5 Days, 5 Ways: Boat Shoes

Yes, they're still cool

By Gabi Meyers | Last Updated: Jun 9 2021 | 4 min read

Boat shoes have gotten a bad rap. Sure, they immediately conjure up the jerk jock in every ’80s teen movie, but doesn’t that mean they’re due for a renaissance?

After all, this casual slip-on shoe is oh-so-easy to wear, and looks stylish with all kinds of outfits. And this summer, that combo matters more than ever. I mean, if I were just concerned with making your style easy but didn’t care if you looked good, this would be a “5 Days, 5 Ways: Flip Flops.”

Below, discover five ways to wear boat shoes this summer:

MONDAY

boat shoes, sperry topsider, fred perry, warby parker, jack spade, l.l. bean, braided belt, polo, filson

polo: Fred Perry | chinos: Everlane | bag: sold out! (similar)

SG Says: A camo bag is perfect for outside-the-house errands (don’t forget your mask!) and looks great with olive green and leather accessories.

Afraid of blisters? Sweaty feet? A pair of no-show socks will keep your feet comfortably – and stylishly – cool. It’s the refined, casual shoe to wear all spring and summer long.

TUESDAY

band collar, stripes, gant, boat shoes, denim, acne studios, sperry top-sider, ami, balsem, aesop, frank + oak

band collar shirt: Club Monaco | jeans: Acne Studios

SG Says: I’ll forever love a layered look and don’t care who knows it! This one still feels summer-appropriate, thanks to a linen band collar shirt and lightweight sweater.

To get that “zhushed” stylish look, push up your sleeves and turn up the cuffs at your ankles.

WEDNESDAY

preppy, david donahue, hm, boat shoes, sperry, linen, j crew, puggy's best, omoi zakka, tous les jour, days pen

chore coat: (similar)| shirt: David Donahue | shorts: Target

SG Says: A denim chore coat is perfect for summer with a pair of chino shorts.

Tuck in your shirt, but leave the jacket buttons untouched.

SG Says: A denim chore coat is perfect for summer with a pair of chino shorts.

Tuck in your shirt, but leave the jacket buttons untouched.

THURSDAY

white, deus ex machina, white jeans, boat shoes, sperry topsider

jeans: Levi’s | bracelet: Miansai | fob: Kingsman

SG Says: If you’re “not a shorts guy,” consider white jeans as a way to make a summer style statement. With a camp collar shirt and leather accessories that complement your boat shoes, you’ll look extremely sophisticated and feel crazy comfortable.