Boat Shoes For Women: Still In Vogue?

Boat shoes are a popular footwear choice for women, offering both comfort and style. Originally designed for sailors to wear on boat decks, they became fashionable for women in the 2000s and have since evolved into a versatile shoe that can be worn all year round. With a range of colours and styles now available, there are many ways to incorporate boat shoes into your wardrobe. From casual outfits to statement pieces, boat shoes can be dressed up or down to suit the occasion.

Boat shoes with skirts

Boat shoes are a versatile footwear option for women, offering both comfort and style. While they were initially designed for sailors to wear on boat decks, they have evolved into a fashionable staple that can be dressed up or down. Here are some tips and ideas for styling boat shoes with skirts:

Choosing the Right Skirt

The key to successfully pairing boat shoes with skirts is to opt for more casual and effortless looks. Avoid formal or elegant events and steer clear of pencil skirts, as they will create a mismatched appearance. Instead, go for skirts that are colourful, floral, or denim. You can also experiment with ruffled skirts or maxi skirts, but keep in mind that the impact may be more subtle with longer styles.

Creating a Statement

If you want to turn heads, choose boat shoes in a bold colour, such as red. Pair these with plain trousers in beige or white, a casual shirt, and a cardigan. This way, your shoes become the focal point of your outfit, eliminating the need for additional accessories.

Summer Styling

Boat shoes are perfect for creating a laid-back summer look. Style them with a colourful or floral skirt and a simple top or blouse. You can also experiment with different skirt styles, such as ruffles or denim, to add your unique twist. Just remember to avoid visible socks, as this can detract from the overall aesthetic.

Accessorising

Since boat shoes are inspired by menswear, adding feminine touches through accessories is essential. Opt for jewellery, such as layered necklaces or studded earrings, and carry a cute handbag to complete the look. These additions will enhance the overall style and make your outfit more feminine and chic.

All-Year-Round Wear

Boat shoes are not just a seasonal item; they can be worn throughout the year. For autumn, pair tan boat shoes with dark denim jeans and a knitted jumper. You can also layer with a green parka jacket and a nude jumper for a stylish and cosy ensemble. In the spring, boat shoes in cooler tones like grey go well with dresses and athleisure outfits.

Boat shoes for the beach

Boat shoes are a timeless classic, having been originally designed for sailors and boaters to prevent slipping on boat decks. They are now a popular shoe trend for men and women, both for functional and aesthetic reasons.

Boat shoes are a great option for a beach trip, and there are several features to look out for when choosing a pair to wear to the beach. Firstly, breathability is important, especially when spending days in the sun. Look for boat shoes with a canvas upper or those made from porous mesh, which will keep your feet cool and dry. If you're going to be walking to and from the dock or exploring a local fishing town, you'll also want to prioritise shoes with arch support to reduce foot fatigue.

Boat shoes with wet/dry traction are ideal for the beach, as they will provide grip when walking on a variety of surfaces, from boat decks to cobblestones. Sperry boat shoes are known for their wet/dry traction, with their iconic hand-sewn design and full-grain leather construction. The Sebago Portland Roughout boat shoe is another option that offers water resistance, with roughout leather, durable rubber soles, and a lace-up closure to keep water out.

When it comes to style, boat shoes are versatile and can be dressed up or down. For a casual beach look, pair your boat shoes with denim, or a flowy white tee and your favourite jeans. For a more feminine touch, opt for a pair with a narrow fit and lace-up detail, which can be paired with striped tops or solid blazers for an elegant and timeless nautical look. If you're heading to the beach straight from the office, boat shoes are a great option as they can easily be dressed up with dark wash denim and a blazer for a business casual look.

Boat shoes are a comfortable and stylish choice for the beach, offering both functionality and fashion. With the right pair, you'll be ready to sail through your beach days in comfort and style!

Boat shoes with jeans

Boat shoes are a classic casual shoe and a wardrobe staple for both men and women. They are a comfortable, flat shoe with a non-slip rubber sole and a hand-sewn upper design. They are a versatile shoe that can be worn in multiple seasons and are suitable for rainy weather.

