Over-the-Knee Boots Can Be Stylish Rather than Slutty. Proof Positive: They Were Spotted on the Chado Ralph Rucci Runway of All Places. FASHIONTRIBES FASHION BLOG

(Chado Ralph Rucci - Fall 2006)

As one of the standard-bearers of elegance & refinement in fashion, it's fun to see a designer like Chado Ralph Rucci incorporate edgier items into his show. The clever fashionista that he is, he took over-the-knee boots - which conjured up visions of Julia Roberts as a streetwalking hooker in Pretty Woman for Shoewawa -  along with fingerless gaunlet gloves and made them Park Avenue ready!

The main reason the boots say "fashion" rather than "stripper" is because the rest of the ensemble is so toned down & proper. The flash of leather at the wrist adds a touch of visual interest, breaking up the solidity of so much black on black.  And instead of a plain wool car coat and skirt, go for a mix of textures: try pairing a sheared faux fur with a mini or pencil skirt made from suede or ultrasuede (the latter is budget-friendly because you can forgo the dry cleaner bill$ & simply toss in the washing machine).  If it's too cold out for even a sliver of bare leg above the boot, opt for opaque tights in a nude hue.

Less-than-ladylike boots get upscale on the Chado Ralph Rucci runway, so steal the look for pennies on the Park Avenue dollar:

Super sexy! VictoriasSecret.com

Stuart Weitzman - Zappos.com

A flat version from Pleaser - Amazon.com

Faux Persian lamb stroller - FabulousFurs.com

Mock turtleneck - Amazon.com

  Black suede mini - Nancys Gowns & Gifts

  La Crasia fingerless "Sleeve" gloves (available in black)  - WeGloveYou.com (a longer, more winter-friendly version with cashmere "fingers" is available at CarolinaAmato.com)

Affordable black pashmina ($10) - PeachCouture.com

Nerd-chic frames by Bebe - FramesDirect.com

- Lesley Scott

(photo: Style.com)

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