ARE BROWN BOOTS THE MOST VERSATILE?
I wrote an article about creating a neutral-colored capsule wardrobe featuring a pair of brown lace-up boots.
I stand by my advice in that post because the priority was teaching how to get the most out of only fifteen pieces. However, if we're honest, most men will have more items in their closet than the fifteen pieces I wrote about in the article, as mentioned above. Depending on where one lives, boots might be essential for the fall and winter because they help keep one's feet warm and dry.
There are many options available, from chukka boots (ankle boots) to Chelsea boots, dress boots, cowboy boots, combat boots, conventional work boots, and various other ankle boots. When it comes to any of these options, you can't go wrong with anything in a brown color. The question then becomes: how dark of a brown color should a man opt for?
Desert boots in sand colorways are still brown and look great with neutral-colored outfits. However, styling boots like these can be difficult if we try to put together a black or gray monochromatic ensemble. On the other hand, darker shades of brown boots might look better with black or dark grey but contrast too boldly with much lighter tones of colors.
THE SOLUTION
I believe that a pair of dark olive suede boots can replace virtually all the boots in your closet, be it casual, rugged, or dress boots. While not every dark olive suede boot will work for every outfit, they are more versatile than simply brown or black boots.
It's important to note that this advice is intended for men who have already established their starter wardrobe and are looking to expand upon it. If you're starting from scratch, a pair of brown boots might be the best way to keep things simple. However, dark olive suede boots can almost entirely replace brown and black boots for those aiming for a minimalistic wardrobe.
DRESS BOOTS, CHELSEA BOOTS, CHUKKA BOOTS, CAP TOE BOOTS & MORE
Not all shades of green are identical, so it's important to be discerning when investing in green boots. You want to look stylish, not silly.
Dark olive green is a naturally earthy color with brown undertones. While it may seem muted and not very versatile on its own, it does an incredible job of rounding out your wardrobe.
I have extensively discussed the many benefits of having a neutral-colored wardrobe, and I even have a comprehensive guide on the topic.
WHY NEUTRALS ARE THE BEST COLORS FOR MEN TO WEAR
STRAIGHTFORWARD
Dressing well shouldn't be overly complicated or insanely expensive. By learning to work smarter, any man can "fool-proof" his wardrobe by choosing neutral-colored pieces that pair well with other neutral garments. The straightforward nature of a neutral-colored collection allows men to accomplish more with less by affording them virtually endless options.
VERSATILE & INTERCHANGEABLE
Investing in a neutral-colored wardrobe will enable you to expand your options when pairing various pieces together. Neutral-colored garments can work efficiently and be mixed and matched in numerous ways.
Building a capsule wardrobe can become increasingly important, especially when attempting to save money. Prioritizing a neutral-colored capsule wardrobe is, by far and away, the best way to zero in on the essential pieces of clothing that can cover you for just about any situation you can think of.
TIMELESS & TASTEFUL
Neutral colors are equally timeless as they are tasteful. These are the more traditional colors in menswear and, therefore, look natural when combined. This can be an excellent built-in fail-safe because you don't have to worry about (or overthink) how to pair specific garments together; instead, you can rest easy knowing they will work no matter the combinations you employ.
EASILY EXPANDABLE
Neutral colors are foundational in that they can easily be expanded upon. Because of their inherent qualities, neutrals can mix well with other primary and secondary colors. So, once you have determined your style and graduated to find newer and bolder pieces that look great on you and help you feel confident, it is likely that the foundational neutral-colored components that you already have in your closet can also be mixed and matched with your new-found (or future) statement pieces.
HOW TO WEAR DARK OLIVE SUEDE BOOTS
BLACK & GRAY
Monochromatic outfits consist of varying shades of the same color. Here, I'm experimenting with black and charcoal grey to create a simple yet striking look. The only item that differs in color is my boots. Here's a great example of how to style black with dark olive suede boots.
