Military boots have commanded a unique sense of rugged style and endurance for centuries. Whether worn proudly by those serving our country on the front lines or sported in everyday fashion by civilians, these boots tell a story through their weathered leather and rugged soles. While military boots were designed first and foremost for function over fashion, with some subtle styling choices, you can harness their intrinsic cool factor and wear them confidently in your wardrobe.
In this post, I’ll walk you through some tips and tricks for styling military boots to complement casual and smart-casual outfits. From the perfect pants and shirts to pair them with to how to care for the leather over time, by the end, you’ll be an expert at how to style military boots and rock this versatile boot style with confidence.
Necessary Items
Before we dive into styling, you must ensure you have the right items to work with. Here are some essential pieces you’ll need to achieve that military-inspired look:
- Military boots (obviously): Look for ones made of high-quality leather and sturdy construction.
- Cargo pants or chinos: These pants will pair well with the rugged style of military boots.
- Slim-fit jeans: Opt for a darker wash to create contrast with the boots.
- Camouflage or solid-colored t-shirts: These can easily be dressed up or down and will complement the ruggedness of the boots.
- Button-up shirts in neutral colors: For a more sophisticated look, pair your military boots with a crisp button-up shirt in white, beige, or olive green.
- Sweaters or jackets with military-inspired details: Look for pieces with epaulets, cargo pockets, or other military-inspired information to add more style.
10 Tips on How to Style Military Boots
Tip 1: Styling with Cargo Pants
Cargo pants and military boots are a match made in heaven. The relaxed fit of cargo pants complements the chunky style of the boots, while the extra pockets add another level of utility to your outfit.
Tip 2: Dressing Up with Chinos
For a more put-together look, pair your military boots with chinos. The slim fit of chinos creates a sleek silhouette that contrasts with the chunkiness of the boots, making for a stylish and balanced outfit.
Tip 3: Adding Contrast with Slim-Fit Jeans
As mentioned before, slim-fit jeans in a darker wash will create contrast with military boots. This contrast helps to highlight the ruggedness of the shoes while also creating a more defined look.
Tip 4: Tucking in Your Pants
When wearing military boots, it’s a good idea to tuck your pants into the top of the boots. This not only helps to keep your pants and legs from getting caught on the boots but also creates a more streamlined and polished look.
Tip 5: Pairing with Camouflage Prints
Pair your military boots with a camouflage print t-shirt or jacket for a bold and edgy look. This will add an extra level of military-inspired style to your outfit. Stay moderate with the camo and stick to one statement piece at a time.
Tip 6: Mixing in Solid Colored T-Shirts
If you need to feel the camouflage vibe, solid-colored t-shirts are also a great option. Pairing a simple black or white t-shirt with military boots can create a relaxed and effortless look. You can also experiment with olive green, navy blue, or burgundy colors for a more unique outfit.
Tip 7: Dressing Up with Button-Up Shirts
For a dressier take on military boots, pair them with a button-up shirt in a neutral color. This will add a touch of sophistication to your outfit while still keeping it rugged and cool.
Tip 8: Layering with Sweaters or Jackets
As the temperatures drop, you can still rock your military boots by layering them with sweaters or jackets. Look for pieces with military-inspired details like epaulets or cargo pockets to tie in with the style of the shoes.
Tip 9: Accessorizing with Belts and Watches
Consider accessorizing with a belt and watch to add the finishing touch to your military boot look. Look for straps in rugged materials like leather or canvas, and opt for a watch with a more prominent face and chunkier design to match the style of the boots.
Tip 10: Maintaining Your Military Boots
Last but not least, taking care of your military boots is essential to ensure their longevity. Regularly clean and condition the leather and store it in a cool, dry place when not used. Additionally, make sure to re-sole or repair any damage as needed to keep your boots looking sharp.
