Duchess Sophie's cappuccino-toned knee-highs are a stunning alternative to black boots for chilly October
It's finally getting cold and tall boots keep you cosy and have a streamlined, leg-elongating effect too
After a summer of wearing espadrille wedges non-stop, the Duchess of Edinburgh is clearly ready for boot season and just styled some she's added to her collection relatively recently. Crafted from soft suede and made by British clothing brand LK Bennett, Sophie first wore her 'Karen' boots publicly in 2024.
They've been glimpsed several times since and she re-styled them to the Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) Memorial Day on 1st October. A great pair of low-heeled, tall boots can work for so many occasions if you're looking for an alternative to classic black boots, lighter neutrals are the way to go.
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Dune brings back the Tayla boots every year and they're such a timeless style, crafted from suede with a stretchy back and manageable low heel. They come in a range of different colours but this 'honey' tone is a light neutral that makes a lovely change to black or brown boots.
More affordable than many pairs of knee-high boots, these are made from faux suede and have a contemporary chisel-toe design. You can get them in wide fit and in several other colours and they have a comfy low block heel. Next's Forever Comfort® cushioned footbed makes them comfy for all-day wear.
Designed with a practical side zip and made from soft suede, these knee-high boots are chic and sleek for autumn/winter. They have almond shaped toes and a sturdy block heel. Style with your favourite seasonal dresses and skirts, or wear under wide-leg trousers on freezing cold days.
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These M&S boots are made from soft suede for a luxurious look and feel. They feature a low block heel for all-day comfort and the elasticated panel makes them easy to pull on and off. The design is pared-back, making these feel particularly chic and versatile.
You can currently get these boots with 15% off by using the code 9Q3A and they're also available in tan and black. They're crafted from stretchy faux suede to give a flattering close-fitted look whilst still being comfortable. The barely-there block heel is great for all-day wear.
Leather boots add a lovely edge and contrasting texture to an outfit and the Tallos style has a side zip fastening and a rounded toe. The gold hardware on the zip is a thoughtful touch and the heel is only 1cm high. Wear more casually in the daytime or dress up with a frock and longline coat in the evening.
Duchess Sophie dressed respectfully for Memorial Day in a dark navy ensemble and her footwear was the one contrasting colour. Although I incorporate black boots into autumn outfit ideas a lot, they can sometimes look a little too stark against other colours and navy and black isn't a combination everyone loves.
The Duchess's boots were a cappuccino-brown and the suede accentuated the softness of the shade too. The last time Sophie stepped out in these before this engagement was at the Royal Windsor Horse Show in 2025 and she styled them with a white midi skirt, pastel pink jumper and navy trench coat.
Cream, ivory and other pale tones tend to work better with lighter neutrals and Sophie's showed taupe boots also complement dark shades.
This makes them very versatile and if the royals could only wear one type of footwear for autumn/winter it would surely be knee-high boots. The Duchess of Edinburgh has quite the collection besides the LK Bennett ones and a lot of them are similar tones like tan or caramel.
Depending on the heel height and your preferences, tall boots can be worn day to night and they're perfect when you want to look polished in the cold. Many people continue to wear their best white trainers and ballet flats even in winter but they don't offer much warmth.
Knee-highs cover half of your leg in material and keep you cosy. The streamlined shape also flatters the leg and is very elongating. In the past, royals like the Princess of Wales used to wear their boots with skinny jeans tucked in and this is really leg-lengthening.
However, you can also get this effect when you pair them with longer dresses and skirts. This is how the King's sister-in-law tends to wear hers most and she opted for an Emilia Wickstead frock and an Alexander McQueen blazer for the REME Memorial Day.
She was there in her capacity as Colonel-in-Chief of the Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers. Duchess Sophie's outfit had to feel elegant whilst not detracting from the poignancy of the occasion, and she struck the perfect balance.
At one point she was seen wiping away tears and the Corps marked their 84th anniversary with the dedication of a new memorial centrepiece made by REME metalsmiths. The Duchess has been their Colonel-in-Chief since 2022, taking over the role from her late father-in-law, Prince Philip.
