Cowboy boots have been around for over a hundred years and have permeated through fashion and pop culture. But what if your life is high rises and traffic, and not hay bales and tractors? How do cowboy boots fit into your wardrobe? And how do you wear cowboy boots without looking country?

Women: How to Rock Cowgirl Boots Without Looking Country

Making a statement with cowgirl boots is easier than you think. By just following a few simple rules, you can take your outfit from ‘Southern drawl’ to ‘dropping jaws’. Here are some dos and don’ts on how to wear cowboy boots without looking country.

Do:

1. Wear a simple top. Many western outfits feature geometric patterns or more vibrant colors. One way to not look “too country” is to rock those boots, but wear a solid-colored or otherwise neutral top. Or, wear your boots with a solid-colored, neutral dress.

2. Wear them with skinny jeans, tucked in. Wearing cowgirl boots with skinny jeans lets you give a nod to the heritage, but lets you tuck the leg into the shaft so you can show off your boots.

3. Wear simple accessories. Flashy accessories can detract from your look if you’re wearing cowgirl boots, and potentially make the outfit look more country. Remember, keep it simple.

4. Color-coordinate boot accent colors Cowgirl boots often feature bright colors and eccentric embroidery. Add accents of color into your outfit to match your boots to make them pop.

5. Experiment with different toe shapes and shaft heights. Have you thought about trying a pair of cowgirl booties versus full-length cowgirl boots? There are thousands of different cowgirl boots to choose from. Find the one that fits best for you.

6. Be confident. Cowgirl boots can attract a lot of attention. Wear your boots confidently and enjoy it!

What to avoid in your outfit:

• Avoid geometric patterns, paisley, or plaid. These patterns are great for a classic western look, but if you’re trying to wear cowboy boots without looking country, then steer away from these looks.

• Avoid tucking in loose jeans or pants. Loose jeans and pants will leave bulges in your boots if you tuck them in, and won’t be comfortable on your legs. This is the rule of thumb, even if you’re not trying to wear cowboy boots without looking country.

Like with most rules, there are exceptions to all of these. The most important rule is to be confident!

Men: How to Pull Off Cowboy Boots Without Looking Country

Cowboy boots are a great example of well-made footwear. The best boots are made with top-grain leather and are made by using techniques that have been passed down through generations. It makes sense that a modern city-slicker would want a classic pair of shoes like these for their collection. Here’s how to wear cowboy boots without looking too ‘country’.

Do:

1. Wear simple clothing. Skip the flannel and go for shirts and pants that have clean lines, simple colors, and a good fit.
2. Try wearing them with slacks. Cowboy boots look great with slacks, especially if you get a pair of dress cowboy boots. Add in a sport coat and you have a look for a casual workday or a night out.
3. Wear darker denim. Lighter wash jeans are quintessential cowboy wear, so it’s best to avoid them if you don’t want to look country.
4. Skip the hat. Hats and caps play into the cowboy look. Consider skipping the hat altogether.

What to avoid in your look:

1. Never tuck your pants in. Tucking your pants in causes bunches and discomfort in the shaft of your boots. Not to mention, it looks sloppy. If you want to show off your cowboy boots a bit more with slacks or jeans, wear pants with a shorter hem. Pants with a hem that rests near where the upper of the boot meets the shaft can help you show off your boots without committing this fashion faux pas.
2. Above all else, be confident. Confidence is key. If you don’t think you look great in your cowboy boots, why should anyone else think you look great?

Is it Okay to Wear Skinny Jeans with Cowboy Boots?

As a general rule of thumb, men should not wear skinny jeans when wearing cowboy boots for fashion, but women can wear skinny jeans with boots depending on the outfit. The reason that skinny jeans aren’t usually worn with boots is that it’s often considered a fashion faux pas to tuck pants into cowboy boots, and the shaft of a cowboy boot is naturally too wide to fit into the leg of skinny jeans.

What is the Proper Way to Wear Cowboy Boots?

The proper way to wear cowboy boots is to wear them with boot cut or straight leg jeans (wearing the pant leg over the boot). Sometimes it can be fun to lean into the cowboy look, and it’s possible to do it without looking too country. For the top, men and women can wear flannel, a button-up shirt, or a t-shirt. You can finish off your look with a cowboy hat or your favorite cap, but it’s not required. Wearing country clothes with your cowboy boots can be a fun way to pay homage to your new favorite piece of footwear.

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