer from the big fashion houses for this winter.

While there is little chance that the thigh-high boot will surpass the iconic ankle boot, they are likely to be seen on many women this winter. A fashion classic from the end of the 1960s and the 1970s, thighskimming boots appeal because of their sensual and elegant style. It is important to be aware of when, how, and with what they should be worn, to avoid falling into the trap of vulgarity. Dior's bold over-the-knee boots The Christian Dior thigh-high boots made a big impression at the catwalk shows. In stretch vinyl, coloured or printed, the French fashion house's over-the-knee boots could not go unnoticed.

Raf Simons, who was Dior's artistic director at the time, unveiled a wide range of very elegant extremely long thigh-high boots with a transparent block heel. These skin-tight creations were combined with long coats or dresses with mid-thigh hemlines.

Dior showed us sensual and refined silhouettes without being overly sexy or vulgar. This was a success on the catwalk but could be trickier to apply in real life because of the erotic connotations of vinyl.

Classic or quirky: the thighhigh boot goes on show While Dior opted for a highly original design, other brands and designers obviously enjoyed the theme too. This could be seen at the Burberry show which had a patchwork version of the over-the-knee boot. These boots were a double hit as they reflected two of the season's musthave trends.

In a slightly more classic style, Isabel Marant showed us thigh-high boots in a less refined, military-inspired form, reminding us that they were originally worn by soldiers. But the designer did break away from the crowd by teaming them with a sailor dress.

The over-the-knee boot was the star of a number of shows, including at Pascal Millet, who created a suede version to give a skin-tight effect. This iconic boot showed a feminine and sensual side in an open, laced version at Giambattista Valli, and took a more classic form at Tsumori Chisato, combined with printed tights.

Vionnet stood out with its perfect combinations of over-the-knee boots and garment length. It opted to combine the boots with long dresses or split skirts.

Alternatives to the thigh-high boot

Some fashion houses decided that women would not dare to wear overthe-knee boots and offered a number of ingenious alternatives.

Staying with the retro theme, Anne Sofie Madsen swapped thigh-high boots for long socks worn just above the knee – a good styling compromise for those who do not want to take the thigh-high plunge. And Akris created an illusion with its boots made in the same shade as the skinny trousers they were teamed with. The elongating effect evokes the thigh-high boot.

Skin-tight thigh-high boots at Pascal Millet – Autumn/ Winter 2015 readyto-wear collection. Laced and open, ultra-feminine over-the-knee boots at Giambattista Valli.

In a more classic look, thigh-high boots were worn with tights at Tsumori Chisato. Over-the-knee boots teamed with a sailor dress at Isabel Marant.

A thigh-high boot effect (ankle boots and trousers) was seen at Akris.

Christian Dior's bold thigh-high boots – Autumn/Winter 2015 ready-to-wear collection.