We may look like Jack and the Beanstalk cast members but over-the-knee statement boots are in for autumn, according to a slew of top fashion magazines.

Both Vogue and Grazia have reported on the footwear trend, insisting the calf-huggers will be hot to trot as soon as the summer sun has said its farewell.

Tina Lamb, Harvey Nichols womenswear, international accessories and shoes buyer, tells Grazia: "Over-the-knee boots are a bit like Marmite – you either love them or hate them. But, this season, theyre more versatile and wearable."

However, experts agree they should never be worn with bare legs or fussy details in the rest of the outfit – keep things covered and simple.

Top buys include Vivienne Westwoods chunky heel and side tabs, Stella McCartneys platform versions and grey suede flats from American Retro.

In other shoe news, fashion house Emporio Armani is getting its skates on for Christmas quite literally by launching a wheeled range of footwear. The EA7 Skorpion Quadlines were recently gifted to presenters at the European MTV awards, reports the Guardian.