Boat Shoes, Women's Styling Guide: From Classic To Chic

Boat shoes are a timeless fashion staple that has transcended their utilitarian origins. While they first gained popularity in the late 2000s, they have recently been revived and reinterpreted by fashion enthusiasts worldwide. Originally designed for sailing, they are now a versatile shoe that can be dressed up or down and paired with various outfits. From loose-fitting denim and leather jackets to blazers and trousers, the boat shoe has evolved into a preppy and nautical wardrobe essential.

Boat shoes with jeans, chinos, or khakis

Boat shoes are a timeless fashion staple that can be dressed up or down. Here are some tips on how to style them with jeans, chinos, or khakis:

Jeans

Boat shoes look great with jeans, especially if you're going for an effortless, nautical look. Cuff the hems of your jeans to complement the look and draw attention to your boat shoes. If you're going for a classic look, try pairing your boat shoes with a striped button-down shirt and a distressed brown leather jacket. For a more modern twist, opt for a pair of straight-leg jeans and a baseball cap, and accessorize with a trench coat.

Chinos

When wearing boat shoes with chinos, it's important to create a contrast between the colors. For example, if you're wearing bold-colored chinos like red or green, opt for a more neutral-colored shoe, such as brown. You can also experiment with different shades of brown. Try pairing dark brown boat shoes with a brown crew-neck t-shirt, a brown belt, and khaki chinos for a stylish and sophisticated look. Alternatively, you can pair an olive shirt jacket with khaki chinos and brown leather boat shoes for a camera-worthy outfit.

Khakis

Boat shoes are a perfect choice for a warm, laid-back look. Pair them with lightweight, breathable khakis in bright, bold colors to embrace that coastal spirit. If you're looking for a more modern and flexible style, roll or cuff your khakis just above the ankle.

General Tips

Boat shoes are versatile and can be dressed up or down, depending on the occasion. They pair well with blazers, polo shirts, and even baseball caps. To elevate your outfit, accessorize with a bold piece of jewelry or a statement bag. Remember, boat shoes are meant for casual and laid-back events, so avoid wearing them to black-tie affairs.

No socks, or no-show socks

Boat shoes are a versatile footwear option for women, offering both comfort and style. Here are some tips for rocking the boat shoe look without socks or with no-show socks:

The general consensus is that boat shoes are best worn without socks. Going sockless helps to add a feminine touch to an outfit and is an easy way to style these shoes. If you're concerned about odour or sweat, no-show socks are a great alternative. These are a good option if you want the comfort of socks without them being seen.

Styling tips:

Boat shoes are a casual footwear option, so they pair well with outfits like denim shorts and a simple white t-shirt for a day at the beach. They also complement skinny jeans and an oversized shirt, with minimalist colours like white, grey, and dark brown for a chic look. To add a touch of femininity to your outfit, accessorise with jewellery such as a layered necklace or studded earrings.

Experiment with colours:

Boat shoes come in a variety of colours, so feel free to experiment. A pop of colour, like a red or brightly coloured pair, can be a great statement piece. Pair these with plain trousers in beige or white, a casual shirt, and a cardigan to let your shoes do the talking.

Skirts and dresses:

Boat shoes are a great option for the summer, as they go well with skirts and dresses. They can be paired with colourful or floral print skirts for an effortless look. While they work with maxi skirts, they have more impact with shorter skirts. Avoid formal pencil skirts, as these won't match the casual vibe of boat shoes.

Avoid formal events:

While boat shoes are versatile, they are not meant for formal or black-tie events. Stick to casual and laid-back occasions to rock this look.

Care for your shoes:

Boat shoes require some care to keep them in good condition. To remove stains, use a dry brush, and avoid getting them wet to prevent discolouration or changes in texture. To eliminate odours, use baby powder, kitty litter, tea bags, or dryer sheets in your shoes overnight.

