Sailing style is perennially on the fashion horizon. From Diana, Princess of Wales and Laura Ashley’s love affair with sailor collars in the 1980s to what is now deep fashion lore courtesy of Simone Rocha for Jean Paul Gaultier Couture and her take on the bejewelled sailor hat, maritime designs are rarely out of the style set’s spyglass.
And this spring it’s no different, with all of the coolest girls on our feeds and sitting front row swapping out their beloved winter loafers for a pair of boat (or deck) shoes.
Like many a micro trend, Miu Miu is the catalyst for the latest renewal of boat shoe love, last seen in the times of Indie Sleaze. Miuccia Prada (who often looks to seafaring pursuits for both Prada and Miu Miu) deftly made deck shoes the stealth accessory star of her collegiate SS24 collection, and by the SS25 show the following year both Emma Corrin and Nara Smith were donning their own pairs. As is often the case, Mrs P looked into the fashion future and decided what we’d be wearing years in advance.
They’ve even made their way into the ELLE UK office with out own Deputy and Culture Editor, Lena De Casparis, owning a pair. ‘My brown Timberland boat shoes have taken the space in my spring wardrobe my Gucci black leather loafers held all this winter,’ De Casparis said. ‘They work with work suiting, jeans or even a weekend rugby top and tracksuit pant – as the most versatile (and comfy) shoe. Ever since I saw the brown Miu Miu ones I was hooked.’
For spring 2026, the boat shoe will look just as good with your vintage Levi’s as they will a white cotton dress. They also work especially well with the current vogue for prep, lead by Jonathan Anderson’s collegiate style obsession at Dior. His boat shoes might be £900, but blimey are they perfect. Think about wearing them with a rugby shirt and a pleated skirt. While the chill persists, try styling them with a statement sock. Red works especially well.
Often, it’s our shoes we want to change first when it comes to moving through the seasons and, well, if you’re stuck on what shoe style to invest in this spring, consider setting sail with a pair of boat shoes.
Shop Boat Shoes Now
Sebago Victory Waxy Boat Shoes
John Lobb Tide Boat Shoes
Tommy Hilfiger Leather TH Monogram Boat Shoes
Bally Pathy Leather Boat Shoes
Miu Miu Bleached Leather Loafers
ELLE Collective is a new community of fashion, beauty and culture lovers. For access to exclusive content, events, inspiring advice from our Editors and industry experts, as well the opportunity to meet designers, thought-leaders and stylists, become a member today HERE.
Daisy Murray is the Digital Fashion Editor at ELLE UK, spotlighting emerging designers, sustainable shopping, and celebrity style. Since joining in 2016 as an editorial intern, Daisy has run the gamut of fashion journalism – interviewing Molly Goddard backstage at London Fashion Week, investigating the power of androgynous dressing and celebrating the joys of vintage shopping.