What to wear with work boots. With the right jeans, jacket, and attitude, any pair of work boots can make you the best-dressed worker at the bar on the weekend. You just need to know how to perform it.
Please wash off the dirt before going out...
Why Wearing Your Work Boots Out is Actually a GREAT Idea
There is nothing wrong with wearing a good pair of boots to go to the bar, club or restaurant with your friends. Honestly, if you do it right, you look more elegant. Not only will you stand out from the crowd, but you'll also look like a good-looking guy (even if you're only wearing them because you can't afford good shoes!).
The only problem is that most men do it all wrong. Nothing looks better than a well-dressed man whose outfit matches his boots perfectly. On the other hand, nothing looks worse than a man who looks like he walked in from work, put on a T-shirt, and didn't even bother to clean his boots before leaving.
Here's how to create an outfit that makes you look like Prince's version of the working man wherever you are.
Pros of Wearing Boots Out
- They are great for all seasons, but especially for winter.
- They give you a cool look.
- You will stand out from the crowd
- Take it out and you scream confidence
- Nothing is more comfortable than a worn pair of boots
- It's profitable: wear your boots to work OR to the bar and save money.
Choosing the Perfect Jeans
If you're rocking a pair of black combat boots (not our top pick for the bar), skinny black jeans are perfect. If you're wearing a pair of dark brown hiking boots, consider red or green chinos. The mix-and-match game starts with the type of boots you're wearing.
They are the foundation of your entire look. When in doubt, nothing screams "classic cool" more than a pair of bootcut jeans with basic all-purpose construction boots (except maybe Fonzi hitting a Jukebox to turn it on, but we can't all be that cool).
To Cuff or Not to Cuff
Fists are a bit risky. If you do them right, you will look like an old-world royal. Get them wrong and you see... well... let's not ruin the night by calling THAT.
A general rule of thumb is to make a single or double bracelet, depending on your height. If you're on the short side (5'10" or less), you'll want a cuff that's 1.5" or less. A narrow cuff makes you look taller (for all those girls on Snapchat who have height requirements! ) and a wider cuff will make you look shorter. You can of course confuse this search depending on the type of pants you're wearing.
Never Tuck Your Pants Into Your Boots
Unless you ride a horse for a living (playing Red Dead Redemption doesn't count), you should always keep your pants folded over (or over) your boot. When you go out, you always want to see fashion over functionality. If you want to be the guy at the bar who tucks his pants into his socks, you can also clip your gloves to your jacket and wear a sign that says "Please don't give me your phone number." Even if it's a little less comfortable, it's worth keeping its stylish look intact.
Matching the Top to the Bottom
If you're going for a classic casual look, any plain crew neck t-shirt will go great with bootcut jeans.
When you walk with determination and confidence, your outfit speaks for itself. Remember, nothing screams confidence more than a guy who goes against the grain and makes it.
If you go the button-down or the flannel route, you can always pair a larger pair of boots with blue skinny jeans.
This will add a certain attitude to your appearance (not even the kind your parents hated when you were younger!).
What About Jackets?
If you want to add some style to your look, team a bomber jacket with combat boots. For a more business casual look, a blazer and a pair of hiking boots will get you through any job interview. Maybe you want to look a little stronger, but you don't know how to grow a beard.
In that case, put on a denim jacket to complement your construction boots. A smart combination of your boots and jackets will always take your look to the next level. Who knows, we might see you in those pesky Facebook ads selling L.L Bean boots before winter.
Quick Tips for Wearing Boots Out on the Weekend
- Loose shoes are better than tight shoes
- Bootcut or skinny/skinny jeans are a safe bet
- Never tuck your pants into your boots (unless you don't want to talk to anyone. Then be our guest)
- A good jacket can really add to your look if you choose the right one.
- Cuffs are risky, but they can make you look classy if done right.
Whether you want to look sharp for an upcoming job interview or a night out at the clubs in a rough part of town, a pair of boots will always suit your style. Feel free to use your imagination and try a few things. You'll be amazed at how much you can enhance your look with a pair of stylish work boots. Remember, being comfortable with yourself is all that matters... other than tucking your pants into your boots. That is stupid.