Styling Boots for the Everyday | Timeless Footwear for Men & Women

A well-crafted boot is a statement of confidence, taste, and presence. At 124 Shoes, our collection spans both men’s and women’s styles, handcrafted in Italian family-run workshops where every stitch, cut, and finish is perfected over generations. These are boots that grow more beautiful with time, support every step, and elevate your wardrobe with effortless sophistication.

Here’s how to wear boots in a professional setting, whether you’re navigating meetings, hybrid workdays, or client lunches.

Chelsea Boots | Sleek and Refined

Chelsea Boots are an office staple for their clean silhouette and understated elegance. Their minimal design works seamlessly with tailored trousers, skirts, or dresses, making them versatile for both men and women.

Styling Insights:

• Choose hand-dyed black or deep brown leather to emphasize quality and longevity.
  
  

• For women: pair with slim trousers, midi skirts, or a tailored dress for polished sophistication.
  
  

• For men: wear with tailored trousers or slim chinos to maintain a streamlined appearance.
  
  

• Minimal detailing allows the craftsmanship of the leather and construction to shine.
  
  

Our Men’s Chelsea Boot Pick: The Cesar Dark Brown - A signature Chelsea boot from Jo Ghost. Contemporary artisan footwear with a twist is a must have. These chelsea boots feature a very soft and supple leather upper sitting on a durable rapid blake construction and customised leather sole. Also available in Black. 

Our Women’s Chelsea Boot Pick: The Shoto 51043 in Brown - featuring an urban design, showcases a beautifully crafted horsehide leather upper. Shoto is known for its high-quality materials and meticulous craftsmanship, making this boot both stylish and durable. Whether paired with casual or dressier outfits, this versatile boot is a great addition to any wardrobe.

Chukka & Laced Boots | Structured Yet Approachable

Chukka boots and laced boots offer a refined balance between casual and professional attire. With clean lines, soft leathers, and subtle detailing, they provide versatility that suits a range of office environments, from traditional workplaces to more relaxed, hybrid settings.

Styling Insights:

• Chukka boots, with their understated shape and supple leather, pair beautifully with tapered trousers or lightweight wool pants, delivering a polished yet approachable look.
  
  

• Laced boots, crafted with elegant proportions and premium leather, add structure and sophistication to tailored skirts, midi dresses, or cropped trousers, bringing a considered edge to any outfit.
  
  

• Suede or lightly textured leather adds warmth and visual depth, making both styles adaptable across seasons and settings.
  
  

• These boots excel in workplaces where comfort, style, and confidence are equally valued, offering a professional edge without rigidity.

Our Women’s Pick: The Lorena paggi 42701N in black - A hand crafted made-to-order boot from Lorena Paggi featuring a soft nappa leather upper and sitting on an extremely comfortable sacchetto construction. A sophisticated elegance defined by artisal accents. Also available in brown & grey. Production time 8-10 weeks

Our Men’s Pick: The Le Ruemarcel Jataro 11 in Light Brown - A limited edition deconstructed chukka boot from LeRuemarcel. These soft and supple handcrafted chukkas are washed and dip dyed giving them a worn and lived in feel. A durable leather sole with a saccetto construction makes these extremely comfortable. A transeasonal staple shoe for all occasions not to be missed.

Only 10 pairs were made, selling fast!

Dress Boots | Elevated Presence

Dress boots combine structure with sophistication, providing a slightly higher ankle and a refined silhouette. Hand-finished leather and careful construction make them perfect for tailored outfits, winter layering, and professional occasions.

Styling Insights:

• For women: pair with midi dresses, fitted skirts, or wide-leg trousers to balance elegance with structure.
  
  

• For men: wear with wool trousers or tailored suiting for a polished, confident line.
  
  

• Tonal socks or hosiery help elongate the leg and highlight craftsmanship.
  
  

• Leather soles or Blake-stitched construction enhance elegance and presence.
  

Our Women’s Pick: The Lemargo CC09A in Burgundy - These beautiful double zip ankle boots by Lemargo are a work of art. These handcrafted boots are finished with a silver brushed detail on the toe all sitting on a durable double rapid blake sole. The perfect boot hat can be worn all year round. A notable signature finish for a Lemargo shoe is the exposed shank which adds to the notable artisan craftsmanship. Have a pair made for you in your size within 8-10 weeks as part of our made to order service.

Our Men’s Pick: The Lemargo DF06A in Black - An elegant zip ankle boot featuring an asymmetric toe and a beautifully dip dyed washed buffalo leather finish. These soft and subtle leather boots are timeless and can be worn through all seasons. The signature exposed shank detail of Lemargo is ever present. Production time 8 to 10 weeks. 

Maintaining Your Investment

High-quality boots respond beautifully to care. Regular conditioning preserves leather colour, suppleness, and texture, ensuring your shoes develop character while remaining impeccable.

Why 124 Boots Are Different

Every pair of boots we offer — men’s or women’s — reflects decades of shoemaking expertise. Unlike mass-produced alternatives, these boots are crafted to endure: leather that molds to the foot, stitching that remains steadfast, and finishes that deepen with time. They’re not just footwear; they’re companions for your wardrobe, built for longevity, elegance, and presence.

Explore our full collection of men’s and women’s boots in Melbourne — shoes designed to combine timeless style, superior craftsmanship, and enduring confidence.