Men’s Chelsea Boots – New Trend

We haven’t done footwear for a long time, so I thought I would give you an update about what is going down within the men’s fashion footwear trends for Autumn/Winter. The Chelsea boot is really being pushed right now and seems to have made a MASSIVE comeback for this season. Today I am going to show you some examples of them and let you know how we can rock them successfully.

The Chelsea boot started off quite functional. In the early days it was used by horse riders who found it easier to ride in due to the comfort and elasticated sides – these allowed them to mount and dismount a horse easily (because the foot can flex further than in a boot). Where the Chelsea boot first gained popularity as a fashion item however was when the Beatles were at their height of fame. Paul McCartney was a big big fan and knew exactly how to wear them effectively. They actually were dubbed “Beatles Boots” in the 1960′s due to the whole band really setting the trend and wearing them on a regular basis.

The Mods then picked up the trend and the Chelsea Boot became a real style staple in their wardrobe/outfits. This is how I would expect you to wear the Chelsea boot this season. Hark back to the days of The Beatles and Mods to wear the Chelsea boot with trousers/chinos, sharp shirts and tailoring. The Rolling Stones were next to pick the trend up, but added a more substantial Cuban heel to the boots, which I think we can safely leave in the past! Unless you want to look like a woman, or ageing over the top rock and roll star.

The modern gentleman is the look you are going for here to bring it bang up to date by slim fitting (skinny) your trousers and teaming them with a great pea coat, mac or blazer. Also, ditch the messy indie hair cut this season for a short and sharp look. This goes for your facial hair as well as hair style. Keeping everything clean and well groomed is the key to really pulling off this smart and well put together look.

Later on this week, I will put together a look book featuring Chelsea Boots in order to help get your head around the whole Mod scene – for now check out the best varieties available from around the web below…

Men’s Chelsea Boots

Office, Schuh and Topman
All 3 of these high street retailers are doing some great versions in low cut, high cut, browns, blacks and suede this season. Prices range from anything between £40 to around £150. Would be a great investment shoe for the season though and can be worn with most of your formal or relaxed formal looks. Keep them well kept and shiny new in order to really epitomise the Mod style.

Premium Designer Boots
I am on the look out for some more new premium designer releases but have yet to come across them. Paul Smith just embodies everything to do with the traditional British Mods, so his new black release below is probably as close to perfect as you can get for a Chelsea boot. Balenciaga has also released an amazing new version (bottom left) that I would love to get my hands on!