Ballerinas have held the top spot in recent seasons, but another shoe is clearly starting to steal the spotlight. During an appearance to promote her film, Marion Cotillard, 51, chose a studied look around a black knit, a mini-skirt and high boots. One detail is enough to bring the silhouette into the trend.
Because these are not just any high boots, but real black thigh-high boots, which go up above the knee. Combined with a black sweater and a checked mini-skirt, they sum up the new look for winter 2026-2027 and confirm that wise ballerinas are likely to stay in the closet.
Why over-the-knee boots are becoming the tall boots for winter 2026-2027
On the fall-winter 2026-2027 catwalks, long boots took a central place, from riding thigh-high boots at Hermès to fur-lined or XXL versions seen at Chloé, Stella McCartney or Balenciaga. The models gain volume, become more flexible, sometimes pleated, often with a flat or block heel, which makes them much easier to wear every day.
In the street, the fall winter 2026-2027 over-the-knee boot trend translates into simple combinations: mini-skirt, sweater dress, jeans slipped into the boot or leggings. Over-the-knee boots replace ballet flats as soon as temperatures drop, protect the leg, lengthen the silhouette and bring a statement touch that a flat shoe doesn’t offer.
Marion Cotillard’s thigh-high boots look decrypted
To talk about her film, Marion Cotillard appeared in a sober black sweater, checked mini-skirt and black thigh-high boots. The plaid mini-skirt sets a preppy base, the high boots add a rockier note, while the black knit calms the whole thing down. Result: a graphic silhouette, but easy to reproduce with pieces you already own.
On a daily basis, Marion Cotillard favors a relaxed style, made of comfortable basics, loose pants, soft knits and well-cut coats. Chanel ambassador since 2020 and perfume muse, she loves tweeds and couture lines without renouncing simplicity. Her thigh-high boots are therefore part of a very natural Parisian wardrobe, and show that at 51 you can wear high boots without seeking provocation.
How to adopt thigh-high boots after 40 or 50 years
The key is form. For city use, it is better to use leather or suede thigh-high boots with a soft upper, not too tight, and a stable or flat heel. A black or chocolate model goes just as well with a mini-skirt as with a mid-thigh sweater dress or jeans tucked into the boot, and goes easily with a long straight or belted coat.
To avoid the overly sexy effect, we always balance the volumes: if the skirt is short, we choose a closed top and a sober palette like Marion Cotillard, with black sweater and structured coat. And then we think practical, adding opaque or thermal tights and high socks for comfort. Short women will favor an upper just above the knee and a medium heel, while curvier silhouettes will benefit from choosing wide or slightly pleated thigh-high boots that do not tighten the calf.
Are over-the-knee boots really the trendy boot for winter 2026-2027?
Yes, they clearly dominate the fashion shows and the selections of boots, in cavalier, fur-lined or XXL shapes. Marion Cotillard’s look in black thigh-high boots confirms their place as an everyday star boot.
How to wear thigh-high boots at 50 like Marion Cotillard?
We choose a sober model, black or chocolate, with a comfortable heel, which we combine with a mini-skirt or a sweater dress, a plain sweater and a well-cut coat. The whole remains chic, covering and modern.
Which thigh-high boots to choose when you are short or curvy?
If you are petite, an upper just above the knee and a medium heel avoids your silhouette being flattened. For curves, thigh-high boots with a wide or flexible upper, possibly pleated, offer more ease and comfort.
Sources
- Grazia
“Goodbye ballerinas, Marion Cotillard, 51, wears the boot trend that will be everywhere this winter”