Whether for casual, smart casual, or slightly more formal wear, these boots work just as well as black boots, in my opinion. Due to their great texture, these suede chukkas are a subtle way to add depth and visual interest to this otherwise simple (mostly monochromatic) look.
The car coat features a nice herringbone pattern, which, when paired with the black slim-fit jeans, creates consistency where textures harmonize rather than compete with each other.
BLUE & GREEN
I enjoy combining blue and green. These are analogous colors, which means they are next to each other on the color wheel and work well with neutral colors like tan, khaki, or white. Whether it's a jacket, a pair of shoes, or simply the soles of your shoes, almost any combination of these colors looks smart and elegant.
BROWN TONES
Light or dark brown boots would work well with this outfit. However, brown-toned garments go exceptionally well with dark olive suede boots due to the complimenting earthy tones found in both. Adding white to tonal brown ensembles can also make your outfits look extremely stylish. White is a versatile choice that naturally pairs well with all sorts of neutral colors.
However, wearing all-white clothing, such as white pants, can be tricky to pull off. Nevertheless, when done tastefully, pairing white with rich brown, light tan, or creamy beige can create a bold and handsome look.
As you can see, wearing dark olive suede boots and white denim elevates the outfit more than traditional brown leather boots.
FESTIVE REDS
Red and green are complementary colors as they are opposite each other on the color wheel. We often see these colors together during Christmas, but using a red and green color scheme in fashion is a stylish way to dress for festive occasions. Whether it's Christmas or a Valentine's Day date, pairing dark olive suede with red garments will look exceptional due to its inherent contrast.
PAIRED TEXTURES
Corduroy is another excellent texture that pairs well with suede and looks great in trousers. Whether the corduroy is a shade of green or a rich brown color, the dark olive suede chukka boots look great when paired with any neutral-colored slim-fit trousers.
EARTHY TONES
Earthy tones are a great match for dark olive green suede because they are neutral. Whether you want to create a smart casual, formal, or ultra-casual outfit, an earth-toned color palette is always a good choice.
While blue denim is a classic and timeless choice, if you have a pair of white jeans, dark olive suede boots can look very natural, especially when the jeans have a more rugged and noticeable texture.
RECOMMENDED BRAND (THURSDAY BOOTS)
When shopping for boots, it can be overwhelming due to the variety available. Your personal preference will be the ultimate deciding factor in choosing the right boots. However, when purchasing your first pair, it's important to find a balance between good quality, a classic look, and fair pricing.
Rewind the clocks to a few years ago (I'm talking within the last decade), and a quality pair of dress boots or work boots would cost you about $400 at a minimum. Considering just how many boot options there are, it would have taken thousands of dollars to amass a modest collection. Thursday slashed the traditional asking price of just about any boot you can think of in half and even made better boots than some of their competitors, who often price their products at a premium.
Whether you're looking for men's Chelsea boots, cowboy boots, chukka boots, cap toe boots, or conventional lace up boots, Thursday has you covered.
COMMITMENT
It all starts with what Thursday believes: to offer quality products that are tested and manufactured to last.
What I love most about Thursday is that I know I am getting a product that will stand the test of time despite a price that may suggest that corners were cut in the manufacturing process; it just so happens that this couldn't be further from the truth.
MATERIALS
Thursday chose to partner with the Horween Leather Company, which has remained a standard-bearer in the United States as one of the best providers of quality leather since 1905.
Designed in New York City and made in small batches in Mexico, Thursday offers a variety of options for their leather types:
- Thursday Chrome: An in-house proprietary combination veg-chrome, double-tanned, and hot-stuffed with natural waxes and oils that improve with age.
- Weather-Safe Suede: A suede leather option incorporating waterproof and hydrophobic compounds to keep feet dry and warm.
- Rugged and Resilient: Matte leather, sourced from Tier 1 U.S. cattle hides, improves the boot's aesthetic with age and wear.
