The height, tapered toes, and decorations make cowboy boots distinctive. They will be a focal point for your outfit. The cowboy boot’s tapered toes are a fun contrast to the usual dress shoes. The added height provided by the heels will also create the illusion of being taller. [1] X Research source Plain cowboy boots are a rarity. Most stand out with a variety of colors, leathers, and finishes, and many have added tooling or stitching.
The classic boot usually has a shaft about 12 inches high and a Cuban-style heel, meaning that it is angled inward. In the old days, this design fit right into your stirrup. Ropers are designed for rodeos and have a lower shaft. The toe is also more rounded and the heel more like that of a typical work boot. The Stockman is a lot like the classic look. However, it has a shorter and wider heel. Western work boots tend to look more like the Roper, but with a larger (and sometimes steel) toe. Many will also have rubber soles for better traction. Buckaroos may be the most flashy of all. They are tall – over 14 inches – and often have detailed tooling or decoration on the shaft. They are made to protect the legs, and to be seen.
Mind your body language when you walk: backbone up and chest held high. Your posture and demeanor will show if you’re self-conscious.
Try not to incorporate more than one “Western” themed item into your outfit at once, for example, unless you’re actually working on the range. If you’re wearing cowboy boots, avoid spurs, cowboy hats, ponchos, and bolo ties. Boots with garish colors, too much decoration, or exotic skins like shark, skate, or snake will also draw extra attention.
Favor boot-cut jeans that are dark and close-fitting. You’ll want your pants to accentuate the boots as best they can. Avoid normal, work-style jeans. The front of the boots will still be visible – there won’t be any question that you’re still sporting footwear with a Western flair.
Light blue washes have a tendency to look a little outdated. Avoid acid washes, as well. The same goes for some of the brighter colors now in fashion, i. e. yellow, white, green, or pink.
Well polished boots go particularly well with trousers. You might even be able to pull off khakis in a traditional brown, tan, or cognac color. If you opt for trousers over jeans, be sure that there is enough room in the pant legs and avoid unsightly bulges. In some areas, it is acceptable to wear a so-called “Western tuxedo” for formal events. This features a cowboy hat and boots with a normal black-tie tux. Just be sure your boots are black and highly polished.
Keep in mind that most cowboy boots have a taller heel than regular shoes, as much as one or even two inches. As such, your usual jeans may not be long enough. Look for jeans that “stack. ” This refers to the soft fold that forms in the jean when it extends past the foot of the boot. The stack is a stylistic preference, but it will give you a slightly rugged appearance and is preferred by many men.
Pay attention to the style and shape of the boots. A calf-length cowboy boot with a pointed toe is a classic style. But nowadays you can find ladies’ cowboy boots in shorter lengths or with rounded or square toes. Be aware of that there are other materials than just cowhide, like quilled ostrich, caiman, crocodile, and snakeskin.
This look works especially well when the skinny jean and country boot are balanced out by a chic city jacket or blazer.
Try wearing your boots with leggings and a tunic dress or cardigan, as well. You can also match them with bright tights and a dress or tunic for a unique look.
When wearing jeans or other pants over your cowboy boots, it’s best to go with a boot-cut or flared style. You should also opt for longer jeans that will cover almost all of the boot to the toe. The heel will add one or two inches to your inseam. [10] X Research source
You can also try your boots with a classic dress. A little black dress paired with black or sheer tights and black cowboy boots can look surprisingly sleek and stylish. Wearing your boots with a dress in a simple, structured cut is a good way to give an otherwise elegant piece a playful twist.
Don’t feel the need to banish embellishment entirely. For instance, brown boots can go well with patterned dresses. At the same time, the most important thing is to let the boots be the focus of your outfit. Don’t wear your boots every day. Save them for special occasions for maximum impact.