Boat shoes for casual wear

Boat shoes are a versatile footwear option that can be dressed up or down. Here are some ideas for styling boat shoes for casual wear:

The Classic Look

For a timeless and preppy ensemble, pair your boat shoes with jeans, khakis, or chinos. Roll up the hems of your trousers to showcase the shoes and opt for no-show or loafer socks. A sweater or polo shirt completes this classic, casual look.

The Laid-Back Look

For a more relaxed approach, team your boat shoes with loose-fitting or light-coloured denim, a simple T-shirt, and a casually cool leather jacket. Accessorise with a rich-looking suede bag for a touch of elegance.

The Sporty Look

Take inspiration from the boat shoe's nautical origins and embrace a coastal vibe. Pair your shoes with a sporty stripe top, a sweater draped over your shoulders, and white wide-leg trousers. Add a bold piece of jewellery, such as a statement ring, to reinforce sea blues.

The Summer Look

During the warmer months, boat shoes can be a stylish choice. Pair them with a denim dress and ankle socks, adding a bomber jacket or chunky sweater draped over your shoulders for those cooler summer evenings. Alternatively, go for a drop-waist dress with socks, as demonstrated by Elsa Hosk, for a modern and versatile outfit.

The Monochromatic Look

For a sleek and stylish ensemble, opt for a monochromatic suit. This look has been spotted on the fashion-forward streets of London, offering a unique twist to the traditional suit by pairing it with boat shoes.

Boat shoes with loose-fitting, light-coloured denim

Boat shoes are a timeless fashion staple that can be styled in a variety of ways. If you're looking to pair them with loose-fitting, light-coloured denim, here are some ideas to get you started:

For a casual, laid-back look, opt for a simple T-shirt and a cool, casually styled leather jacket. This combination will create a relaxed and effortless vibe, perfect for everyday wear. Don't forget to add a rich-looking suede bag to complete the outfit. This combination is a favourite among fashion aficionados in Paris, so you know it's a stylish choice.

If you want to dress up the boat shoes a bit more, try pairing them with a blazer. This creates an interesting contrast between polished tailoring and casual footwear. Just make sure the blazer isn't too formal, as boat shoes are best suited for more casual and laid-back events. You can also experiment with different colours and styles of blazers to find the look that suits you best.

When it comes to the denim itself, go for a cuffed hem. Cuffing the hems of your loose-fitting jeans will complement the boat shoes and draw attention to them. It's a small detail, but it can make a big difference in the overall aesthetic of the outfit.

To finish off the look, consider adding some accessories. A baseball cap, for example, can add a sporty touch, while a bold piece of jewellery, like a statement ring or necklace, can elevate the outfit and make it more stylish. Don't be afraid to play around with different accessories to find the ones that suit your personal style.

Remember, boat shoes are versatile, so feel free to experiment and find the combinations that make you feel confident and comfortable. Whether you're dressing up or keeping it casual, boat shoes can be a great addition to your wardrobe.

Boat shoes with a blazer and trousers

When pairing boat shoes with a blazer and trousers, it is important to strike a balance between elegance and nonchalance. For a timeless and elegant ensemble, consider opting for a dark green blazer, white jeans, and black leather boat shoes. Alternatively, for a more casual and relaxed outfit, you can pair a grey plaid blazer and beige chinos with black leather boat shoes.

The key to successfully styling boat shoes with a blazer and trousers is to embrace the juxtaposition between the tailored blazer and the casual footwear. Boat shoes often evoke a sense of vintage Americana or nautical style, so you can lean into these aesthetics with your choice of blazer and trousers. For example, you could pair a navy blazer with white chinos and brown leather boat shoes for a timeless, nautical-inspired look.

Additionally, don't be afraid to play with colours and patterns. As boat shoes often come in various hues and materials, you can create interesting combinations by contrasting the colours of your trousers and shoes. For instance, if you choose bold-coloured trousers, such as red or green, opt for a more neutral-coloured shoe like brown.

Lastly, while boat shoes are versatile and can be dressed up or down, it is important to note that they are typically reserved for more casual and laid-back events. So, while you can certainly pair them with a blazer and trousers, it is best to avoid wearing them to formal or black-tie affairs.

Frequently asked questions