Take, for instance, one of my first purchases from Thursday, their Rugged and Resilient Captain boot. This matte leather is hardy but also surprisingly supple. The laces are made of kevlar (the same material used in bulletproof vests and for lines that moor warships to piers).
CONSTRUCTION
Anyone who knows anything about boots will immediately point out (and appreciate) Thursday Boot Company's construction method: the Goodyear Welt construction. This method, first utilized in 1869 by Charles Goodyear Jr., consisted of a strip of leather, rubber, or plastic running along the outermost perimeter of a shoe outsole.
In the case of Thursday, the outer sole of the boot and the insole are not physically attached and contain a cork midsole to fill in the small space resulting from the welt.
This method improves the boots' waterproofing and enables more efficient re-soling if necessary. Boot connoisseurs often acknowledge these small details, but believe me when I tell you that they matter, not just for functional purposes but also for prolonging the boots' lifespan. This construction method is simply one of the best ways to build quality footwear and, therefore, requires more skill than that of more disposable footwear.
NOT JUST BOOTS
Thursday has been busy for the past few years. Since the company's inception nearly a decade ago, it has added more boot options to its catalog, but it hasn't stopped there. Now, you can purchase a variety of leather sneakers, Oxford dress shoes, loafers, and even double monk-strap dress shoes from Thursday at incredible prices.
There is something for everyone regarding this brand, and everything is offered at an unbeatable price. This is a perfect example of a brand made for average gentlemen, so I recommend Thursday Boot Company's products to everyone I meet.
OPTIONS FOR WOMEN
Of course, these boots aren't just for men. Over the years, Thursday has developed a large collection of options for women that are exceptional. As a husband to a wife who is as stylish as I am (perhaps even more so), I can always rely on Thursday to provide best-in-class footwear to accompany my sensational bride. The leather chelsea boots are particularly nice.
At the time of my writing this post, I am in no way sponsored or supported by Thursday; I just really love and appreciate their products. Thursday has been a Godsend to me as someone with a modest income and a passion for classic menswear.
For traditional lace-up boots in dark olive green, go with the Thursday's Captain boot from Thursday, which is offered in a matte and suede finish. If you want something more rugged and bulky, then Thursday's Explorer model is another excellent choice.
Of course, Thursday has you covered for Chelsea and Chukka boot variations in the same dark olive suede color.
BOOTS FEATURED IN THIS POST
THE ONLY BOOTS YOU'LL EVER NEED
When it comes to men's boots, black and brown boots are great options and offer the wearer numerous choices. However, in my opinion, for a man looking to own as few boots as possible and create a versatile wardrobe, the best men's boots are olive green in a suede finish.
If you want to wear boots more often, are in the market for a new pair of leather boots, or simply want to move towards a more minimalistic wardrobe, I believe your first pair of boots should be dark olive in a suede finish.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Below are links to some knowledgeable individuals who can directly attest to the quality of Thursday's products. These people are far more qualified to report on the authenticity of these pieces of footwear. To help better inform you on what exactly you're getting for your hard-earned money, here are some in-depth guides to what Thursday offers, including videos of cobblers and leather workers cutting the footwear in half to showcase the quality better. Check out these videos and support the great work these other content creators are developing for us!
ROSE ANVIL: CUTTING THURSDAY'S CAPTAIN BOOT IN HALF (REVIEW & ANALYSIS)
ROSE ANVIL: CUTTING THURSDAY'S SNEAKER IN HALF (REVIEW & ANALYSIS)
TRENTON & HEATH THURSDAY BOOTS REVIEW
TRENTON & HEATH THURSDAY OXFORD DRESS SHOES REVIEW
STRIDEWISE THURSDAY CAPTAIN REVIEW AFTER 2-YEARS
BOOTSPY THURSDAY CAPTAIN REVIEW AFTER 4-YEARS
CHECK OUT THESE WEBSITES FOR MORE BOOT-RELATED CONTENT
Dean Stephens
Nick English
