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by Shoe Zone
written by Shoe Zone
Last updated on October 8th, 2019 at 11:04 am
Jump to:
- What are Chelsea boots?
- When did Chelsea boots become fashionable?
- How should Chelsea boots fit?
- How should I wear Chelsea boots?
- When should I wear Chelsea boots?
- How can I take care of my Chelsea boots?
If there is one style of boots we should all have in our autumn and winter wardrobes, it’s a pair of classic Chelsea boots.A style icon that has stood the test of time and only grown in popularity, it’s one of the ‘it’ styles to be seen in this season and every season.
So how should you wear you Chelsea boots, how should they fit and when should you wear them? Sit back and relax as we give you the low down on Chelsea boots.
What are Chelsea boots?
Chelsea boots are a classic ankle length boot for men and women. Designed with a round toe, a low heel and an elasticated panel, it’s easy to slip them on and off. They are a close fitting style that fits snugly against your foot and ankle to create a smart, clean look.
When and why did Chelsea boots become fashionable?
The iconic, elasticated Chelsea boot design is credited to Queen Victoria’s personal shoe maker J. Sparkes-Hall, who claimed back in 1851 that the queen herself wore them every single day making them an instant hit with the rest of Great Britain. However, they only became part of mainstream fashion in the 1960s and 70s. These cultural trends helped them become a wardrobe staple.
- Pop music. The simple Chelsea boot style didn’t really burst onto the fashion scene with a vengeance until the swinging sixties hit London. Worn by models such as Jean Shrimpton and bands such as the Rolling Stones and the Beatles, they were soon the go-to shoe made on the iconic Kings Road area of Chelsea- hence the name.
- Mod subculture. With the mod scene taking off, trend followers soon adopted this boot style as part of their smart and slick uniform. They became even more popular in 1961, when the Beatles had their very own Chelsea boot style made known as the ‘Beatles Boots’. These boots had a slightly different look to the classic Chelsea design, featuring a pointy toe and high Cuban heel.
- Star Wars. During the 1970s Chelsea boots had another new lease of life wen they made a surprise appearance in the Star Wars trilogy. Worn by Darth Vader’s Stormtroopers, they were in the same style but in the futuristic colour white.
How should Chelsea boots fit?
Chelsea boots are one of the most close-fitting types of footwear, so should fit snugly around your feet. In this quick Chelsea boots fitting guide, follow these three tips to get the perfect fit.
- Buy your correct size and no bigger. Chelsea boots are normally true to size, so there’s no need to size up or down. If your Chelsea boots feel too loose, pop on an extra pair of socks.
- Check for a gap between the boot and your ankle. The elasticated side panel helps keep this a close fit, so there should be no gap here. Chelsea boots normally come with a handy loop or tab at the back of the boot to enable you to pull them on.
- Stretch your boots. If you’re finding it tough getting this close-fitting style on and off and the tab at the back is not helping you, stretch the boots out slightly using a boot stretcher until you find that it is easier to get them on.
How should I wear Chelsea boots?
Men can pair Chelsea boots with:
- Skinny jeans. Cool and casual, Chelsea boots look fantastic when styled with jeans. Why not pick a tan pair to go with your black skinny jeans for a cool, off the runway look?
- Boot cut jeans. Not a fan of skinny jeans? Fear not: they look just as good when paired with your regular fit and boot cut jeans. Try suede styles- these will give you a more relaxed vibe.
- A fitted suit. Bring a retro feel to your look by styling a pair of classic black Chelsea boots with fitted suit. Don’t forget tan and brown styles can look fantastic against different shades of blue.
Women can pair Chelsea boots with:
- Leggings and a warm cosy knitted top. It’ll give you an elegant dressed-down look. Mix things up and choose a tan pair, it gives you a real autumnal look that screams style.
- Fitted trousers and puss*bow blouse. This outfit will look super smart for the office when you add a pair of black Chelsea boots. Who said Chelsea boots aren’t formal?
- A simple shift dress. For the best look, go for a bold colour and add thick tights along with a pair of Chelsea boots. Elegant and stylish, what more could you want?
- Skater skirt and knitted top. Paired with Chelsea boots, this outfit delivers a glamourous yet grungy look. Chelsea boots don’t always have to be flat- if you’re going out, simply choose a pair with a bit more of a heel.
When should I wear Chelsea boots?
The Chelsea boot’s simple style means they’re really versatile and can be worn for a number of different occasions- at different times of the year. Here are some of the most popular ways to wear your Chelsea boots.
- Festivals. A more stylish alternative to wellies, Chelsea boots work perfectly at a festival.
- Work. Super smart and sleek when teamed with a suit, Chelsea boots for the office give you a fashionable look that harks back to the swinging sixties.
- Weekend walks. If it’s a laidback weekend you’re wearing Chelsea boots for, pair them with skinny jeans and cosy knit- but don’t forget the edgy leather jacket and winter warmers.
- Evenings out.For a cute and quirky look on a night out or evening at the pub, Chelsea boots look great teamed with bare legs and a black dress. Add a fedora hat and chunky jewellery to dress the look up.
- Warm weather. Style your Chelsea boots with frilly ankle socks and bare legs for a throwback Alexa Chung look that never goes out of fashion in the summertime.
How can I take care of my Chelsea boots?
Most Chelsea boots tend to be made from leather, so it’s essential to look after them correctly. Follow this step-by-step process to maintain your boots properly.
- Dampen a cloth with warm soapy water
- Use a soft rotating motion to remove any marks
- Buff using a good black or brown polish
- Use an old cloth or soft bristle brush to eliminate scratches and marks
From removing scuffs to polishing to perfection, learn more boots maintenance tips and advice.
Shoe Zone
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