Western detailing without the announcement. Flame and scroll stitching is worked across the shaft in the same black thread as the upper, so the pattern surfaces when light hits it from an angle and reads as plain black from across a room. It is the version of this boot you can wear to something formal without explaining yourself. The thread is matte against a matte upper, so the effect is texture rather than shine.

The topline dips the way a western shaft should, pull tabs sit at either side, and the toe comes to a point. A stacked block heel of about two and a half inches carries the height, wide enough at the base to stay level on a pavement. The shaft is cut roomy rather than close, so a thicker sock or a jean tucked in still fits. That extra room through the shaft is worth knowing about if most knee-highs catch you at the calf.

Velvet Vogue makes it in black alone, US 5.5 through 12. There is no zip, so it pulls on using the tabs, and the smooth finish takes a damp cloth rather than a brush when the hem of the shaft picks up dust. Two and a half inches is enough height to change a silhouette without committing you to a stiletto, and black keeps the boot working from a Tuesday to a wedding.

• Fit: true to size with a roomy shaft, order your usual size
• Key details: tonal flame and scroll embroidery, western dip topline, side pull tabs, pointed toe
• Heel: stacked block heel, approx. 2.5 inches
• Shaft: knee height, cut roomy through the leg
• Closure: pull-on
• Sizes and colours: US 5.5 to 12 in black. Model wears a US 7
• Care: wipe clean with a damp cloth and air dry away from direct heat