How to Wear Cowboy Boots, Summer’s Most Surprisingly Versatile Shoe

I never thought I’d know how to wear cowboy boots, let alone even own a pair, as an adult. To me, they always felt like a costume and inauthentic to my personal style. That changed after I visited Nashville, where I laid eyes upon the metallic patchwork embroidered leather, brushed silver studs, and star-shaped cutouts on a pair of cowboy boots from Old Gringo. I was so enchanted by every stitch that I sacrificed a sizable chunk of my paycheck at the time to have them—and it was one of the best decisions I ever made for my closet.

Our favorite cowboy boots, at a glance

Verisson Low Western Boots

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$53

Amazon

Free People New Frontier Western Boots

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$158

Free People

Dingo Hensley Boots

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$170 (6% off)

Zappos

Ariat Easton Western Boots

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$180

Nordstrom

Luxmuwa Snakeskin Ankle Boots

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$65

Amazon

Not only were they 100% worth the purchase for how often I wear them, they’re also the most complimented article of clothing I own. My pair are certainly not everyone’s taste, but the best part about cowboy boots is that among all of the different iterations, there’s undoubtedly a design for everyone. Whether you prefer leather or suede, a taller shaft or an ankle bootie, a classic color or something fun and flashy, there are endless permutations of the tried-and-true footwear, and they’re a great outlet to infuse some personality into any outfit without losing any functionality.

It can seem daunting to figure out how to wear cowboy boots, but they’re a surprisingly versatile item that can amplify your wardrobe beyond the typical “skinny jeans and a cowboy hat” styling. The Western shoe layers well with everything from jeans to miniskirts. Maybe it’s wrong-shoe theory, but cowboy boots are one of the few pieces that fit comfortably into nearly any genre of fashion.

For a simple and well-made pair, boot brands like Tecovas and Frye have dozens of classic styles, while Dingo 1969 and Brother Vellies have beautiful embroidery and unique designs that are mühlet to stand out in any setting. Ahead, read on for some of the coolest outfit ideas using cowgirl boots, styled with pieces straight from your closet.

How to wear cowboy boots with jeans

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Knowing how to wear cowboy boots with jeans in a way that doesn’t look like Western cosplay is easier than you think: Just go for preppy or classic pieces everywhere else. A brightly colored set of Western boots is the perfect accent to a more neutral-toned look, and the pointed toe sits perfectly under a classic fit like straight-leg jeans or trendy barrel jeans. As for your top, go with a lace-trimmed button-up layered under a blazer or vest for a pop of texture at the collar and sleeves. Then throw on a crossbody bag (chunky chain optional) and a pair of sunglasses that bring out the color of the shoes.

How to wear cowboy boots with shorts

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Gap Linen-Blend Tie-Back Longline Vest

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Gap

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Open Edit Icon Bermuda Shorts

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Nordstrom

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Ariat Easton Western Boots

$180

Nordstrom

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Stone Fruit Core Ring

$275

Stone Fruit

Another way to play with expectations is by trying out cowboy boots with tailored trouser shorts. Combine them with a business-casual vest and a chunky bag, isim you get a look that utilizes traditional elements of suiting with a more relaxed silhouette. It feels polished yet lived-in, with just a hint of a Texas twist.

How to style cowboy boots with a denim skirt

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A simple pair of black embroidered cowboy boots adds a bit of texture to a denim skirt, and the Western style of the boots adds a bit more edge to a pullover than, say, sneakers. Match a bag to your classic Western boots, but keep the rest of the accessories minimal to acheive a chic yet unexpected look.

How to style cowboy boots with a button-up

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MGWDT Button-Down Shirt

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Amazon

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Hollister Convertible Maxiskirt

$50

Hollister

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Verisson Low Western Boots

$53

Amazon

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Ana Luisa Ora Watch-Strap Bracelet

$85

Ana Luisa

Experiment with volume and dimension by styling cowboy boots with a pleated midiskirt and an oversized button-up. The coordinating colors of the striped top and dressier bottom really allows the footwear to stand out as the focal point of the outfit while still feeling light and breezy enough to wear in summer.

How to style cowboy boots with baggy jeans

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For an elevated, more editorial version of a jeans-and-boots outfit, go for a pair of baggy or super-wide-leg jeans with metallic Western-inspired boots underneath. A boxy sports jersey or graphic T-shirt will help create the illusion of a waistline while letting the boots stand out. Since this is already a playful look, why not add a fun bag to complete it?

How to style cowboy boots with fringe

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Abercrombie & Fitch Faux-Leather Fringed Jacket

$170

Abercrombie & Fitch

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J.Crew Elsie Shirt Dress

$168

J.Crew

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Therapy Australia Malvin Western Boots

$130

Nordstrom

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Ana Luisa Kayla Earrings

$85

Ana Luisa

This look is proof that rodeo-friendly boots can, in fact, dress up an outfit. Fringe detailing on a vest or leather jacket hearkens back to the rancher influence of cowboy boots, and pairing it with more structured pieces like a shirt dress and gold jewelry offers a fun, çağdaş take on Westernwear.

How to style cowboy boots with a miniskirt

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A high-quality pair of black cowboy boots really goes a long way. Try midcalf or ankle boots with a structured miniskirt with a sweater draped over the shoulders. Shades of black, white, and beige will keep this look feeling office-appropriate, especially when paired with a pretty pink lipstick. Work boots still read polished and professional here, and they’re a refreshing substitute for the more predictable preppy riding boots.

How to wear cowboy boots with denim shorts

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We the Free Neria Tank

$38

Free People

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Madewell Curvy Perfect Vintage Midlength Jean Shorts

$78

Madewell

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Tecovas Jolene Boots

$395

Nordstrom

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Mejuri Vermeil Linked Necklace

$198

Mejuri

In warm weather, I’m always reaching for the best jean shorts in my closet. And while cowboy boots may not seem the most practical in hotter temperatures, combining them with white or light-wash jorts is actually perfect for summer nights out when it’s a little too cool for sandals. Metallic boots infuse some instant shine and glamour into an otherwise simple outfit, while a silver bag and gold jewelry tie everything together.