The Timberland 6" boot is practically a requirement of hip-hop style, and has been since the early '90s. Everyone from Mobb Deep to Wu-Tang Clan to Kanye West has laced-up (or, more often, not laced-up) a pair, but recently they've made the crossover into the world of menswear. These days you're just as likely to see Timbs with a pair of skinny jeans and side-zip hoodie as you are baggy camo cargos and a Yankees fitted cap. And it was just earlier this year that french label A.P.C. unveiled what would be a controversial (and ultimately cancelled) collaboration with the footwear brand. Even if A.P.C.'s Timbs will never hit shelves, the stylistic message was received—Timberlands no longer require skills on the mic to be an appropriate swerve. In fact, we think Timberlands are so ubiquitous these days that they're even cool enough to stand up to a suit this fall. But before you go throwing on your dirty old boots with a three-piece, there's a few things you should know.

A Heavy Boot Needs a Heavy Suit

Timbs are naturally a heavy-duty shoe, which means they'd look a little too strong when paired with some fine Italian wool pinstripe suit. Rather, you need something that looks a little rugged, like a tweed, herringbone, or heavyweight wool windowpane suit that can stand up to their inherent workwear vibes.

No Shirt, No Tie, No Problem

Additionally, this look is most effective when you opt for an easy-going graphic sweater, turtleneck, or even hoodie under your suit. Leave the crisp button-ups and silk ties for your office life. Throwing on Timberlands with a suit tells the world you're dressing it down, so a shirt and tie would just confuse that message.

Make 'Em Match

There are lots of Timberland boot colorways out there, like the all-red version c/o Pharrell and purple iteration made by the folks at Concepts in Boston. But for suit matching, we think it's best to stick with either black, brown, gray or the original wheat. But go a step further and ask yourself which suit you're most likely to pair them with. A brown tweed suit would look killer with brown or wheat, while a dark gray shadow plaid will link up nicely with black or gray boots.

Keep 'Em Clean

Hip-hop fans have treated their Timbs like fine Italian lace-ups for over twenty years, and the same applies if you're throwing them on with a suit. It's fine if you have a pair that you wear to brace the elements, but a dirty, scuffed up Timberland boot will make it look like you forgot your dress shoes at home. Keeping them fresh-out-the-box crisp will show that you're wearing them on purpose. And if you follow all of these tips, you'll be wearing them well, too.