Growing up on a farm in South Gippsland, Victoria, Dani knew just how useful gumboots could be, yet she couldn’t find a pair that bridged the gap between city and country life.
In 2014, our founder Dani left her corporate job to start Merry People, with a mission to transform the classic gumboot into an everyday wardrobe staple.
Fast forward to 10 years later, with bright colours and a comfy durable design, our gumboots have become the go-to choice for rainy days and outdoor adventures alike.
But what if we told you that you can wear them beyond the rainy days? To help you get the most out of your Merry People boots, we’ve rounded up five easy ways to style them for any occasion.
How Can Gumboots Be Your Year-Round Footwear?
There’s no such thing as the ‘perfect shoe’, a shoe that goes with absolutely anything and everything. That probably requires high-tech shapeshifting technology… and we’re not there (yet!).
But, we think our gumboots come pretty close!
When you’re buying a pair of boots, versatility is key. Borrowing some logic from girl maths, cost per wear can only decrease if there are more ways to wear a pair of shoes, right? So you can get the most out of your boots, we designed our gumboots to be as versatile as possible; designed to be durable for a day in the garden and yet stylish enough to wear out to dinner.
All this being said, we know it can be hard to style gumboots as part of your everyday look.
Let’s look at three unexpected ways to wear rubber gumboots in your everyday life, from business casual to bending the ‘fashion rules’ for a merry result!
1. Business Casual
The reason the Bobbi Boot came to create the perfect waterproof rubber boot for the rainy work commute, But we believe the Bobbi Boot can take it a step further, and become the go-to shoe for your whole workday.
Why? Well, from classic Black to Rust, these neutral shades are staples in office footwear, so your gumboots will blend right in. Plus, our Bobbi Boot's Chelsea boot style doesn't resemble your typical gumboot–we’re willing to bet that your workmates won’t even notice you’re even wearing gumboots!
Practical and professional? Check!
(Of course, here at Merry People, wearing gumboots to work is just business as usual!)
2. The ‘Wrong Shoe Theory’
You’re likely familiar with the idea of mixing and matching pieces from your wardrobe for fresh results. This next fashion hack takes that concept further, coined ‘the wrong shoe theory’ by stylist Allison Bornstein. It involves finishing an outfit with an unexpected shoe to add a unique twist to your final look.
Apply this theory next time you’re getting dressed for your day:
1. Put on your outfit.
2. Finish it off with your gumboots.
It almost feels too easy!
Even if they don’t quite match, you might be surprised at how they pull everything together in a fun, unexpected way.
3. Try Colour-Blocking
Colour blocking is a fun and easy way to build an outfit with your boots.
The idea is to pair solid, contrasting colours together for a striking and cohesive look. For example, matching bright Peach Andie Boots with an orange scarf.
Match shade for shade, or pair complementary colours together… the rainbow is the limit!
Picking the Perfect Rubber Boots for Your Personality
To borrow words from Allison Bornstein’s new book Wear it Well, “You don’t need more clothes, you need more ideas.” Instead of adding new items to your wardrobe, get creative with your closet and explore how your gumboots can work with what you already own.
We believe that gumboots shouldn’t be saved for a rainy day. And with our boots, you’ll be reaching for them rain or shine!
