Today’s slouch boots have grown up a little and there are a lot of sophisticated and gorgeous styles to buy.  If you want an authentic 80s look then you can even buy vintage slouch boots but I prefer something that hasn’t been sitting in the bottom of someone else’s wardrobe for the past 25 years!

The idea of slouch boots is that they do just that…slouch.  There are many different degrees of slouchy-ness from the rock chick style thigh-high suede slouch boots that slide down to half-way down the calves, to the just slightly slouchy leather boots that are a pleasure to pull on over your jeans.

Many of the celebrities who are photographed on a daily basis now wearing their new designer slouch boots, were not even born when everyone was wearing them in the 80s.

The slouch boots worn in the 1980s tended to be shorter, around mid calf length and often had very pointed toes and little kitten heels, pixie boot style.  A search through the auctions for vintage slouch boots on eBay will not produce many above the knee or longer boots. Now designers are taking the slouch to extreme lengths, with a huge variety of styles, colors and shapes.  The multi-buckled and strapped slouch boots popular today are more reminiscent of the punk era of the late 70s early 80s.

There does not seem to have been the same resurgence of men’s slouch boots which were worn by some new romantics bands in the 80s, with baggy harem style pants tucked in and flowing lacy shirts.  There are few men now who would be happy to dress like that, unless it was for a costume party.

Some designers do not call their new designs slouch boots even though that is undoubtedly what they are.  Take Kurt Geiger.  His Valentina boot definitely looks like a slouch to me and his black velvet knee highs with tassel, look as if they would slouch when worn even if they don’t in the photos.  In fact, there could be even more slouch boots around today than we think!

If your budget won’t stretch as far as a new pair of designer slouch boots, why not try faking it?  Put on a favorite pair of shoes and a matching pair of leg warmers, slouch them down a bit then find two narrow belts, wind them around your legs over the leg warmers and buckle up.  Instant slouch boots.

The main trend is for the flat thick soled type of slouch but there are many different degrees of slouchy and every heel height and color imaginable, with or without straps and buckles.

There are so many different styles of slouch boot that you can find a pair to wear with just about anything.  Knee-high or shorter, flat slouch boots in softer materials, leathers or suede are just perfect for the boho look.  Team them with a short denim skirt over opaque tights or leggings, a long ‘grandad’ shirt and a waistcoat.  They can look equally gorgeous with a floaty longer skirt and chunky sweater.  Add ethnic beaded necklaces or a scarf.

Wear firmer leather slouch boots over your skinny jeans or leggings and a long sweater.  There are some great styles of slouch boot with heels – go as high as you dare!  The cowboy style slouch with a low heel are also easy to pull on over your jeans.  If your slouch boots have lots of straps and buckles these are better over jeans or leggings as they may catch on a floaty skirt. You could carry on the strappy theme by wearing two or three narrow belts or carry an oversized bag with buckles.

For a sexy look how about over the knee slouch boots with shorts or a really short skirt?  You can wear these over a pair of opaque tights if you prefer not to show too much leg.  Or go for a retro look with a long, below knee to floor length, cardigan unbuttoned as high as you feel comfortable with.

Marc Jacobs has gone with a slouch boot this season that resembles a baggy suede sock under a pair of high-heeled patent shoes and mainstream stores have followed his lead with this type of slouch boots.  These are a bit more dressy than other styles and go well with a knee length skirt or dress, although slouchy boots are probably a bit too informal for the office.

Slouch boots are not just for winter.  Many styles go well with colourful patterned summer dresses or shorts and a t-shirt.  For warmer days and nights there are some beautiful cream and pastel colored boots or brilliant bright reds, blues and greens.

Thigh-high slouch boots look incredible if you are tall.  The most stunning sight I saw recently was a tall girl wearing a pair of tan leather thigh-high slouch boots over her skinny jeans with a plain white shirt and her hair tucked under a cap.  Everyone in the room turned to look, men and women.  They certainly create an attraction.

Really, the only thing that doesn’t look good with slouch boots is wide leg pants and you can even do that if they are three quarter length or thin enough material to tuck in.