How To Wear Combat Boots

With Workwear

Boots and workwear go together like shirts go with ties, coffee with croissants and pineapple with pizza. (Yes, that last one does work.)

Best of all, because we’re guessing that you’re not actually going to be doing manual labor in this outfit, don’t be afraid to mix up the textures of your boots. Brown suede or nubuck, for example, goes perfectly with dark denim and shows others you really know how to wear combat boots in any situation.

For everything above the combat boots, stick to the staples of the workwear cannon: a pair of dark jeans, a chore jacket with utility pockets, a simple T-shirt and a beanie to finish it all off.

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Minimal

Some days we simply don’t have the mental capacity to clash patterns or experiment with new silhouettes. Some days we just want to return to the safe embrace of old faithfuls.

Luckily for those cases, learning how to wear combat boots can be an effortless way to elevate a simple look. “I wear mine with any kind of denim,” explains Tim Little, creative director of British shoe brand Grenson. “The trick is to avoid bottoms that are too long, otherwise you don’t see the leg of the boot.”

Whether you opt for jeans or trousers, keep the fit cropped or roll up the hems yourself. For a sleek, minimalist look, top this with a monochrome T-shirt and neatly cut bomber jacket.

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With Outerwear

Bored of schlepping to your desk in the same old work shoes? If you’re lucky enough to work in a smart-casual office, ditch the Derbies in and show off that you know how to wear combat boots to show some creativity in the office.

Doing so with commando sole kicks will be just enough for your workmates to go, “nice crepes, mate”, but not too much to send Tracy from HR into a meltdown over your anti-uniform revolution.