Nothing in this world is as certain as autumn fashion trends. While, yes, we’re sure to see a few new styles pop up during the season (this year, we’re seeing the inclusion of Denim remade on the runway), there are certainly plenty of fall fashion staples that are quite simply timeless. Some on the list: Lazy shoes, trench coatand – our personal favorite – knee-high boots (not to be confused with current trends over-the-knee boots).
The black knee-high boots were the fall outfit I still remember. What makes them stand out from knee-high or thigh-high boots is that they’re slim enough for everyday wear. They have an air of class about them without being overly dressy, but they’re also a notch above the typical black booties. While I’ve always known that these boots will definitely respawn when the leaves on the trees start to change color, I haven’t had them available to buy a pair yet. For years, I’ve (to the chagrin of my credit card) kept an eye on Manolo Blahnik Pita Rubber Suede Boots. While these shoes are beautiful, they are also far out of my price range (they cost $1,645). On top of that, it seemed impractical to get branded boots as I was planning to wear them constantly and in all kinds of weather (cold, rain and snow).
With those factors in mind, I decided to give up buying knee-high boots until I found a pair that was not only more affordable but made for everyday wear. And, all of a sudden, I found exactly that at Target. The A New Day Eve Tall Dress Boots ($40) immediately caught my attention as they have a sleek almond toe, soft suede fabric and ideal knee height like the Manolo Blahniks. But, what really stands out for me is the price. These Target shoes are 98% (!!) cheaper than designer shoes. So obviously, I bought them on the spot. Final Verdict: the designer cheats or nothing. Check out my honest review of these affordable shoes up front.
What I like about New Year’s Eve boots
Obviously, these knee-high boots are extremely affordable compared to other options – aside from the Manolo Blahniks. Other brands with similar boots (like Jeffrey Campbell, Free People, Vince Camuto, and Sam Edelman) all price their knee-high boots at around $225 to $350, jumping from $40. While the quality of suede can vary from brand to brand (from fake to real), I personally think black suede looks the same. About these A New Day shoes, this suede is not only soft but also vegan, which is a big plus for me.
In terms of style, I absolutely love the chunky block heel. It’s about 3 inches tall and super easy to get in. It also adds the perfect height without being too noticeable. Plus, these boots have memory foam linings and soft inner linings, both of which add to their comfort. By far my favorite detail is that the shoe height touches slightly below my knee cap, which means the material doesn’t rub against my knees as I walk.
Notes About High Skirt Boots On New Year’s Eve
These boots have a snug fit, which means they’re not the best to pair with thick socks. If your feet get cold easily, I recommend resizing so you can wear thick or translucent socks underneath. Also, these boots are not made of warm materials. While this makes them ideal for fall weather as they can insulate your shins without getting too warm, they probably won’t be the best winter choice if you live in a cold and snowy place. However, you can always pair them with tights, high socks or leggings for extra warmth.
Another thing I will note is that some customers note that these boots are not calf-friendly. “I ordered my regular size in [Wide Calf] and it’s a tight fit and definitely not for wide calves,” wrote one shopper. Upsizing can be helpful for thick socks but probably won’t make a difference if you have big calves. Overall, the quality seems to be excellent for the ‘suede’ option. “
Who are these New Year’s Eve boots best suited for
These boots are best suited for those who want to embrace the classic fall shoe trend without spending a fortune. They’re easy to pair with any outfit and look just as good as the designer’s picks. They are also lightweight, easy to get on, and very comfortable. Just be aware that if you have wide calves, these boots may not be right for you.
Additional details
- These boots come in three colors: black (imitation suede), brown (imitation chestnut) and Jet Black (faux leather).
- These boots have a zipper on the inside of each boot.
- To keep these boots in good shape, the brand recommends wiping them with a damp cloth.
Rating:
Image source: POPSUGAR Photography / Lauren Harano
