Fact Check: Are knee-high boots in?

Are Knee-High Boots In?

The claim that "knee-high boots are in" reflects a growing trend in the fashion industry, particularly for the year 2023. Various fashion publications and industry insiders have noted a resurgence in popularity for this style of boot, suggesting that they are becoming a staple in contemporary wardrobes. However, the extent and nature of this trend warrant a closer examination.

What We Know

1. Fashion Industry Insights: According to a report by Who What Wear, industry buyers, including MyTheresa's Tiffany Hsu, have identified knee-high and mid-calf boots as significant trends for 2023, particularly in styles paired with midi skirts and bold colors 1.

2. Fashion Week Observations: Grazia noted that knee-high boots were prominently featured during New York Fashion Week, indicating their acceptance and popularity among fashion influencers and designers 2.

3. Styling Trends: An article from Footonboot describes knee-high boots as blending vintage and modern aesthetics, emphasizing their versatility with various outfits, such as long denim or knee-length skirts 3.

4. Diverse Styles: The Who What Wear article also highlights various styles of knee-high boots, including sock boots and Western-inspired designs, suggesting a broadening of the trend beyond traditional forms 4.

5. Consumer Preferences: A report from Refinery29 discusses the wide range of knee-high boot styles available in the market, from slouchy suede to combat styles, indicating a diverse consumer interest 10.

6. Nostalgic Elements: Grazia Daily points out that current knee-high boot outfits evoke a sense of nostalgia, particularly referencing early 2000s fashion trends, which may appeal to a demographic that values retro styles 7.

Analysis

The claim that knee-high boots are "in" is supported by multiple sources, primarily from fashion-focused outlets. However, the reliability of these sources varies:

• Credibility of Sources: Publications like Who What Wear and Grazia are well-established in the fashion industry and often provide insights based on interviews with industry professionals. However, they may also have a vested interest in promoting certain trends to drive sales, which could introduce bias into their reporting.

• Methodology: The evidence presented primarily relies on anecdotal observations from fashion weeks and buyer insights rather than comprehensive market analysis. While these insights are valuable, they do not provide a complete picture of consumer behavior or sales data, which would be necessary to substantiate the claim fully.

• Potential Conflicts of Interest: Many of the sources cited are fashion retailers or publications that may benefit from promoting certain styles. For instance, Refinery29 and Grazia often feature products that they may be affiliated with, raising questions about their objectivity in reporting on trends.

• Contradicting Views: While the majority of sources indicate a positive trend for knee-high boots, it would be beneficial to examine consumer feedback and sales data to assess whether this trend is genuinely resonating with a broader audience or is limited to fashion insiders.

What Additional Information Would Be Helpful

To gain a more comprehensive understanding of the knee-high boot trend, additional data would be useful, including:

• Sales Data: Quantitative sales figures from retailers would provide a clearer indication of consumer demand for knee-high boots.

• Consumer Surveys: Insights from a broader demographic through surveys could reveal whether the trend is widely accepted or limited to specific fashion circles.

• Comparative Analysis: A comparison of knee-high boot popularity against other boot styles, such as ankle boots, would help contextualize their current standing in the market.

Conclusion

Verdict: True

The evidence suggests that knee-high boots are indeed trending in 2023, as indicated by multiple fashion publications and industry insiders. Reports from sources like Who What Wear and Grazia highlight their prominence at fashion events and their growing popularity among consumers, particularly in versatile styles that blend vintage and modern aesthetics.

However, it is essential to recognize that the evidence primarily relies on qualitative insights rather than quantitative data, such as sales figures or broader consumer surveys. This reliance on anecdotal observations means that while the trend appears strong within fashion circles, its acceptance among the general public may vary.

Readers should remain aware of the potential biases in fashion reporting and consider the context of these trends. As always, it is advisable to critically evaluate information and seek out diverse perspectives before forming conclusions about fashion trends.

Sources

1. Who What Wear. "Knee-High Boots May Be the Biggest Boot Trend of 2023." Link
2. Grazia. "Our Favourite Knee High Boot Outfits Right Now." Link
3. Footonboot. "Knee High Boots: Are They in Style? Explore Trends, Outfit Ideas, and ..." Link
4. Who What Wear. "6 Major Boot Trends to Know This Winter Season." Link
5. Who What Wear. "8 Fresh Boot Trends That Are Taking Over Autumn 2023." Link
6. InStyle. "The Best Knee-High Boots of 2025, Tested and ..." Link
7. Grazia Daily. "Our Favourite Knee High Boot Outfits Right Now." Link
8. Femestella. "Knee-High Boots: How to Pull Off The Biggest Winter 22/23 Boot Trend." Link
9. Travel Pander. "Knee Boots: Are They Still in Style? Latest Trends, Styling ..." Link
10. Refinery29. "Best Knee High Boots Trends 2023 & How To Style Them." Link