Images: Imaxtree
We never know what trends are going to resonate in the fickle world of fashion. We didn’t expect ugly shoes or grandpa sneakers to take hold, but they did. And we never expected cowboy boots to be stomping down the runways at fashion week, much less seeing them on fashionistas attending the shows, but they’re here and they’re being snapped up.
Looking back, the clues were there that cowboy boots were due for a revival. There has been a big Western theme on the runways for several seasons. We’ve had fringe, double denim and cowboy hats, so we were bound to get cowboy boots sooner or later. The last time the footwear style caught hold was at the height of the mid-2000s’ boho craze when we were looking for something to wear besides pirate boots and UGGs. So it’s about time the classic Western boot returned.
Cowboy boots may not be considered anything exceptional to those out West, but wearing it in other territories can be tricky. Embrace the Wild West theme too much and risk looking like an extra in a Western film. Layer the footwear with the wrong pieces and it will look disjointed. When done right, cowboy boots can add an element of surprise to the most basic outfits. They can be a little bit country, a little bit rock ‘n’ roll, a little bit bohemian and even a little bit preppy. That leaves ample opportunities to seamlessly slot them into an existing wardrobe.
If you’ve mastered fringe and double denim, cowboy boots are the final frontier. And we know that you have what it takes to pull them off, partner. Get suited and booted with these fashion-forward ways to wear cowboy boots in the city.
[ Next: The Cool-Girl Way to Wear a Polo Shirt Now ]
How to Actually Wear Cowboy Boots
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Fringe Benefits
It's possible to mix fringe and cowboy boots without it becoming costumey. Instead of the expected jacket, try a neutral dress with a fringed hem. Layer a white blouse underneath for a polished finish. And then decide whether you want your cowboy boots to match the blouse or the dress.
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Bit of Boho
Channel Kate Moss circa 2006 by pairing a white dress with an oversized vest a la the Isabel Marant Fall 2018 runway. An oversized fringe bag and cowboy boots play up the Western-meets-boho-meets-supermodel vibe.
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Easy Swap
Trade in trusty Chelsea boots for a pair of short cowboy boots. If they have a graphic print and strong shape, even better. Keep accessories strong with mini sunglasses and a scarf tied around a chain-strap bag. Cradle the purse for a street style star-approved finish.
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Lil' Bit Country
A denim jacket and flowing dress have a home-on-the-range vibe when paired with cowboy boots. An oversized jacket with this season's extra long sleeves keeps the finish modern.
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Mix It Up
Don't think of any pieces as being off-limits when coming up with cowboy boot outfits. Pair unexpected pieces together like an outsize sweatshirt, midi plaid skirt and furry jacket with tall boots. Stick with a harmonious color palette so things don't look too disjointed.
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Trade Up
Jeans and cowboy boots are classic, but expected. Cowboy boots with wide-leg cropped pants and opaque tights? That's unexpected, especially when the look is finished with a turtleneck and statement jacket.
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Bold and Bright
Ensure that all eyes will be on you with a unique pair of cowboy boots, such as this parakeet green style. Contrast the statement boots with an equally bold coat. Fans of all black may initially be intimidated, but try it out.
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Modern Minimalism
Bring a Western classic into the future by selecting a knee-high pair of cowboy boots. Add a masculine edge with oversized square sunglasses and a boxy gray coat with the collar popped.
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Long Layers
Wrap up in a striped kimono and turtleneck. On particularly chilly days, shrug on a cozy teddy coat. Ensure the cowboy boots won't get lost in all of the long layers by choosing a pair with a striking design.
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Fiery Finish
Got a pair of colored cowboy boots? Enhance the shades by coordinating your outfit with them. The red marching band jacket, black lace kimono and striped top bring out the boots' colors, but don't look too matchy-matchy thanks to the faded blue jeans.
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Suited and Booted
A jacket and boots are a smart combination that can be tweaked for many different styles. Merge preppy with Western by pairing a plaid blazer with white pants, a chunky sweater and cowboy boots. If the shoes have contrasting metal toes, even better.
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Bit of Yellow
Brown, black and tan cowboy boots are classic shades. Sunshine yellow is a modern upgrade. Play up the cheerful hue with pops of color in a neutral outfit. Take a cue from the Fendi Fall 2018 runway and try a contrasting yellow turtleneck sweater with a gray blazer and dark-colored miniskirt.
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Modern Cowboy
We've fallen for double denim, now it's time to fall for cowboy boots with double denim. It's a Wild West classic, but it can be carried off in the concrete jungle with crisp true blue denim and a speckled (read: not cow print) furry coat. This black and brown topper provides a sophisticated finish.
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Boots Are Made for Walkin'
Say hello to the easiest layering look. Tuck a graphic T-shirt into cropped jeans. Finish with short cowboy boots and a printed coat. If the boots match one of the colors in the jacket, even better. Brown accessories, particularly a belt with a large buckle, add more Western vibes, but aren't overkill.
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Into Evening
Transition a tall pair of cowboy boots from day to night with a slinky dress and leather jacket. Want more of a Western touch? Choose a jacket with embroidery and a dress with prairie girl details, like a high neckline and ditsy print.
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Ready Partner
Don't default to wearing cowboy boots with skinny jeans. Increase the femininity with a flounced skirt and cozy knit sweater. Choose tall cowboy boots that hit at the same spot as the hem for a modest finish.
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Nonbasic Neutrals
Stick with a neutral color palette and luxurious fabrics and cowboy boots will look anything but costumey. We love the way the white and black polka dot dress plays off the colors in her boots. You can never go wrong with a camel coat and architectural bag.
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Boots and a Blazer
Show some leg with short cowboy boots paired with an oversized blazer. Cinch the waist with a belt and wear a mini pussybow blouse to prevent overexposure. An oversized fringe bag adds more Western flavor.
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Mixed References
Cowboy hats and cowboy boots obviously go together, but the combo can be tricky to pull off outside of a cattle ranch. The city way to accessorize cowboy boots is with a beret and white sunglasses. Keep up the mix-and-match theme with a check coat, plaid pants and hoodie in chic neutral tones.
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Be Bold
A tie-dye bomber and brown cowboy boots? It works. Keep things fresh with straight white pants tucked loosely into the top of shoes. A white drawstring bag is another unexpected element that will earn fashion points.
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Yee Haw
This is not the typical vest one wears with cowboy boots. We also don't typically see cowboy boots paired with pink coats. Sometimes it pays to go against tradition. The black satin vest and white turtleneck look sharp with the jeans, pale pink topper and white booties.
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Oh So Polished
Don't conceal boots under long layers. Pair short cowboy boots with a knee-length embroidered dress. Play up the bohemian feeling with a paisley blouse peeking out from underneath the frock.
