# Late 1970s/early 1980s Yves Saint Laurent Taupe Suede Tassel Knee-High Boots | Modern US 5.5/6

- Link: https://shopquirkla.com/product/stylish-vintage-yves-saint-laurent-taupe-suede-boots/
- Published: 2026-08-04T06:15:05-07:00
- Author: russ

A striking pair of late 1970s/early 1980s Yves Saint Laurent knee-high boots in 
taupe-grey suede.

The tall shafts are cut with dramatically angled openings that rise higher along
the outer leg, creating an elongated, sculptural line. Dark braided cords lace through
suede loops along the outer sides and finish with substantial tassels, adding movement
and contrast against the softly mottled suede.

Tapered semi-pointed toes and low sculpted heels keep the silhouette elegant and
wearable. Metallic gold-tone interiors add a flash of polish to the earthy palette,
while the black outsoles feature textured rubber forefoot sections embossed with
the YSL monogram.

The suede’s tonal variation gives the boots dimension, while the asymmetrical topline
and elaborate side lacing make them visually compelling from every angle.

Wear them with a fluid midi dress, a short skirt and opaque tights, narrow trousers
tucked into the shafts, or an oversized knit layered over a slip. The taupe-grey
color works especially well with black, cream, chocolate brown, oxblood, olive, 
and muted metallics.

**Details**

**Designer:** Yves Saint Laurent
 **Production Status:** True vintage **Color:**
Taupe grey / Mushroom grey **Upper:** Suede **Interior:** Metallic gold-tone lining**
Shaft Height:** Knee-high **Topline:** Asymmetrical angled opening **Side Detail:**
Dark braided cord lacing with tassels **Toe Shape:** Tapered semi-pointed toe **
Heel Style:** Low sculpted heel **Closure:** Pull-on with adjustable side lacing**
Outsole:** Black outsole with textured rubber forefoot sections **Marked Size:**
EU 36 **Estimated Modern US Size:** US 5.5/6 **Approximate Modern UK Size:** UK 
2.5/3 **Approximate Modern EU/FR/IT Size:** 35.5/36 **Approximate Japanese Size:**
JP 22.5/23 **Estimated Foot Width:** Narrow to standard-narrow **Estimated Calf 
Fit:** Narrow to standard; compare with completed shaft measurements **Country of
Origin:** Not recorded

**Fit Notes**

Marked European size 36 and estimated to best fit a modern US 5.5/6.

The tapered toe and visually narrow footbed may create a closer fit than a rounded
contemporary boot in the same marked size. The braided side lacing appears to allow
some adjustment through the shaft, but tall-boot fit also depends on calf circumference,
shaft height, top opening, and leg shape.

Approximate modern international equivalents are UK 2.5/3, EU/FR/IT 35.5/36, and
JP 22.5/23. These conversions are guidance rather than guaranteed equivalents because
fit varies according to maker, production period, last, foot width, calf circumference,
and preferred toe room.

**Condition**

**Very Good Vintage Condition.**

The suede remains supple-looking, and the boots retain their tall, sculptural silhouette.
Visible wear includes natural and wear-related nap variation, softly mottled darkening,
faint surface marks, creasing and slouching around the ankles and lower shafts, 
light rubbing at the toes and heel counters, and expected creasing and surface wear
to the metallic gold-tone interiors.

The braided cords, suede loops, and tassels appear substantially intact. The textured
rubber forefoot sections show light use, both heel tips remain present, and adhesive
or sticker residue is visible along the arch portions of the outsoles.

No major tears, extensive bald patches, sole separation, collapsed heel, broken 
lacing, or missing tassels are visible in the photos. Please review all images closely,
particularly the suede toes, lower shafts, lacing, tassels, heel tips, and outsoles.

**Styling Notes**

Let the height and lacing carry the look. Pair these with a soft slip dress, a fitted
mini and oversized knit, a narrow midi skirt, or slim trousers tucked into the shafts.

For a more directional approach, style them with tonal taupe layers, a sharply cut
black coat, or a romantic blouse and abbreviated hemline.

**Curation Note**

Each Quirk piece is hand-selected by our team for quality, construction, styling
potential, and point of view.

**Authenticity Note**

Designer items are reviewed before being brought to market. Quirk takes authenticity
seriously, and the sale of counterfeit goods is illegal. Any included third-party
authentication paperwork will be noted clearly.