[Fashion Alert] Lace-up Boots for Men

source: http://www.gq.com

For this autumn/winter season the trend shoes are: lace-up boots!

Among women this trend started to spread even before it was discovered -

Among men, however, this boot-trend is still 

slowly getting down from runway to walkway.

Shout-out to all my gentlemen out there: You haven't gotten your own pair of lace-up boots yet? You think that lace-up boots don't look good on men?

Let me try to convince you of the opposite - Read on after the jump!

~ Mary ~

First things first: 

What are these lace-up boots about?

Basically these are ankle high/over-the-ankle high boots, usually made of material like leather/pleather, suede, felt etc. (pretty much all sorts of heavy, thick material that one would associate with warmth & winter). The main part of this trend is - as the name already suggests - the laces. 

Other than that there are many variations for these boots.

Some of them have a collar that you can flap down for a more relaxed, laid-back style, others have a more slim, polished built and need to be laced up all the way up to the rim. For extra warmth you can also find yourself a pair with lining. 

To get a closer look and impression on lace-up boots, 

here is a selection from ZIGN and LLOYD. These are 2 brands that are especially popular in Germany.

Of course there are waaaaay more examples out there. These 2 brands carry really good-quality shoes. Consequently they are also usually on the pricier side. I personally recommend you to go into a shoe store and try some pairs on instead of ordering them online. If you're not familiar with this trend yet or if you're going to get your first pair, definitely try them on beforehand!!!

Although these boots are part of a current trend, I guess it's ok for you to spend a decent amount of money on a good pair. Because these boots are not only a trend item but also very practical and comfortable. You will surely be able to wear the heck out of them!

Let's say, you got yourself a really nice pair:

Now - What do you pair lace-up boots with?

Roughly you can distinguish between two different styles:

1) The more formal, elegant one

2) The more casual, youthful one

If you're aiming for style 1 then I assume that you are more of the classy, mature type of person. In that case look out for a pair of lace-ups that are darker in colour and have a slimmer built. Also try to find a pair that has a very low "heel" and a flat tread. 

Once you got your perfect pair incorporate them into an overall sophisticated outfit: 

A dark pair of pants or jeans. But don't hide your cool boots underneath the pants! Lace them up and tug  your pants into the boots. As for your upper half, everything from pullover to button-down shirt works well. For the ultimate elegant style, I suggest a button-down shirt underneath a neutral coloured pullover!

If you're going for style 2 then you must be more of the carefree, relaxed type of person. In that case the perfect pair of lace-ups will give you that final cool touch that makes every outfit super trendy without having to put much effort into it. Here is what you should look for in your lace-ups:

A pair with a collar you can flap down. Best would be ones that have 2 collars attached to them. So you can flap down one collar and leave the second collar to stay up. For you even lighter-coloured or multi-coloured boots work. Also you can go for a tougher look by wearing a pair with a prominent "heel" and/or a deep tread.

Pairings: The key is to keep everything casual. A washed-out, vintage-looking pair of jeans paired with a t-shirt and a slouchy, oversized cardigan or hoody - done!

Finally here are some nice pairing examples, ranging from casual to elegant:

source: www.refindrebel.com

One pair of lace-up boots - 3 different looks and all look good!

source: www.stylebistro.com

Justin Timberlake - always first to rock a fashion trend ;)

source: www.stylebistro.com

 There's nothing more casual than a shirt and jeans!

source: www.stylebistro.com

You can never go wrong with a blazer! 

What are you waiting for: Rock your very own lace-up boots, gentlemen!