Boat Shoes Styling: Polyvore's Guide To Smart-Casual Wear

Boat shoes are a versatile type of footwear that can be dressed up or down, making them a great choice for a range of occasions. Once considered daggy, they have made a comeback in recent years, with Prada launching a boat shoe in 2019. Boat shoes are typically made from canvas or leather and have non-marking rubber soles, making them ideal for sailing. They are known for their comfort and functionality, providing good traction on slippery surfaces. While they are commonly associated with nautical or preppy styles, they can be paired with various outfits to create different looks. This article will explore some of the ways to style boat shoes and offer tips on how to wear them confidently.

Boat shoes with jeans, shorts, or pants

Boat shoes are a versatile footwear option that can be dressed up or down. They pair well with jeans, shorts, or pants, and can be worn with or without socks, depending on your preference. Here are some tips for styling boat shoes with different types of bottoms:

Boat Shoes with Jeans

Boat shoes and jeans are a classic combination that can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. For a casual look, opt for a pair of dark or light-wash slim or straight-leg jeans and a t-shirt or polo shirt. If you want to dress up your boat shoes, try pairing them with dark wash denim and a blazer for a business casual look. Cuffing the hems of your jeans can also add a nautical touch to your outfit and draw attention to your boat shoes.

Boat Shoes with Shorts

Boat shoes and shorts are a perfect combination for summertime. For a more casual look, choose a pair of tailored or plain shorts and a polo shirt or a t-shirt. If you want to dress up your boat shoes, you can pair them with Bermuda shorts and a sleeveless jacket for a creative office look. Just remember to balance a detailed, attention-grabbing boat shoe with plainer shorts to avoid overdoing it.

Boat Shoes with Pants

Boat shoes can also be paired with pants for a more polished look. Colorful chinos are a great option, but be sure to choose a colour that contrasts with your boat shoes. For example, if you're wearing red or green chinos, opt for a more neutral-coloured shoe like brown. You can also pair boat shoes with suits, but they may look out of place in a formal setting. Instead, try pairing them with dark wash denim and a blazer for a business casual twist.

Boat shoes with socks

Boat shoes are a versatile footwear option, perfect for both warm and cool weather. They are a great way to wear a casual shoe that isn't a sneaker and can be easily slipped on and off, making them ideal for travel. When it comes to pairing them with socks, there are a few options to consider.

Firstly, it is generally recommended to avoid wearing boat shoes with visible socks. The classic look for boat shoes involves showing off the ankle, either by pairing them with shorts or rolled-up trousers, and going without socks. However, this doesn't mean that you can't wear socks at all. No-show socks, also known as sock-ettes or loafer socks, are a popular choice to maintain the sockless look while still providing comfort and preventing odour and blisters. These socks are designed to stay hidden below the line of the boat shoe, so opt for neutral colours like white, black or beige. Silicone grips on the interior can also help keep them in place.

If you want to add a bit of preppy style to your look, you can opt for crew-cut socks in muted pastel colours like light brown or grey. This look pairs well with jeans and a shirt, or stone shorts and a polo shirt for a more adventurous, classic 80s vibe. Just remember, the socks should complement, not steal the show.

For a more formal look, you can also try dress socks with your boat shoes. This combination provides a slightly more polished appearance while still maintaining a relaxed and casual feel. It's important to note that athletic socks should be avoided at all costs when wearing boat shoes, as they are strictly meant for athletic shoes.

In addition to style, there are health benefits to wearing socks with boat shoes. Not wearing socks can lead to foot fungus and other podiatric issues due to the warm, dark and damp environment created inside the shoe. Socks provide a layer of protection and help manage moisture, keeping your feet healthy and comfortable. They can also help prevent blisters and hotspots during the "breaking in" phase of new boat shoes.

Boat shoes for different occasions

Boat shoes are a versatile shoe that can be dressed up or down, making them perfect for a variety of occasions. Here are some ideas for how to style boat shoes for different events:

Casual Day Out

For a casual day out, such as shopping or lunch with friends, pair your boat shoes with a comfortable outfit like a sweater and corduroy pants. For a more put-together look, opt for a pink or beige sweater with beige or navy chinos. If it's a warmer day, swap the pants for a pair of shorts in a similar colour. This is a great way to style your boat shoes when you want to be comfortable yet stylish.

