FASHION EXPERTS ON STYLING BOAT SHOES WITHOUT LOOKING LIKE A SAILOR

Boat shoes are making a major comeback this summer according to Vogue
Brands offer variations, from classic Sperry, to Miu Miu, with a $925 version
Stylists told FEMAIL how to craft an outfit without looking like a deckhand

Preppy boat shoes are making a major comeback according to The New York Times and Vogue - but it's no longer about nautical ensembles, and instead is all about pairing chic, classic ensembles with the fashionable footwear.

Plenty of brands are offering up variations, from classic favorites from Sperry, which cost around $100 depending on the design, to Miu Miu, which sells a $925 version.

For those hoping to embrace the summertime trend without looking like a sailor, it can be difficult to put together the perfect ensemble.

FEMAIL has now spoken to stylists to find out how to create an outfit that won't leave you looking like a deckhand.

Stylist Hallie Abrams, based in Cleveland, shares preppy outfit ideas as the Wardrobe Stylist with her 202,000 followers.

Hallie told DailyMail.com folks new to the craze should skip the classics and try a more on trend option, like the Miu Miu suede boat shoe ($950) because it 'has a sleek look with a slightly elongated toe and a lived-in feel due to the suede that makes it feel both old and new at the same time.'

For those looking for a more budget-friendly option, Hallie likes the distressed Mango leather offering for $179.

Hallie recommends pairing any trend with 'items you know, love, and feel comfortable in, especially when trying it out,' which 'gives the new piece a better chance of feeling right straight away.'

For boat shoes specifically, Hallie likes 'the idea of wearing boat shoes with something more feminine to play off the juxtaposition.'

To make sure you don't look like a sailor, the stylist advised steering clear of 'nautical stripes or pants with nautical button details' and instead choosing 'classic, somewhat preppy pieces to give the outfit a cohesive look without feeling like a costume.'

And to settle the debate about what socks are best with boat shoes, Hallie said, 'You can't go wrong going sockless with a boat shoe - they're meant for boats, so no socks just make sense.'

'If you need a sock from a comfort, blister, sweaty feet perspective, no-show socks will always work [since] they provide foot coverage without breaking the visual line on the leg. However, adding an ankle sock, similar to how an ankle sock is worn with a loafer, can look very cool, fun, and edgy.'

New York City-based stylist Jordanna Sharp suggested embracing the boat shoe craze with a brand like Sperry, telling DailyMail.com, 'Classic is always best, especially if new to a trend.'

'I would gravitate toward the suede options and without the contrasting color stitching detail, this way the shoes feel a little more timeless while also being on trend,' Jordanna explained.

'With any trend it is better if it feels a little understated, so you know you are wearing something of the moment but not in an overtly obvious way.'

Jordanna said this summer she thinks boat shoes would look best 'styled with straight leg denim, a classic button down fully tucked, and a cool statement belt,' which she called the 'perfect way to make them feel more city appropriate.'

'For a little more edge, would pair them with a mini skirt, tank top and slightly oversized blazer.'

And for those who don't want to get too nautical, Jordanna advised against pairing them with linen and instead 'gravitate to pairing with cool denim, and a slightly more masculine top, boxy tee tucked into denim or an oversized blazer.'

2024-05-08T16:40:02Z dg43tfdfdgfd