When it comes to styling boat shoes with jeans, there are several outfit combinations that work well. For a casual, yet smart look, pair a dark green blazer with navy jeans and black leather boat shoes. Alternatively, for a more trendy, low-profile style, try a red Harrington jacket with navy jeans and dark brown leather boat shoes.

For a more effortless, nautical look, try cuffing the hems of your jeans to draw attention to the boat shoes. This style works well with a grey check blazer and white jeans, with black or beige leather boat shoes.

Boat shoes can also be worn with a variety of tops, such as a mustard print crew-neck sweater, a dark green polo, or a floral wrap top. For a more sporty-chic look, pair your boat shoes with a sundress or joggers and a tie-dye sweatshirt.

Boat shoes with sundresses

Boat shoes are a versatile footwear option for women, suitable for various occasions and styles, including with sundresses. Here are some tips and ideas for wearing boat shoes with sundresses:

Boat shoes, also known as top siders, are a comfortable and casual shoe option that can be easily slipped on and off, making them perfect for travel or everyday wear. They are known for their practicality, with non-slip rubber soles and a unique hand-sewn design. While they were originally made for sailors and boaters, boat shoes have become a popular choice for those seeking a stylish yet functional shoe.

When pairing boat shoes with sundresses, consider the following:

• Fabric and Colour Options: Boat shoes come in various fabrics, including leather, suede, and canvas. For a lightweight and breathable option, canvas boat shoes in neutral colours like beige or brown can complement a variety of sundress styles. Leather boat shoes in classic brown or Sahara leather can also add a polished look to your sundress ensemble.
• Dress Style: The type of sundress you choose can also impact the overall aesthetic. For a preppy and polished vibe, pair your boat shoes with a gingham off-the-shoulder midi dress or a floral wrap dress. If you're aiming for a more sporty-chic look, opt for a comfortable athleisure dress or a casual T-shirt dress.
• Accessories: Accessories can further enhance your boat shoe and sundress combination. A woven tote or a nautical boat tote can add to the maritime feel of your outfit. You can also include a comfortable pair of no-show socks with your boat shoes to complete the look.

By mixing and matching different sundress styles, colours, and accessories, you can create numerous outfits centred around boat shoes. Whether you're going for a classic nautical look or a more relaxed athleisure vibe, boat shoes with sundresses offer a versatile and fashionable option for warm weather or casual occasions.

Boat shoes for autumn

Boat shoes are a versatile footwear option that can be styled in various ways for the autumn season. Here are some tips and outfit ideas to incorporate boat shoes into your fall wardrobe:

Styling Tips:

• Boat shoes pair well with casual outfits. Denim and chinos are classic choices that complement the shoes' casual aesthetic.
• Avoid wearing socks with boat shoes. Opting for no-show socks or going sockless adds to the overall casual vibe.
• Accessorise with jewellery and bags to balance the masculine influence of boat shoes with feminine touches.
• Experiment with colours and styles to make a statement. A pair of boat shoes in a bold colour, such as red, can become the focal point of your outfit.

Outfit Ideas:

Casual Chic

Style your boat shoes with an oversized shirt and skinny jeans for a simple yet stylish look. Opt for minimalist colours like a white shirt, grey jeans, and dark brown shoes. Add a layered necklace or studded earrings for a touch of elegance.

Beach Days

Boat shoes are perfect for the beach, even in autumn. Pair them with denim shorts and a simple white t-shirt for a casual, comfortable look.

Autumn Layers

As the temperature drops, layer up with a knitted jumper and dark denim jeans. Complete the look with a cute handbag and accessories. Alternatively, try a green parka jacket, nude jumper, and dark jeans.

Back to Work

Boat shoes can easily be incorporated into your work wardrobe. Try styling them with a pair of plain trousers, such as beige or white, a casual shirt, and a cardigan. Finish the look with a pair of brightly coloured boat shoes to make a statement.

Product Recommendations:

When it comes to boat shoes, Sperry is a well-known brand offering a range of colours and styles. Their Authentic Original Boat Shoes in brown Sahara leather are a versatile option that can be dressed up or down. For a cooler-toned option, their grey boat shoes are a great choice, pairing well with dresses and athleisure outfits.

Frequently asked questions