Spats

Spats are a type of shoe accessory worn in the late 19th and early 20th century. They were stiff fabric covers attached to the top of the shoe and extending up the lower part of the leg. Spats, especially white ones on highly-polished black shoes, form part of the stereotype dress of a wealthy young man of the era, along with a top hat and a cane. Similar (but strictly practical rather than decorative) articles known as gaiters are still worn today, to prevent mud getting into walking boots.

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