Boots: A Fashion Deep Dive

Because history nerds are cute, and fashion history is fascinating.

A deep dive into the fashion history of boots—specifically, knee-high boots worn by women. I have always loved boots, and lately, I’ve committed to another pair to add to my ever-growing wardrobe—along with this pair from my Christmas haul. I adore them.

During uni, one of my all-time favourite classes was fashion history. It blew my mind that behind every “trend,” there was a cultural or political thing going on. Like, how the length of skirts has historically reflected economic trends. Longer skirts? Probably a recession. Shorter skirts? Apparently prosperity. Lately, I’ve seen fashion TikTokers tie our current skirt split (minis and midis coexisting??) to the cost of living crisis—and I love that. But honestly, that theory breaks my brain a bit. Like... are we in a recession or not? Idk. I studied fashion, not economics. I'll leave that analysis to the commerce girlies.

But BOOTS—boots, I know. (As Carrie Bradshaw would say.)

Boots go way back. Like ancient-Rome-back. (They are literally my Roman Empire—sorry, cringe.) Earliest references are from prehistoric times—Spanish cave paintings show men and women in fur or leather boots somewhere around 12,000–15,000 BCE. That’s pre-Instagram, pre-Paris Fashion Week, pre-everything—and still they knew a solid boot was essential.

In ancient Rome, women would wrap their feet in fabric and use leather straps climbing up the calf to create a sort of proto-boot. Not only functional, but also—eventually—aesthetic. These wraps protected against weather, terrain, and whatever ancient chaos was going on (probably similar energy to a 9am tram delay when you forgot your keep cup).

Fast forward to the 1800s, knee-high boots crept into women’s wardrobes during the rise of equestrian culture. Riding became not just a pastime for wealthy women, but also a space where fashion and function blended. The boots were usually lace-up or button-up, often made of leather, and frequently decorated with ornate stitching. They were beautiful and practical—chef’s kiss.

Now, the 20th century—that’s where it really gets juicy.

1960s: Mod, Mini, and Maximum Style

By the '60s, boots were no longer just for horse riding or hiking. They became a fashion statement. The mini skirt entered the scene (thank you, Mary Quant), and with it, the go-go boot was born. Knee-high, white, shiny, and usually paired with a mod shift dress—this look was futuristic, rebellious, and unapologetically feminine.

It was the perfect storm: youth-driven rebellion, sexual liberation, and space-age optimism. These boots said, “I’m here, I’m powerful, and I don’t care if my boots match my handbag.”

As a Sydney fashion blogger, I always come back to this era when styling boots for photoshoots or content. There's something so clean and confident about that silhouette. Modern minimalists owe a lot to the girls who strutted down Carnaby Street in vinyl boots and twiggy eyeliner.

1970s: The Boho Shift

Next stop: the ‘70s. Fashion swung the other way—goodbye mod, hello boho. Boots got slouchier, suede became the fabric of choice, and earthy tones reigned. Think: Stevie Nicks twirling in a cape with knee-high boots over bell bottoms.

This era really embraced individual expression. The boots became a vehicle (literally and figuratively) for music festivals, protests, late-night gigs, and lazy Sunday brunches. And in 2025, we’re seeing echoes of this vibe everywhere—from fashion girls in brown suede bags and cowboy boots to curated Sydney vintage stores that stock rows of gently worn flares and knee-highs.

1980s: Power Dressing, Power Boots

You know what happened next: shoulder pads, bold silhouettes, high gloss everything. In the '80s, boots were slick, structured, and meant business. Leather was sharper, toes were pointed, and heels were high.

Designers like Vivienne Westwood, played with femininity and dominance—and boots were part of that narrative. Whether you were a boss, a rock star, or a rebellious teenager, there was a knee-high boot for you.

1990s–2000s: The Cool-Girl Code

Then came the '90s, a little more stripped back. Knee-high boots became sleeker, often black leather or faux, with lower heels and cleaner lines. Paired with a mini skirt and baby tee? Iconic.

In the early 2000s, Sex and the City basically had an entire subplot for Carrie’s boots. And yes, the “chaotic but chic” energy of knee-high boots with low-rise jeans is officially back in 2025—whether we asked for it or not.

2010s–2020s: Instagram & Identity

From 2010 onwards, fashion became about the edit. Personal style turned into a highlight reel, curated online. Boots—especially knee-highs—morphed to match different personas. Think: clean white leather boots for the Scandi girl aesthetic, chunky military-inspired boots for your edgy cousin who studied photography in Berlin, and block-heeled suede styles for your friend who’s basically a Pinterest board.

The rise of the online fashion community changed everything. Suddenly, we weren’t waiting for Vogue or department stores to dictate trends—we were watching reels and swipe-up stories.

As a Sydney amateur stylist and part of the online fashion community, I’ve noticed how boots are no longer seasonal—they’re personality markers. A sleek knee-high boot with a tailored coat says something very different than a western-inspired suede pair with a prairie dress. And both are totally in.

2025 and Beyond: Style as Self-Expression

In 2025, knee-high boots are still thriving—and more versatile than ever. Designers are leaning into repurposing vintage styles, and exploring styles to be worn year-round. Whether you’re dressing up for brunch in Paddington, heading to a gallery in Chippendale, or scrolling your fave Sydney fashion IG for inspo, knee-high boots remain a go-to.

Fashion has come full circle. From Roman foot wraps to mod vinyl, to 2025’s minimalist-luxury-meets-sustainability chic, boots have been a vehicle for identity, power, rebellion, and fun.

My current top pick, and by far most worn:

ROC Boots, Troupe in black | 1980s meets 2020s festival

Also, currently on the hunt for a sexy cherry red, or black pair of pointed toe, knee-high heeled boots. If you, your friend, your dog, knows of the perfect pair - please..

So, yes, I will keep buying boots. I will keep wearing them in rain, shine, questionable humidity, and cold coffee runs.

See ya next week divas.

with love,

xx