These tips allow you to style your military boots with any outfit confidently. Whether you’re going for a casual or dressier look, these versatile boots will add an extra level of rugged style to your wardrobe. So go ahead and rock those military boots with pride!
8 Things to Avoid When Styling Military Boots
While military boots are a versatile and stylish footwear option, there are some things to avoid when styling them to ensure you achieve the best look possible. Here are eight things to avoid when styling military boots:
1. Wearing Baggy or Loose-fitting Pants
To fully showcase the style of military boots, it’s important to pair them with well-fitted pants. Avoid baggy or loose-fitting pants, creating a bulky and unflattering silhouette. Instead, opt for slim-fit or straight-leg pants that will balance out the chunkiness of the boots.
2. Choosing Pants with Flared Legs
Similarly, avoid pairing military boots with pants that have flared legs. This style can clash with the rugged and masculine look of the shoes, creating an unbalanced outfit overall. Stick to straight-leg or slim-fit pant styles for the best look.
3. Overdoing it with Camouflage
While a touch of camouflage can add an edgy vibe to your outfit, avoid going overboard with this print. Too much camouflage can make your outfit appear too busy and take away from the statement piece that is your military boots.
4. Wearing Socks That Show
When wearing military boots, choose either hidden or purposely visible socks. Avoid wearing ankle or crew socks that show unintentionally, as this can break the streamlined effect of tucking your pants into the boots.
5. Choosing Light-colored Boots
While there may be some exceptions, in general, it’s best to avoid light-colored military boots. Darker colors like black, brown, or dark green look more stylish and versatile with a more comprehensive range of outfits.
6. Skipping Proper Maintenance
As mentioned before, taking care of your military boots is critical to keeping them looking sharp. Skipping regular cleaning and maintenance can cause the leather to deteriorate quickly and impact the overall appearance of the shoes.
7. Forgetting About Proportions
When styling military boots, it’s important to keep proportions in mind. Avoid wearing oversized or bulky tops, as they can throw off the balance of your outfit and make it appear unflattering. Opt for well-fitted and proportional pieces to achieve the best look.
8. Not Making it Your Own
Lastly, one of the biggest mistakes you can make when styling military boots is not making it your own. While these tips are excellent guidelines to follow, ultimately, fashion is about self-expression and personal style.
So don’t be afraid to take risks and experiment with your military boot looks to find what works best for you. These tips allow you to style your military boots with any outfit confidently. Whether you’re going for a casual or dressier look, these versatile boots will add an extra level of rugged style to your wardrobe. So go ahead and rock those military boots with pride!
Frequently Asked Question
Can I Wear Military Boots With a Suit?
Yes, you can! Pairing military boots with a tailored suit can create a unique and stylish look. Just make sure the colors and styles of the shoes and suit complement each other well.
Can I Wear Military Boots in the Summer?
While military boots are typically seen as a fall/winter item, they can also be worn in the summer. Just make sure to choose lighter colors and materials for the boots and your outfit to keep cool.
How Do I Know What Style of Military Boots is Right for Me?
The best way to determine what military boots are proper for you is to consider your style and the outfits you plan on wearing. Try on different styles and see which ones you feel most comfortable and confident in—ultimately, choosing a style that resonates with you and makes you feel like your best self is essential.
So, try some military boots and rock them with your unique style! So, try out some military boots and weave them with your unique style! Lastly, feel free to mix and match different tips and styles to create a look that is uniquely you.
Conclusion
Military boots are a must-have addition to any wardrobe with their rugged and versatile style. By following these tips on how to style military boots and avoiding common styling mistakes, you can confidently incorporate them into your outfits and rock them with your flair. Remember to take care of your boots for longevity, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different styles to find what works best for you.
So go ahead and step out in style with your military boots! Lastly, feel free to mix and match different tips and styles to create a look that is uniquely you. With these versatile boots in hand, you’re ready to conquer any fashion challenge that comes your way. So go ahead, try out some military boots, and rock them with confidence!
