The trick is that your boots still fit. These sit around the calf and show above the boot top, so you keep your usual socks on and the look is a thick hand-knit sock — without any of it going inside the shoe.

They're worked in an open pointelle stitch with a scalloped edge, about 21.5 cm long, and the yarn stretches enough to stay up over bare legs, tights or leggings without digging in.

Useful in the weeks that aren't quite either season: tall leather boots in autumn, rain boots in spring. The openwork breathes, so they don't overheat.

Note: sold as a pair.