How to wear Chelsea boots to work. Chelsea boots are a staple in any stylish man's wardrobe. With their timeless shape and design, these simple yet sophisticated shoes are a must-have for men of all ages and styles. From cool, laid-back suede options to classic leather styles, Chelsea boots are versatile, comfortable, and on-trend.
Whether you're sporting a casual weekend look or dressing for a semi-formal function, these shoes are a great choice. To perfect your Chelsea boot style, all you need to know is which pair to choose and what works best for them. Luckily, we're here to help and show you how to wear your Chelsea boots in style.
What is a Chelsea Boot?
A Chelsea boot is a style of footwear that dates back to the Victorian era. The shoe was invented by J. Sparkes-Hall, Queen Victoria's shoemaker. Chelsea boots are designed for easy on and off, are laceless, and have an elastic or vulcanized rubber ankle on the side.
Originally made for men and women, the ankle-high style traditionally features a small heel and a pull tab at the back for easy donning. The boot's current name is believed to be due to its popularity in the Chelsea area of London in the 1950s and 1960s, when the mods, the Beatles, and even the Rolling Stones shook up the style of footwear.
Leather Chelsea Boots
When it comes to wearing Chelsea boots, there are two main styles to choose from. The first is the traditional Chelsea leather boot. Thanks to their sleek and smooth aesthetic, Chelsea leather boots look stylish and can easily be worn as dress shoes with many polished outfits.
You can even combine the style with a suit for more formal occasions. Before then, black leather Chelsea boots will work best. You can also opt for a polished or patent leather look for an extra touch of sophistication. On the other hand, brown leather Chelsea boots are also a great style of footwear and go with many semi-formal, smart casual, and business casual looks.
Suede Chelsea Boots
The second type of Chelsea boots is available in the suede variant. Due to their texture, suede Chelsea boots look more casual than traditional leather styles and can give outfits a relaxed aesthetic. As such, they can look a little understated for formal looks and tend to go best with casual and smart casual wear.
Like leather Chelsea boots, suede styles are also typically made in classic shades of black and brown. When choosing between colors, keep in mind that black is best for creating an urban outfit, and brown can provide a relaxed, country look. Since suede shoes can easily get wet and spoil, it makes sense to cover your shoes with a waterproof suede protector to keep them looking their best even in winter.
Chelsea Boot Outfits
Chelsea boots are extremely versatile and can be worn successfully with both casual and more formal looks. Their simple, clean design allows them to complement a variety of outfits without clashing or appearing uncoordinated.
So whether you wear them with jeans or a suit, these shoes can look great. Creating a superior set of Chelsea boots comes down to dressing for the occasion and moving on from there.
Whether you go for a casual, smart casual, business casual, or semi-formal look, it affects which Chelsea boots you should wear and which items to wear with them.
Casual
Chelsea boots can be easily dressed up for a casual look and can be a stylish alternative to sneakers.
While you can wear leather or suede Chelsea boots for a casual look, suede Chelsea boots will have a more relaxed look.
Especially the brown suede Chelsea boots exude a cool casual style that fits perfectly with other essentials in your wardrobe.
Wear a pair of skinny jeans, a white t-shirt, and a denim overshirt for a contemporary weekend look.
Smart Casual
While Chelsea boots go well with casual outfits, they can also go well with smart-casual looks. With their streamlined look, these boots will help take the classic pieces in your wardrobe to the next level to look more sophisticated.
Simple items like black jeans, a turtleneck sweater, and a double-breasted coat look super soft when worn with Chelsea boots. While both suede and leather styles can be used to create this smart casual look, a black leather pair is better for an urban-chic look.
Business Casual
If you think your Chelsea boots are just for after-hours and on weekends, think again. These boots are so versatile that they can also be combined well with business casual clothing.
The key to the perfect business casual outfit with your boots is finding the right balance. Start by choosing a leather boot style to keep it sophisticated, but avoid patent leather options as they can look too dressy.
Then keep it casual, but fit for the office with chinos, an Oxford shirt, and a blazer. Opting for a plaid or pattern on your blazer or shirt can also help give your look a classy edge.
Semi-Formal
Chelsea boots can be surprisingly good shoes for semi-formal occasions. Chelsea boots are a great alternative to oxfords, brogues, and loafers and go well with a suit. All you have to do is select the perfect pair. If you're wearing a black or gray suit, wear black boots for a formal feel and a consistent color palette.
If you're wearing a navy blue or brown suit, you can choose between black and brown boots to suit your style. Also, don't forget to make sure your pants fit perfectly over your boots for a sleek silhouette.
How to wear Chelsea boots
- Make sure your pant leg is just above the top of your boots.
- Opt for suede styles for a casual look and leather boots for a dressy look.
- Coat your suede Chelsea boots with a waterproof spray to keep them looking sharp in any weather.
- Choose brown or black Chelsea boots, depending on what best suits your outfit.
- Wear Chelsea boots with jeans and a t-shirt or with a suit.