"Are you wearing the—"
"The Chanel boots? Yeah, I am."
If you can hear those words in your head, you're not alone. That single exchange from The Devil Wears Prada basically altered the trajectory of early 2000s fashion and, honestly, Anne Hathaway’s entire public image. It was the exact moment Andy Sachs stopped being a "smart girl who doesn't care" and started being a "smart girl who can walk in five-inch heels."
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But here’s the thing. It’s 2026, and we are still talking about Anne Hathaway in boots. It’s not just nostalgia for a movie that came out two decades ago. It’s because she keeps doing it. Whether she's filming the highly anticipated The Devil Wears Prada 2 or just grabbing a latte in Manhattan, Hathaway has turned the "major boot moment" into her personal brand.
The Chanel Boots That Started an Empire
Let's get real for a second. In 2006, the thigh-high Chanel boots Andy Sachs wore to the office weren't just shoes. They were a weapon. Patricia Field, the legendary costume designer, knew exactly what she was doing. Those boots—leather, slouchy, and impossibly high—represented the ultimate "glow-up."
Most people think it was just about the brand. It wasn't. It was about the silhouette. It was about how a tall, over-the-knee boot completely changes the geometry of an outfit. It makes a mini skirt look professional and a simple coat look like a statement.
Fashion historians often point to this specific look as the catalyst for the "OTK" (over-the-knee) trend that dominated the late 2000s. You couldn't walk into a Steve Madden or a Nine West without seeing an iteration of the "Andy Sachs boot." It was ubiquitous.
Not Just a Movie Prop
Surprisingly, Hathaway has admitted in interviews, including her "Life in Looks" feature with Vogue, that she actually kept some of the pieces from that era. She didn't just play the character; she absorbed the styling lessons.
Why Anne Hathaway in Boots is Trending in 2026
Fast forward to today. Hathaway is currently filming the sequel to the film that made her a style icon, and the paparazzi shots are already breaking the internet.
In late 2025, she was spotted on set in New York wearing a look that felt like a direct love letter to her 2006 self. She wore a pair of rich, chocolate brown heeled knee-high boots paired with a navy long-sleeve maxi dress and a crimson vest. It was a masterclass in transitional dressing.
Why does it work?
Because she’s leaning into the "slouchy but structured" vibe.
- Texture over everything: She’s mixing suede, patent leather, and matte finishes.
- The "No-Pants" Era: Recently, her stylist Erin Walsh shared a look of Hathaway in Proenza Schouler boots that hit mid-thigh. She paired them with a bright red Valentino button-down and essentially nothing else. It was bold. It was "Runway" approved. It was also a subtle nod to the original Chanel moment, but updated for the current "stealth wealth" climate.
- Proportion play: She isn't afraid of a "heavy" shoe. We’ve seen her in everything from chunky Dr. Martens on her off days to the "bondage" style Tom Ford boot-sandals she wore to the Les Misérables premiere.
How to Style Boots Like Anne Hathaway
If you want to capture that specific "Hathaway energy," you have to stop thinking of boots as an afterthought. For her, the boot is usually the foundation of the entire outfit.
The Mini Skirt Formula
This is the classic Andy Sachs. Pair a structured mini skirt with boots that hit at least two inches above or below the knee. Never right at the kneecap. It cuts the leg off in a weird way. Anne usually opts for a sheer black tight (think Falke or Wolford) to create a seamless line from the toe to the hem of the skirt.
The Tailored Western Twist
In September 2025, she proved that cowboy boots aren't just for festivals. She wore black leather cowboy boots under pinstriped wide-leg pants with a gray sculpted blazer. The trick here? The boots were sleek, not distressed. It gave the suit a bit of "edge" without looking like she was headed to a rodeo.
The Maxi Dress Combo
This is her 2026 go-to. If you’re wearing a floor-sweeping dress, don't wear flats. A heeled knee-high boot provides the necessary lift so the fabric doesn't bunch at your ankles. It also adds a layer of warmth that makes those "barely there" silk dresses wearable in November.
The Brands She Actually Wears
While we all dream of the Chanel archive, Hathaway’s real-world boot rotation is surprisingly diverse.
- Valentino: Usually for red carpet or high-fashion moments. Think "Pink PP" platforms.
- Proenza Schouler: Her recent favorite for that "NYC cool girl" slouchy look.
- Birkenstock: Yes, even the queen of heels wears shearling-lined Arizona sandals and Boston clogs between takes.
- Christian Louboutin: For when she needs to "shut it down" on a press tour.
It's About the Confidence
Honestly, the reason "Anne Hathaway in boots" stays relevant isn't just because the shoes are expensive. It’s because she wears them with the confidence of someone who knows she belongs in the room.
In the original movie, the boots were a mask. They were Andy Sachs trying to fit in. In 2026, the boots are a choice. They represent a woman who has fully come into her own, professionally and stylistically.
If you're looking to upgrade your wardrobe this season, start from the ground up. Invest in one pair of high-quality, structured leather boots. Don't go for the "trendy" glitter or the weird cut-outs. Go for the silhouette that makes you feel like you could handle a 6:00 AM phone call from Miranda Priestly without breaking a sweat.
Actionable Style Steps:
- Invest in a "Tall" Neutral: If you only buy one pair this year, make it a chocolate brown or deep burgundy knee-high boot. These colors are currently outperforming black in terms of versatility.
- Mind the Gap: When wearing over-the-knee boots, ensure there is a clear distinction between the top of the boot and your hemline—or let the boot disappear entirely under a midi-length skirt for a more "sophisticated" look.
- Check the Heel: A block heel is your friend for street style, but a stiletto boot is what gives that specific "Hathaway" editorial vibe. Choose based on how much walking you actually have to do.