Autumn is here, winter is not too far away, and fashion needs to move accordingly with the seasons. Mid-season coats and winter coats are out of storage and now it is time to match all the accessories. What shoes should one wear in this gorgeous season? Boots? Knee-high boots? Thigh-high boots? No. The backbone of this wonderfully picturesque season are the ever classics, the Chelsea boots.
They were first developed by a London boot-maker to Queen Victoria in the 1840s by the name of J. Sparkes-Hall. These elastic-sided boots were originally called paddock boots and were mainly used for horseback riding. Did you know it was not until the 1950s/60s and influenced by the London art scene that the boots were finally called Chelsea boots? I love a little bit of history!
These timeless boots are simply wonderful, they are versatile, and can easily be worn on casual weekends or on more formal occasions. The more traditional Chelsea boots are in leather, they are sleek and smooth creating an easy chic look. A black leather boot is perfect for the more polished outfits, and for the semi-formal, weekend look, brown leather Chelsea boots will easily do the job. And of course there is always the suede Chelsea boots! Simply divine!
One should never stress out when styling these dashing boots! They always complement a range of outfits, from skirts to jeans to more tailored trousers. One should think of them as a substitute for trainers, a more stylish alternative! Wear them for a casual look, smart-casual look, polished-chic look, business-casual look, or semi-formal look; didn’t I say they are extremely versatile?
There are a few key points to take into consideration when styling these magnificent boots for the optimum chic effect, whether it be casual chic or formal chic! When dressing up for a more formal look, always ensure that the leg of the trousers sits just over the top of the bridge of the boots. And if they are being styled with jeans, then the leg of the trousers can sit above the boots. If however they are being styled with skirts, short, midi or long, the Chelsea boots will simply always create a stylish effect. They are also quite funky with cropped trousers and even with culottes.
As mentioned earlier, Chelsea boots are more traditional in black or brown, in leather or suede, but this should not prevent one to be more adventurous with colours and prints! Also, one can never go wrong with a little bit of heel!
How can Chelsea boots be styled?
How to wear them with jeans? Black or blue jeans, a big wooly jumper, an oversized coat, a pair of leather, suede, traditional or trendy coloured Chelsea boots, and that is one look.
How to wear them with a tweed jacket or a simple cashmere coat? A white shirt, a simple jumper, jeans or tailored trousers, a big thick scarf, a crossbody bag, a pair of sleek sunglasses, a pair of Chelsea boots, in black or brown leather or suede, and that is another look.
How to wear them with skirts? A short skirt, thick black tights, oversized jumper, a clutch and a pair of Chelsea boots, and here is another look. If one is not for short skirts, then how about styling them with a midi, knee-length, A-line, or pleated skirt?
Options are abundant, and Chelsea boots just adorn and uplift each of the styles beautifully.
The traditional, minimal (or not!), fashionable, and versatile Chelsea boots are classics and a definite staple in any sartorial wardrobe.
I think I am one click away from a new pair of Chelsea boots!
