From reader Michael Clark: “I’m looking for some awesome boots. Help.”
Michael, we may be almost out of the winter season officially but we all know how insane Georgia weather can be. It could snow in May for all we know. Thanks, climate change.
I’ve picked four different boots, two for you, Michael, and two for the ladies.
All of the boots I picked are ankle boots, but none of them are chukkas. Why? We all know they look good on pretty much everyone, even people who suffer from cankles. I’m not here to tell you what you already know. Allow me to open your mind with these equally tasteful alternative ankle boots.
For the Chelsea boots, the style rules are mostly the same for both sexes: keep it simple. Chelsea boots are all about the “no fuss” mentality of getting dressed.
H&M Boots, $29.95
As always – ladies first. My first selection is a budget pick from H&M for $29.95. These boots are an excellent example of versatility in footwear, as they can be paired with numerous outfits, and transition well into spring. Pair them with tights and a loose blouse and a topcoat, or when it warms up, these boots would also look ravishing with a floral skirt.
ASOS ARIZONA Woven Chelsea Boots, $64.82
This option from ASOS are a little pricier at around $65, but they bring a lot of sass for the buck. Chelsea boots became prominent during the 1960’s thanks to the Beatles and the Rolling Stones, but this woven style brings a fresh aesthetic to a timeless silhouette. Like the option from H&M, these ASOS boots are versatile as well, but should only be paired with edgier selections. Keep in the tradition of their rock and roll roots and pair them with an oversized flannel shirt, rolled denim jeans. Or on days when Georgia is mysteriously warm, jean short-shorts and band t-shirt of your choice. I suggest one the XX band t-shirts if you’re trying to be authentic.
H&M Leather Chelsea Boots, $99
Sadly, gentlemen, our boot selection is a bit pricier than the ladies. Less demand for good stuff, I guess. Chelsea boots for us boys are just as versatile as they are for girls, they were our boots first. Chelsea boots were paired with Saville Row bespoke suits of the tweed variety, but we can’t all afford a custom $3,000 to wear to class every day as much we all wish we could. This genuine leather option is still exceedingly viable in casual wear, and is often paired with any wash of denim, black or black corduroys, or if you’re feeling edgy… pair them with cuffed brown chinos. That’s right – black and brown DO go together. They are both neutral colors, don’t listen to the peasant “fashionistas” who claim that black and brown should never be worn together!
ASOS Chelsea Boots With Zip, $64.82
Generally it’s a rule to avoid zip chelsea boots, but I couldn’t resist this gorgeous boot. I suggest these especially if you’re not afraid of wearing boots in the warmer months with shorts. You might get some weird looks at first, but wearing these beauties with shorts will really set you apart from the style peasants.
