Hit the Decks: How to Style Deck Shoes

Deck shoes (also known as boat shoes) are a footwear staple for the summer months. These lightweight leather shoes offer smart casual style for warmer weather whilst being functional and practical too. With water resistant leather uppers, they’re also a great option for those transitional days in the autumn and spring.

Deck shoes are so comfortable you’ll want to wear them all summer long, but how should you style them?

We’ve outlined a few options of how to wear your deck shoes below:

How to style deck shoes for men

Look ship shape with shorts

Deck shoes are a preppy style staple that pair perfectly with chino shorts and a polo shirt for an easy to wear and super comfortable summer outfit. Create this iconic nautical style with the Chatham Deck II G2 deck shoes or the Le Chameau Galion Nubuck Homme deck shoes and the Barbour Overdyed Twill Shorts. It’s an outfit that you’ll return to time and time again.

Cool, classic chinos and deck shoes

Shorter, ankle length cotton chinos look great with deck shoes in the summer. Roll your chinos up a couple of times to create a relaxed, breezy look that gives a summer holiday feel whether you’re relaxing in the sunshine abroad or enjoying a staycation at home. Try wearing your decks without socks or low, no-show socks for that essential bare ankle look that matches the relaxed, coastal feel. The Dubarry Admirals shoe is a summertime classic that works perfectly with light, beige-coloured chinos.

Style with jeans for cooler weather

Deck shoes are a casual shoe so they are perfect paired with jeans for a more relaxed style. Pair with a button-down shirt for a smart-casual look that’s smart enough for the office but informal enough for lunch at the pub. Try co-ordinating the Loake Lymington boat shoes with Schoffel’s Cambridge shirt and a pair of Schoffel Canterbury 5 Pocket Jeans for a style that works across the spring, summer and autumn months.

How to style deck shoes for women

Versatile decks with denim

Hit that coastal summertime vibe by pairing your boat shoes with any type of denim! Deck shoes, such as the Chatham Olivia G2 deck shoe, are super versatile and work perfectly with slim leg jeans, short denim skirts and denim cut off shorts too. Add a striped top, such as the Joules Ottilie Deck Shirt, for an extra beachside touch or pair a crisp, cotton shirt, like the Schoffel Blakeney Shirt, with your jeans and decks for a neat, classic look.

Style it out with summery skirts and floaty dresses

Deck shoes really can be worn with any smart-casual outfit. They pair effortlessly with airy summer dresses and flowing midi skirts for laid back feminine chic that will keep you cool on warm sunny days. We love Chatham’s Deck G2 boat shoes for a signature style that creates that relaxed holiday feel for many summers to come.

Deck shoes with socks…yes, or no?

The big question is, can deck shoes be worn with socks? With their breathable leather construction, deck shoes are designed to be comfy when worn without socks and for ankles to be kept bare. This creates that classic, nautical, summer look that the shoes are famous for. But you don’t necessarily have to go completely sock-less to achieve this style.

No-show or low-cut socks can remain invisible beneath the shoe or are low enough to achieve the bare ankle, relaxed look whilst retaining the comfort and hygiene of wearing socks.

Alternatively, if you want to lean into the 80s preppy look, then socks paired with deck shoes is the way to go! Intentionally pairing your deck shoes with socks can be an expression of your style! Ultimately, how you style your deck shoes is up to you and to fully embrace their relaxed, versatile style you should wear them in a way that feels comfortable to you.

Add style without going overboard

Despite the name, deck shoes aren’t just for wearing at the coast or out on the water. The practical and easy to wear design makes them equally suited to country living and smart-casual style. They can be paired with just about any casual outfit, so, whether you’re out on a stroll, spending the afternoon at the pub, relaxing at the beach or dressing down for the office, deck shoes are a true wardrobe essential that have become trusted, go-to footwear for any warm weather adventure.

In the world of fashion, deck shoes can be your ultimate style statement for both casual and semi-formal occasions. With the insights shared in this blog, you're now equipped to effortlessly style your deck shoes and create versatile looks that showcase your personality.