How to Properly Wear Chelsea Boots in 2022

Chelsea boots are a fashion staple and a timeless piece in male fashion. They’ve been around for almost two centuries and still feature a men’s wardrobe essential in 2022. Would you like to add these  men’s ankle boots to your appearance but aren’t sure how to do that? Check out our guide and reveal all details about how to wear Chelsea boots in summer and any other season! 

History of the Chelsea Boot 

The Chelsea boots' history goes back to 1837. According to historians, that’s when J. Sparkes-Hall designed the first pair of these shoes. She was Queen Victoria’s shoemaker, so she enjoyed a great reputation in England. Sparkes-Hall used vulcanized rubber to add more elasticity and comfort to the shoe. 

While Queen Victoria enjoyed wearing them, they were known as paddock boots at the time. It was in the 1950s when the name Chelsea boots originated. The trendsetters from that part of London promoted these shoes, and that’s how they became famous in this neighborhood. 

But what are Chelsea boots? They feature an ankle-long pair of shoes whose sides have elastic panels. Although modern designs vary, you’ll recognize them by having no laces.

Before you learn how to style Chelsea boots, here are their main characteristics: 

• Elastic sides. The idea is to put on and remove shoes without any hassle.
• Ankle height. Horse riders and those spending time in the country appreciated the extra protection and coverage for ankles. 
• Low heels. It’s a feature that makes walking in these shoes easy. 
• Plain and rounded toes. It’s all about simplicity and achieving a clean appearance. The modern variations might have a chisel square toe style.
• Pull tugs. These are useful for removing and putting on the shoes easier since there are no laces. 

Types of Chelsea Boots 

If you assess the material, two types of Chelsea boots exist – leather and suede. You can also pick from a huge range of colors. The classic options include brown, black, gray, and tan Chelsea boots. It’s possible to go with blue, green, or burgundy.  These colors are harder to match with the clothes, but they offer an authentic look. 

Leather Chelsea Boots 

Leather is the traditional option for this one of the  essential pieces of men’s wardrobe. Simplicity is often the secret to looking fantastic, and these shoes prove that. If you go with black leather Chelsea boots, you can combine them with suits and look classy. Brown could look better on smart casual wear. Feel free to mix them with jeans and even a leather jacket in the same color. 

Suede Chelsea Boots

Whether it’s brown or black suede Chelsea boots, this material ensures you don’t look too formal. If you are going with a relaxed but powerful look, you can’t go wrong with suede.

If you are in the country, brown might even create some resemblance with the cowboys. And if you are heading for an urban environment, pick a black or gray suede men’s Chelsea boot look to dazzle everyone around you. 

How to Style Chelsea Boots

Styling Chelsea boots isn’t a simple task. These shoes are versatile and fit almost any occasion. But you also need to pick the suitable material and color for the opportunity. Check out ways to wear Chelsea boots based on the occasion: 

Casual look

These are everyday combinations to wear when you see a friend or buy some clothes. But you still shouldn’t combine tracksuits with these shoes. Instead, choose jeans with Chelsea boots. Go with dark or light-colored straight-leg jeans to look more casual. Pick a T-shirt that will be a contrast to those pants, and add a jacket if it’s cold. 

Business casual look

You need an  elegant appearance for the office, but one that doesn’t say you tried too hard. Here’s how to style Chelsea boots for work – pick brown or black color and choose clothes accordingly. Slim-cut chinos can do the trick, and you can combine that with a roll-neck sweater. As for outerwear, go with a blazer to round up the appearance. 

Semi-formal and formal look

Black and brown are the perfect colors for shoes for a business meeting. You can’t go wrong with a white or light-colored shirt and a dark-shade suit. The best way to wear Chelsea boots with a suit is to ensure the colors aren’t too much contrast. 

Night-out

On these occasions, the best jeans for Chelsea boots feature darker shades. Slim fit is a better choice than a straight leg since it looks more stylish. If you prefer, you can go in dress pants to look elegant. The best way to wear Chelsea boots with these is if the pants are light-brown and the shoes a darker shade of this color. As for other men's apparel items, a shirt is always a smart pick. 

So, if you ask “where to wear Chelsea boots,” the answer is anywhere. They can fit any occasion, and it’s only about matching them with the overall appearance. 

How Should Chelsea Boots Fit? 

Before you learn how to style Chelsea rain boots, it’s important to pick the right size. The lack of laces means you can’t tighten them if you want them snugger. That’s why you need to get the perfect fit initially. You should  measure your shoe size at home first. Regardless of your feet type, you should wear socks when trying the shoes. 

Make sure to put on the sock thickness you plan to wear with the boots. While trying them, begin with the size you are wearing otherwise. Even  shoes that are a wide fit can be a fine choice if they aren’t too loose. Your feet might swell if you spend a lot of time standing. That’s when you could appreciate the extra space. Always make several steps to determine if the boots seem like an optimal fit. If it seems so, get them right away and enjoy the versatile shoe solution for all occasions!

Mariam Simmons

Mariam Simmons is a fashion enthusiast and Content Manager at Alpine Swiss. She loves traveling to the world’s top stylish destinations and gets inspired to create helpful fashion and lifestyle guides. With over a decade of writing experience, her main goal in creating content is to ensure readers learn something useful and provide value instead of noise.