Boat Shoes: Summer-Only Or Year-Round Style?

Boat shoes are a popular choice for many during the warmer months, but are they only to be worn in summer? Boat shoes are a casual shoe, perfect for maritime activities, travel, and the office. They are versatile and can be dressed up or down, making them a great alternative to dress shoes or flip-flops. However, some sources suggest that boat shoes should not be worn in the winter, as they will look out of place and are at risk of getting wet. Additionally, boat shoes are designed with a softer, thinner leather and a low cut, making them more suitable for pairing with lightweight pants and shorts. So, while boat shoes are a great summer shoe, they can also be worn year-round, depending on the climate, as long as they are styled appropriately.

Boat shoes are a preppy staple, so pair them with chinos and a polo shirt

Boat shoes are a preppy staple, so pairing them with chinos and a polo shirt is a great way to style them. This combination is a classic, clean, and casual look that will keep you looking sharp.

When pairing boat shoes with chinos, it is recommended to opt for colourful trousers, creating a contrast with the shoes. For example, if you choose red or green chinos, go for a more neutral shoe colour, such as brown. Additionally, the fit of the chinos matters; a straight or tapered leg is best, as too wide a pant looks odd with the small moccasin toes of boat shoes. The length of the trouser is also important; ideally, the chinos should just skim the tops of the shoes, showing off their distinctive details.

When it comes to the polo shirt, it is best to avoid pastel colours, as these can lean too heavily into the "frat guy" aesthetic. Instead, opt for a classic, neutral shade, such as navy, grey, or white. You could also try a striped polo shirt, which would complement the nautical vibe of the boat shoes.

To complete the outfit, you could add a lightweight jacket, such as a blazer, field jacket, or quilted gilet, depending on the weather. This extra layer will elevate the look and provide a little extra warmth when the sun goes down.

Remember, the key to pulling off boat shoes is to keep the overall aesthetic simple and classic. So, when in doubt, less is more, and always aim for a "JFK" vibe over an "American frat guy" one.

Avoid wearing boat shoes with suits

Boat shoes are a classic casual shoe trend in the menswear world. They were originally made for sailors and boaters to prevent slipping on boat decks. However, they have become popular among non-boaters as well, both for functional and aesthetic reasons. While boat shoes can be paired with various outfits, there are some style tips to keep in mind to avoid fashion faux pas. One important rule to remember is to avoid wearing boat shoes with suits. Here are some reasons why you should avoid pairing boat shoes with suits:

• Formality Contrast: Boat shoes are considered casual footwear, suitable for business casual environments or smart casual occasions. They do not align with the level of formality of a suit, which is typically more formal attire. Pairing boat shoes with a suit can create a mismatched and unbalanced look.
• Style Inconsistency: Boat shoes have a distinct casual and relaxed aesthetic that contrasts with the elegance and sophistication typically associated with suits. Suits are often worn for formal events, business settings, or special occasions where a more polished and refined appearance is expected. Boat shoes may detract from the overall style and sophistication intended by a suit.
• Dress Code Considerations: Certain dress codes, such as black-tie affairs or events that require a tie, call for a more formal type of footwear. Boat shoes are not suitable for such occasions and would be considered too informal. If you plan to wear a suit, opt for dress shoes or loafers that align with the level of formality of the suit.
• Professional Image: In a professional setting, boat shoes with a suit may give off an inappropriate or leisurely impression. Boat shoes often convey a casual, laid-back vibe that might not align with the image you want to project in a business or formal context. It is essential to consider the context and dress code expectations when choosing your footwear.
• Suit Styling Options: Suits typically offer a range of styling options, such as dress shoes or loafers, that complement their formal and elegant nature. Boat shoes, with their casual and nautical associations, may detract from the overall polished look intended by a suit. It is essential to maintain a cohesive and well-put-together appearance when wearing a suit.
• Versatility Constraints: Boat shoes are versatile footwear that can be paired with various outfits, from jeans to chinos to shorts. However, their versatility has limitations. When paired with a suit, they may fail to elevate the outfit and can give the impression that you are trying too hard to be casual. It is crucial to respect the formality and structure that a suit entails.

