I Used to Cringe at Cowboy Boots, But These 18 Outfit Ideas Changed My Mind
Confession time. I used to loathe cowboy boots. I know that's a strong feeling about shoes—alas, I did. Part of my anti-cowboy-boot disposition can be attributed to good-old teenage angst. Cowboy boots represented my years of growing up in the West when I felt called to live out my life in bigger cities like New York, London, and Paris. But the other part of my distaste for these boots had to do with how they're styled. I should preface this by saying that I do not believe there's a "right" or "wrong" way to wear anything—fashion is all about exploring what feels good for you. This particular boot style, however, just rubs me the wrong way. As snobbish as it may sound, I've concluded over the years that there are ways in which cowboy boots should and should not be worn. It's an opinion I reached only after years of living away from my hometown.
I've realized, though, that I don't hate these boots. I just needed to find a way to style them that worked for me. It was only after stumbling upon stylish designer versions and unearthing different ways to wear them that I came around to the idea of cowboy boots. In an effort to share what I've found from that self-reflective journey, I've rounded up outfit ideas to show what to wear with cowboy boots. Plus, I've included items to embrace and avoid when styling them. While you should always wear what makes you feel your best, I've found that these styling rules helped me transform my feelings of grief surrounding these boots into giddiness. Hopefully, these tips can also make you want to buy cowboy boots. Without further ado, let's get into it.
Avoid: Double Denim
Embrace: Fitted Jeans
If you were to picture stereotypical Western style, you'd likely see layered-on denim separates and cowboy boots. While double denim is trending again when paired with cowboy boots, it can feel a bit too on-theme. Instead of following tropes, try paring back the look by styling fitted jeans with the shoes. It still pays homage to the long history of this fashion aesthetic without making it unapproachable for everyday life.
Just because you're skipping on wearing double denim doesn't mean you can't wear denim-colored booties.
If you happen to be dipping your toes into the cowboy-boot trend for the first time, it's best to opt for a minimal take to ensure it's easier to style.
Avoid: Overalls
Embrace: Miniskirts
Wearing Western-inspired apparel like overalls with cowboy boots can come across as costumey. Instead of adhering to the theme, try pairing your boots with a more timeless staple like a miniskirt. It will ensure you show off your boots and make them feel more elevated.
Styling tip: If you buy a pair of two-tone cowboy boots, use them as a way to pull together contrasting separates in the same colors.
Avoid: Athleisure
Embrace: Tailored Separates
As much as we all love our cozy athleisure items, they don't exactly mix with cowboy boots that well. Luckily for us, there's a particularly chic alternative the fashion crowd has been pairing with these boots: tailored separates. From blazers to oversize button-downs to trousers, these polished pieces add a level of formality to this otherwise casual boot style.
Isabel Marant's cowboy boots remain a perennial favorite among the fashion set.
The contrasting leather piping takes these boots from simple to striking.
Avoid: Frilly Puff-Sleeve Dresses
Embrace: Minimalist Dresses
Cowboy boots may be appropriate for roaming the prairies, but you don't have to look like you just came from one. I recommend avoiding the frilly puff-sleeve dresses associated with the cottagecore fashion aesthetic and instead embracing minimalist dresses. Whether you pair these boots with a chunky knit maxi dress, sultry slip dress, or black ribbed number, a more approachable everyday item will make these boots feel timeless.
Pair these with a sweaterdress, and you've got the perfect fall outfit.
The slightly angled heel on these ankle booties makes this "dated" boot style feel contemporary.
Avoid: Fringe Outerwear
Embrace: Simple Coats
Don't get me wrong. I love fringe-adorned outerwear and cow-print coats just as much as the next person. However, when paired with cowboy boots, the look can feel like a caricature of Western-inspired clothing. Instead of leaning into the whole Wild West thing, pull the reins a bit by opting for a simple longline coat. It will not only ensure your cowboy boots stay the focal point of your look, but it's also a pairing that will work for chillier days.
The distressed-looking leather on these boots is very aligned with recent trends.
You can pair these with relaxed jeans or tailored trousers.
The sharp angles add a futuristic feel to this evergreen shoe silhouette.
Avoid: Over-the-Top Prints
Embrace: Neutral Colors
Tons of prints and colors, in general, can become distracting, especially when paired with cowboy boots. If you want your boots to be front and center, avoid wearing any over-the-top items that can take away attention from the main event. One way you can do just that? Opt for simple looks featuring neutral color palettes. It's a foolproof way to ensure these boots look fabulous.
Please do yourself a favor and zoom in to see the stitching on these Mango boots.
With silver accessories still popular, these boots are the perfect way to adopt multiple trends. Just be sure to pair them with an all-black look to ensure they stand out.
This post was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
Jasmine Fox-Suliaman is a fashion editor living in New York City. What began as a hobby (blogging on Tumblr) transformed into a career dedicated to storytelling through various forms of digital media. She started her career at the print publication 303 Magazine, where she wrote stories, helped produce photo shoots, and planned Denver Fashion Week. After moving to Los Angeles, she worked as MyDomaine's social media editor until she was promoted to work across all of Clique's publications (MyDomaine, Byrdie, and Who What Wear) as the community manager. Over the past few years, Jasmine has worked on Who What Wear's editorial team, using her extensive background to champion rising BIPOC designers, weigh in on viral trends, and profile stars such as Janet Mock and Victoria Monét. She is especially interested in exploring how art, fashion, and pop culture intersect online and IRL.
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