You may have noticed – fashion forward guys have decided to get their ankles out. The rolled up cuffs and boat shoes look took off on Aussie soil this summer. Some call it ‘masculine shabby chic’. Others, a throw back to the 80s. Whatever you think of it, it’s a relaxed look great for sunny days and perfect for a Sunday session on the water.
But as with all trends, if you jump in early, you can get it very wrong. And if you do end up looking like a ridiculous version of Huck Finn, it’s hard to make intentionally rolled up cuffs look anything but contrived.
Pick your moment
Firstly, it is not a look for all occasions (or for those with cankles, obviously). It gives you a relaxed, outdoorsy vibe. So don’t wear it on a rainy day, to the movies or a club (a bar, yes; a club, no: important distinction). Match your look to the setting, don’t try to match the setting to your look.
You’re best to roll this one out for BBQs, outdoor bars, chillaxing by the water or swanning down to your local café to catch up with a mate.
Pick the right pants
How high do you roll, and which pants work? Many are doing it with skinny leg jeans, but in keeping with the more relaxed look, I’d go for something a little roomier. A straight leg or slim cut is best. Never opt for a boot cut as they flare at the bottom.
You are not confined to jeans for this one. It will also work with chinos, khakis, cotton canvas trousers or similar.
Getting the roll right is harder than it looks and depends on the fabric. For lighter fabric it’s best to roll one inch of cuff three times and for heavier material a single or double two-inch cuff will work. Experiment, but try and make the roll look natural.
The roll should fall anywhere from the ankle to about an inch or two above. Make sure you don’t roll too high or you risk looking like a pirate.
Pick the right shoes
Our home is girt by sea. Aussie style is closely linked with the easy, breezy, sunny, relaxed vibe of the water. The boat shoe is the most popular footwear choice to complete this seaside-inspired look. But it also works well with a canvas sneaker or similar retro shoe.
Never opt for formal shoes (unless you’re a pro) – they don’t work as well with the relaxed nature of the style. And, of course, no visible socks – you were too chilled to put any on.
So if you’ve got a Sunday sesh on the water coming up, grab yourself some boat shoes, get your ankles out and watch the onlookers hang off your every carefree move.
Chris Byrne is Editor of men’s style
www.man-brand.com.au