Nautical Outing

Boat shoes are perfect for a day by the sea or on a boat. To channel a nautical look, pair your boat shoes with a sailor top and white Bermuda shorts. If it's a chillier day, swap the shorts for jeans and add a shirt or striped top. This outfit will keep you comfortable and stylish while also paying homage to the maritime heritage of boat shoes.

Smart Casual Event

For a smart casual event, such as a barbecue or a day at the office, you can dress up your boat shoes while still maintaining a relaxed look. For a more colourful outfit, pair red, blue, or green boat shoes with white pants and a fitted shirt in a complementary colour. For a more classic look, opt for brown or black boat shoes with raw jeans and a white t-shirt. This look is perfect for when you want to be comfortable yet polished.

Formal Occasion

Boat shoes can even be dressed up for a formal occasion, such as a wedding or baptism. To style your boat shoes for a formal event, opt for a monochrome look with blue boat shoes, a white polo shirt, and sky blue chinos. Alternatively, you can pair beige boat shoes with a linen or cotton gauze suit for a unique take on formalwear. This look is perfect for when you want to stand out while still adhering to a dress code.

Around the House

Boat shoes are also a great option for wearing around the house or for running errands. They are easy to slip on and off, making them a convenient choice for days when you're in and out of the house. Pair them with a simple outfit like a t-shirt and jeans, or a comfortable sweatshirt and shorts. This look is perfect for when you want to be casual and cosy.

How to tie boat shoes

Boat shoes are typically made with leather laces, which can be tricky to tie. Leather doesn't knot easily, so you may need to learn some more complicated knots to keep your laces secure. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to tie your boat shoes using a chain knot:

• Start by making a loop with one of the laces.
• With your non-dominant hand, hold the loop and use your dominant hand to create a second loop.
• Lace the second loop through the first one from the back.
• Pull the loop tightly and repeat this step two more times.
• Tuck the end of the lace into the loop at the end of each knot.
• Tuck the ends of the chains into one another.
• Fold the lace to make a loop and then give it a twist.
• Wrap the other lace around the loop five times.
• Run the end of the lace through the top of the loop and pull to tighten the knot.
• Trim off any extra lace for a neat finish.

There are several other ways to tie your boat shoes, including the barrel knot, tassel knot, fishtail, and surgeon's knot. All of these methods can help you achieve a stylish and secure fit.

Boat shoes for men and women

Boat shoes, also known as 'deck shoes' or 'top-siders', are a versatile type of footwear that can be dressed up or down. They are typically constructed from canvas or leather with non-marking rubber soles, designed for wear while sailing. While they were considered unfashionable in the 1990s and early 2000s, they have since made a comeback and are now a summer staple for men and women.

Boat Shoes for Men

When it comes to styling boat shoes for men, it's important to lean into the preppy and coastal vibes that the shoes naturally exude. They work best with more tailored (non-cargo) shorts, or well-fitted, tapered or straight-leg jeans or chinos. The key is to avoid wide-leg pants that can look disproportionate with the small boat shoe. The pants should also be cuffed to show off the boat shoes; a simple single or double cuff will do the trick. For a smarter look, opt for a simple button-down shirt, a crew knit, or a pique polo shirt. To add a playful touch, try patterns like gingham, plaid, or stripes.

When it comes to socks, it's best to avoid visible socks and instead opt for invisible ankle socks or go sockless. If you do choose to wear socks, dark colours are preferable to light colours, and avoid calf-height crew socks at all costs!

Boat Shoes for Women

Boat shoes are a great option for women who want to wear a casual shoe that isn't a sneaker. They can be styled with a variety of outfits, from white jeans to boyfriend jeans, corduroy pants, straight-leg jeans, and shorts. For a classic nautical look, pair boat shoes with a striped tee, white skinny jeans, and a navy raincoat. This look can easily be adapted for warmer weather by swapping the skinny jeans for a pair of white shorts.

Boat shoes are also perfect for business casual or smart casual dress codes. They can be dressed up with a blazer and a button-down shirt, or kept casual with a t-shirt and jeans. When it comes to socks, women can also opt for invisible ankle socks or go sockless, but if you prefer to wear visible socks, no-show socks are a good option.

Frequently asked questions