If there was one trend to come from the AW 2014 catwalks, it was the phenomenon that is the knee high boot. They are everywhere, from Gucci, where they were teamed with tiny 1960s flippy skirts, to Prada, where patent pairs were worn under printed pussy bow dresses. Fact is, you need a pair, like now.
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Problem is, knee highs can be expensive. Ankle boots are bad enough, but add in all that extra length of leather and you're on the hook for at least £80. This is where your mum's enthusiasm for keeping you warm and well-kitted out comes in. While you might have visions of pairing your new boots with short hemlines and skin-tight jeans, play to your strengths here: comfortable, hardwearing, never go out of style are all keywords to throw about.
Check out our gallery of the knee highs you're going to love, with tips on charming your mum into footing the bill.
Boots
1 of 9A Chunky Heel
Mums and knee high boots with spindly heels just don't mix. Scenes of you breaking your drunk neck on ice immediately freak them out. But this pair has a solid, stacked heel with cushioned insoles - they're like the Volvo of winter boots. Pair them with a leather pencil skirt for the office, and a short 1960s-esque skirt for weekend funsies.
Boots, £145, & Other Stories
2 of 9The On Trend Wellie Boot
Possibly the chicest pair of wellies posing as knee highs we've ever seen. Your mum will go for the cushiony padding and puddle-proof appeal, but we love them paired with a parka and a chunky knit for wet weekends.
Boots, £145, L.K. Bennett
3 of 9The Grown Up Grey Pair
There's something about grey that seduces mums. We don't know if it's because it reminds them of our old school uniform, but we're willing to run with it. These riding boots will look great over grey skinny jeans or a pair of cranberry tights.
Boots, £100, River Island
4 of 9The Navy Pair
These navy knee highs have sports-luxey panels that run across the heel and up the back of your leg, which we reckon are pretty sexy. Your mum, however, needn't notice those - point out the pretty almond shaped toes and heels under 5cm.
Boots, £120, Aldo
5 of 9The Sensible Brown Flat Pair
It shouldn't be hard to convince your mum that a flat, brown pair of knee highs has to be in your wardrobe, but mention the elastic side panel which ensures good comfort and fit on these Kurt Geiger beauties. We love the wrap around ankle straps, which makes them edgy enough for a date outfit.
Boots, £295, Kurt Geiger
6 of 9The Easy Persuasion
These cool quilted leather boots are from Marks & Spencer - do you even need to persuade your mum? She will be all over the idea of supporting insoles and half sizes.
Boots, £129, Marks & Spencer
7 of 9Hardwearing Mock Croc
These super duper on trend boots are part of H&M's premium collection. Translate to your mum: they won't fall apart, in fact they will last forever and ever. And ever.
Boots, £129.99, H&M
8 of 9The Wear With Everything Pair
Ok now these might not be an easy spin to your mum, she's going to panic at the mere sight of suede, but we would argue that they're TAN suede. Meaning you can wear them in both winter and summer, they will go with everything, and you absolutely promise to use that can of suede protector that she bought you for the last pair that you trashed. After you've found it/replaced it.
Boots, £79.99, Zara
9 of 9A Teensy Bit Higher Up Your Leg
These Steve Madden boots rise slightly higher than the average knee high (cue mum's terror face at the idea of thigh highs) but you can persuade her with the sensible flat sole, long lasting leather and the kooky contrast zip might distract her from the length.
Boots, £135, Steve Madden
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This article originally appeared on The Debrief.