boots
Credit: Instagram @lukasabbat

Words: Jake Halpin

When it comes to foundational elements of a man’s wardrobe, a good pair of boots should be about as high on the list as just about anything else you can think of. However, too often, we compartmentalise them to our winter wardrobes, seemingly capable only of styling in the cooler months of the year.

As a fervent supporter of boots for all occasions (and indeed, all seasons) I can confidently say that boots will find as much of a home in your summer outfits as they do for winter. Not only do they retain all of the styling options they have in the cooler months, but warmer weather invites new and bold ways to incorporate them into your everyday attire.

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Personally, I have a few trusty pairs of boots that I wear nearly every day of the year (no, seriously). Why? Put simply, I love them. Boots are incredibly flattering – worn as the finishing touch to a sleek ensemble, they add an instant touch of elegance and sophistication to any outfit. They inject a certain je ne sais quoi that says, “I dressed up for this” to your ensemble that at once emboldens you and encourages others to take note.

I have a few trusty go-to’s, like my classic black Saint Laurent Wyatt boots, which I purchased a few years ago and are still going strong. I have a few more adventurous pairs, like a tan suede pair from Sandro I bought on a whim during a trip to Paris, and a biker-esque pair I nabbed at a very reasonable price from ASOS, which are great as a statement style.

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In winter, they’re reliable pieces which see high rotation, perfect for pairing with whatever trousers or jeans I’m wearing. In summer, they see a new side of my wardrobe, ideal for more distressed denim, matched with a short-sleeved casual shirt, or if I’m feeling brave, with a t-shirt worn tucked into a pair of wide-leg shorts and socks which peek just above the top of the boots.

boots Botteg Veneta Fall 2020
Fall 2020 Bottega Veneta / Credit: Victor VIRGILE/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images

The point is: your boots can be as versatile as you want them to be. It can be tempting to dress down as the weather gets warmer. It makes sense – we want to relax, breathe easily and carry the sense of effortlessness and ease that we associate with summer. But next time you’re getting dressed up, don’t look past your boots. Instead, think of how much fun you can have creating a whole host of new outfits with them for summer.

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I, for one, will be thinking fond thoughts on how I can style Bottega Veneta’s new ‘BV Lean Boots’ into my outfits this summer (and beyond).

Giorgio Armani Leather Beatle Boots with Band and Zip / $1,150 AUD SHOP NOW
Saint Laurent Wyatt Chelsea Boots In Suede / $1,220 AUD
SHOP NOW
Bottega Veneta BV Lean Boots / $1,760 AUD SHOP NOW
RM Williams Comfort Craftsman Boots / $595 AUD SHOP NOW