Wear boat shoes with jeans, but avoid visible socks

Boat shoes are a classic casual shoe trend in the menswear world. They were originally made for sailors and boaters to prevent slipping on boat decks. However, they soon gained popularity among non-boaters due to their practical non-slip rubber soles and unique hand-sewn design. While boat shoes are commonly associated with summertime and maritime activities, they can also be styled with various outfits for a casual and relaxed look.

When it comes to wearing boat shoes with jeans, there are a few tips to keep in mind. Firstly, boat shoes and jeans are a perfect combination. For a nautical look, pair your boat shoes with shorter jeans or roll up the hems of your jeans to expose the ankles and lower shins. This draws attention to the boat shoes while complementing the overall outfit. Skinny jeans can also work well with boat shoes, providing a smart silhouette that accentuates the shoes.

When choosing the colour of your boat shoes, consider the wash of your jeans. For blue jeans, a pair of matte brown boat shoes is a good choice. If you're wearing light-coloured jeans, opt for blue boat shoes, unless your jeans are light blue. In that case, choose a darker shade of boat shoes, such as black or navy. It is recommended to avoid shiny leather boat shoes with jeans as it can look jarring.

To complete the look, remember to avoid visible socks. The classic maritime style calls for bare ankles, preferably with no-show socks. No-show socks help eliminate blisters and irritation while keeping your feet dry and comfortable. They are designed to stay hidden by the leather upper of your boat shoes, allowing you to achieve the sockless look while maintaining foot health and hygiene.

If you're going for an 80s preppy look, you can experiment with visible socks, but be mindful of the colour and style of your socks and pants. For instance, if you're wearing bold-coloured chinos, opt for a more neutral colour for your socks and boat shoes. Additionally, visible socks work better with pants than with shorts.

Boat shoes are ideal for maritime activities and beach trips

Boat shoes are perfect for a beach trip, helping you to look like a local. They are also comfortable and easy to get on and off, making them ideal for travelling. They are lightweight and can be worn without socks, making them perfect for summer.

Boat shoes are versatile and can be worn with most casual clothing options, from jeans to shorts, and even yoga pants. They can be dressed up or down, making them suitable for a range of occasions, from dates to business casual events.

However, it is important to note that boat shoes are not typically worn with suits or to formal events. They are also not usually worn with socks, as this can ruin the look.

Boat shoes are a classic, comfortable, and stylish option for men and women, and their versatility means they can be worn on a range of occasions.

Boat shoes are not meant for black-tie affairs or formal events

Boat shoes are a versatile shoe that can be worn in a variety of settings. However, they are not meant for black-tie affairs or formal events. While boat shoes can be dressed up or down, they are most suited for casual or laid-back occasions.

Boat shoes are a type of moccasin-like footwear that is typically made with canvas or leather and features a low cut, hand-sewn construction, and soft, white, non-skid rubber soles. They were originally designed for sailors and boaters to provide traction on slippery boat decks. Over time, they became popular among people outside the boating world, including those seeking a functional and aesthetic shoe.

While boat shoes can be worn in a variety of settings, they are not appropriate for formal events such as black-tie affairs. Here are some reasons why boat shoes are not meant for such occasions:

• Formality: Boat shoes are inherently casual footwear. They are designed to be worn in casual or laid-back settings, such as the beach, casual dates, or business casual environments. They add a touch of style to an outfit without being too formal.
• Dress code: Formal events, such as black-tie affairs, typically have a strict dress code that calls for more elegant and sophisticated attire. Boat shoes may not meet the required level of formality and can appear too casual or informal for such occasions.
• Overall impression: Boat shoes are often associated with a preppy or nautical look. While this style can work well for casual occasions, it may not align with the level of sophistication expected at a formal event. The objective is to strike a balance between elegance and comfort, which boat shoes may not achieve in a formal setting.
• Alternative options: For black-tie affairs or formal events, there are alternative footwear options that are more suitable. Opting for dress shoes, loafers, or elegant boots can elevate your outfit and match the level of formality expected at such occasions.

In conclusion, while boat shoes are versatile and can be dressed up or down, they are not meant for black-tie affairs or formal events. They are best suited for casual or laid-back occasions, where they can add a touch of style and functionality to your outfit.

Frequently asked questions