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I said it on my fashion podcast, Nothing To Wear, and I'll say it again…
I really don't like winter footwear.
I feel like I can pull together a decent winter outfit and I have a lot of fun experimenting with layers, but shoes for when it's cold?
I get confused about hemlines and flustered about practicality versus the aesthetic.
Give me a pair of slides or sandals any day.
Watch: Leigh's recommendation for budget waterproof trench coats. Post continues below.
Thankfully, my podcast guest, Erin Katwood, knows a thing or two about fashion when it comes to feet.
She's the Creative Director and Co-Founder of Kadwood Atelier, a tailoring house exclusively for women.
She actually shared the most genius tip for being able to wear your pants with both heels and flats (you can hear it on the pod below).
Anyway, I don't despise all closed-shoes.
As I've shared on the show, I'm a big fan of loafers, so I'm pretty excited for the return of an old-school classic this spring.
Meet what I believe to be the loafer's close cousin: the boat shoe.
Made famous in the 1930s by Paul Sperry, the preppy private-school aesthetic that's traditionally paired with boat shoes is optional this season.
Luxury fashion houses like Bottega Veneta, Miu Miu and Jacquemus have styled them with anything from puffy skirts to knitted shorts.
I know boat shoes can be polarising, but before you close this article, let me try to convince you why they are great.
Firstly, you don't need a boat, which is good news for 97 percent of the population.
And you don't need to wear them with chinos and a polo or outfits with a nautical nod.
Image: Instagram @rachelmaelyons / @estherjunelife / @elizabethguerreroo
Firstly, you don't need a boat, which is good news for 97 percent of the population.
And you don't need to wear them with chinos and a polo or outfits with a nautical nod.
In fact, I reckon boat shoes are the perfect footwear when employing the Wrong Shoe Theory.
Juxtaposed with a long floral dress or feminine skirt, it looks so cool. Super similar to moccasins, socks look great, but they're equally as stylish without.
They are perfect with jeans of any cut (barrel leg, wide, straight and even skinny) and a tee, a blazer and a tank, with knits, paired with a bomber jacket or a trench, styled with an oversized shirt… you can see where I'm going with this.
Boat shoes are pretty much the definition of transeasonal when it comes to footwear, too. Covered but not too wintry, and easy to slide on and off, which is ideal for people like me who have a dislike for laces.
This spring I'm planning on wearing beige or tan boat shoes with my sheer skirts, denim shorts and balloon pants.
The best bit? They look even better when they're a bit scruffy and worn-in.
Tempted to try, even just a little bit? Here's my edit of 15 boat shoes for all budgets.
Best boat shoes to shop right now.
Therapy Sailor shoe, $79.95.
Image: The Iconic
Seed Heritage Rosa Boat shoe, $169.95.
Image: Myer
Kmart Boat Shoe flats, $25.
Image: Kmart
Alias Mae Teddy shoe, $219.95.
Image: The Iconic
Next Australia Fit Forever Boat shoes, $86.
Image: Next
Sandler Ohio Flat Shoe, $179.95.
Image: Myer
Ravella Watson shoe, $99.95.
Image: The Iconic
Regatta Suri shoe, $129.95.
Image: Myer
Sandro Sene Loafers, $660.
Image: The Iconic
MNG Leather Boat shoes, $219.95.
Image: Mango
H&M Boat shoe, $59.99.
Image: H&M
Easy Steps Tango shoe, $189.95.
Image: The Iconic
Sportsgirl Faux Suede boat shoe, $69.95.
Image: Sportsgirl
Jo Mercer Helm Loafers, $219.95.
Image: Jo Mercer
Mollini Jerae shoe, $179.95.
Image: The Iconic
Read more fashion tips from Leigh:
LEIGH CAMPBELL: 'The coolest pieces to proudly wear your zodiac sign.'
LEIGH CAMPBELL: 'The best wardrobe staples for cosy, chic and comfy winter weekends.'
LEIGH CAMPBELL: 'My best tips for shopping on a budget.'
Feature Image: Instagram @elizabethguerreroo / Supplied.
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