Everyone in Brooklyn Is Wearing This Unexpected Combo Right Now. Here’s How to Copy the Look Like a Pro

I adore people watching. As a fashion editor, it gives me such joy to see what people are wearing out and about and serves as a great reminder that the things influencers and industry insiders are obsessing over don’t always translate to the masses. And on the flip side, sometimes trends emerge that we never predicted . Which was exactly the case for me on a recent hang on the patio of a Brooklyn bar when I noticed tons of gals all wearing versions of the exact same outfit: a minidress and knee-high boots.

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I’ve been known to rock a foxy bodycon dress and heeled boots from time to time, but the 2024 version of the minidress/boots combo is definitively more relaxed than the early-aughts combo I’m used to. The dresses ranged from spaghetti-strap babydoll silhouettes to flutter-sleeve sheaths to button-front swing dresses. And the boots were equally varied, with some folks rocking grunge-inspired moto boots, some wearing sleek leather riding boots and others sporting knee-high cowboy boots . This modern variation is all about embracing the Wrong Shoe Theory and having fun piecing together items that may not feel like the obvious first choice.

While I’ll never knock the gal who really goes for it and pairs together items that really make no sense (sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t), there are a few key things to keep in mind to ensure your minidress and boots don’t end up looking like a ‘60s Mod costume. Here, three rules to inspire your next Brooklyn-approved ‘fit.

1. Balancing Vibes Is Key

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If you’re going to sport a ruffled, boho minidress, balance it out with some rugged, knee-high Chelsea boots. Or, if you’re wearing a tropical-print mini, a pair of preppy riding boots offer a fun contrast. This is where that Wrong Shoe Theory really comes into play, so be sure to play around with all different styles, colors and silhouettes to find the combo that feels most right to you.

2. Slim-Fit Boots Should Have a Heel

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Wearing a knee-high boot that hugs your calves with a floaty minidress can inadvertently create odd proportions and end up looking like you’re just wearing super-tall socks. (No offense to Rory Gilmore and the students of Chilton Academy, but that’s not really the vibe I’m going for.) But a heel, whether it’s a one-inch platform or a four-inch block, helps add some shape to your leg and break up your boot’s silhouette.

3. Party Dresses Call for Edgy Accessories

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Much like the “going out tops” of yesteryear, party dresses serve a very specific purpose in my wardrobe and really only get pulled out when I’m headed out for drinks or dancing with friends. They’re sparkly, shiny and often not bra-friendly, and while your inclination may be to go all-in with the sleek-and-sexy vibes, the better move is actually to lean into edgier accessories. Think patent-leather boots with a looser shaft and silver chain necklaces or moto boots and oversize hoops. This combination has the same party-ready effect, but is much more fashion forward (and in my opinion, more fun) for a look that will have you fielding compliments all night long.

One last tip: Wear tall socks that end just before the top of your boot. This may feel counterintuitive—won’t this cause your legs to overheat?—but the fabric actually helps create a barrier layer between the leather of your shoe and your skin, ultimately helping to prevent excess sweating and friction.

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