Written by Menswear Style in Tips & Advice on the 16th November 2020

When it comes to guys and their boots, it’s like two peas in a pod! Previously, boots were predominantly worn in the colder months to keep feet warm while preventing one from falling on slippery surfaces such as snow and ice. Nowadays, boots are a staple footwear addition in every man’s wardrobe. Not only are they practical for many occasions, but they are also quite stylish and versatile too. A great pair of boots is all you need to match the majority of your outfits and are perhaps the best invention made in men’s fashion.

As with any footwear, boots come in various designs, styles and colours. The choice is limitless with preference being primarily on form and function. Some boots are made for a specific purpose such as work boots designed to survive harsh conditions while others are made to just make you look good as you stroll down the street. Here are some tips to assist in effortlessly wearing and styling the classic boot.

KNOW WHEN TO WEAR BOOTS

The right pair of boots can instantly take you from work to the weekend with ease. Most men can match casual and semi-formal outfits with a single boot, making it a valuable addition to the wardrobe. Nevertheless, not all boots suit all occasions. It’s crucial to familiarise yourself with the different types of boots in the market, and how best to style them. 

PICK THE RIGHT COLOUR

Colour is of paramount importance when it comes to styling boots. Most come in black or brown, however, with fashion trends changing on the daily, don’t be shocked to spot a burgundy or yellow pair. Black boots are considered more formal while brown will always serve for casual events. For the ladies, when you want to play “matchy-matchy” with your boyfriend, the Gucci Frances boots are such a smashing hit. They are high-quality and feel appropriate for many occasions while giving off that street-style vibe.

PAIR WITH THE RIGHT TYPE OF TROUSERS

Boots are fundamentally casual with an effortlessly rugged finish. For the not so risqué man, boots should never be worn with a formal suit. Yes, dress boots exist but they're very difficult to style with tailoring. Instead, why not opt for jeans and chinos as much as possible, as opposed to formal trousers? This is because a suit feels like too much of a formality mismatch. 

THE RIGHT TROUSER LENGTH 

Every item of clothing one wears should be cohesive in terms of size. Knowing the right trousers to pair with your boots is one thing, choosing the fit and length is another. The rule of thumb when it comes to sizing is to make sure the hem of the trousers grazes the top of the boot for the best look. Ideally, your trouser should be about 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch above the ground. If you are wearing slightly baggy jeans, opt for chunkier boots.

NEVER WEAR DIRTY BOOTS

Wearing dirty boots is a huge no-no. Boots may appear sturdy but they need to be well taken care of. If they are made of leather, they should be shined, polished and moisturised regularly. It's very important to invest in a suede cleaning brush and a suede protector for suede boots to make sure they don't fade and damage.

We discuss pairing with trousers and jean length in this guide on How to Style the Classic Men’s Boot.