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Fashion designers in cities such as Paris and Milan are opting for second-skin boots as they get higher hems for their fall 2024 collections.
Brands like Gucci, Dior, Courrèges, and Acne Studios all offer style options that feature sleek silhouettes that stretch snugly around the weather foot and ankle, similar to the sock boot trend of a few years ago. I am. The style is tall, reaching as high as, if not past, the knees. As a result, they can often be worn as tights. Missoni, Courrèges and Ferragamo have adopted this technique. Missoni's trademark print on the boots shows a unique take on other labels.
Acne Studios also added a twist. The label's second-skin boots, with toe straps and heel cutouts, seem to take inspiration from the combination of tights and heeled sandals. A version of this exists at the same runway show.
Christian Dior's interpretation of the trend falls closer to the knee but is studded with gold accessories.
Tall boots that borrow the silhouette of tights, such as sock boots, stocking boots, and second skin boots, are not new. Notably, Julia Roberts wore seductive black patent thigh-highs in 1990's Pretty Woman. Raf Simons brought this style to the fore again in 2015 during his time at Christian Dior. Since then, brands like Balenciaga, Gucci, and Yeezy have gotten into the style, and it's especially been worn by the Kardashian-Jenner family.
Last year, Louis Vuitton seemed to parody this idea, with a trompe l'oeil design that, while not tight, gave the illusion of fake legs and socks, visually offering the wearer a second skin. I proposed a style like this.
Second skin boots are perfect for monochromatic outfits. This season's Jill His Thunder perfectly complemented his quilted cape in the same shade. The silhouette allows the boots to blend into the overall look, allowing other pieces to stand out. But it can also be used to provide a pop of color as well, making it the focal point of your look.
