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Personally, one of my favorite things about fall is shopping for new and exciting pieces to break in during the colder months. If you’re like me, there are one or two things that you’ve had your eye on or known that you needed to get once fall rolls around. This year, for me, it was boots.

One must have for guy looking to build his wardrobe is a high quality, versatile pair of boots. Let’s break this down. First off, high quality. With the menswear market blowing up lately, there are tons of bargain brands and “fast fashion” stores that will provide you with perfectly fine product for certain pieces. Shoes are NOT one of them. Shoes are one thing that you should be ready and willing to drop some cake on because not only are they going to look better when you spend a bit more, but they’re going to last you ten times longer. Secondly, versatility. Because you’re spending an extra chunk of that paycheck, you want your new boots to look great with both a laid back jeans and tee as well as some dressier pants and a button up shirt. Not to mention, the more your wear high quality stuff, the better it’s going to break in and fit perfectly to your foot.

Today I’m rocking my new ‘Karnes’ Brogue Cap Toe boots from Johnston & Murphy, one of the most time tested and trusted brands in footwear. I love these boots because they’re ultimately very simple yet have minor touches of detail that set them apart. Take the cap toe, for instance. It’s going to give you a touch of class with an otherwise relaxed outfit but not so much as a dress shoe. The quality of the leather is tough to beat and will only get better with wear. These also fit in perfectly with my slightly dressier outfit of waxed denim, a white button up and my grungy 90’s plaid moto jacket (versatility is key!). Priced at just under $200, these aren’t the cheapest boots you’ll find but also not the most expensive either. Yet, with proper care are wear, these boots will last your entire adult life! If you’ve never bought a nice pair of shoes, take this chance to splurge and realize how much of a difference quality makes.

What are some of your favorite boot brands??

Thanks for reading!

Stay smiling, my friends!

PYS

Click here to check out the boots in other colors as well, exclusively available at Nordstrom!

About the author

I'm Parker York Smith, a curious dude still very much figuring everything out. I hail from the Midwest but have been dwelling in Los Angeles for the last few years being a pretty stereotypical west coast transplant. I'm a fashion geek, I love to walk (a LOT) and I do my best to find the bright side. I'm extremely excited about this blog and hope that (with some hard work and luck) it turns into what I believe it can. If you have any questions, comments or concerns, please get in touch with me via my social networks (which can be found in the sidebar) or email me at parker@thelooksmith.com.

Comments(2)

Adrian Gamez(November 6, 2015)

Hi! Can you help me build more outfits (casual smart) for these boots? I have a business trip to cold Sweden and dress code os cadual smart. I like the J&M black boots but not sure how to combine them. Thanks!

PYS(November 9, 2015)

Hey Adrian! The beauty of boots like these are the versatility. If you're going for casual smart I would recommend some well-fitting black or dark blue jeans, something that is slim but not too tight. Also, I'd recommend shopping for some slim fit flannel. There are solids and plaids available at many different retailers and they're perfect for wearing with jeans or even wearing with a tie. Great option for you if you need to look somewhat business casual. Hope this helps! PYS

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