What to Wear With Cowboy Boots

There is no better time to be a fan of Wild West-inspired fashion. With new styles ranging from fashionable cowboy boots to rugged and distressed boots for that “had ‘em for years” look, there’s a cowboy or cowgirl boot to fit any taste. Modern cowboy boots aren’t just for riding. Now they can be worn with dresses, shorts, or even a suit. But don’t skimp on your purchase. Treat them like an investment, and your boots will last you for years.

Women: What to Wear With Cowgirl Boots

The Best Tops to Wear With Cowgirl Boots

When styling your cowgirl boots, choose a top or shirt that complements the boots, without drawing attention away from your focal point. A western shirt is ideal for a classic western look; alternatively opt for a graphic tee, perfect for casual and comfortable wearing. Avoid tops or t-shirts with clashing colours or textures, as this can look disjointed against your cowgirl boots. 

What Trousers to Wear With Cowgirl Boots

Oftentimes the biggest question on what to wear with cowgirl boots comes down to trousers. The trousers you wear with your cowgirl boots will either cover the shaft of the boots, for a more subtle look, or put your boots on full display. There are a few general style rules to follow: If you’re wearing long trousers or jeans, avoid tucking them into your boots unless they are skinny jeans or other trousers that fit close to the skin. Baggier, looser trousers should be worn over the boots. This includes boot-cut jeans or any trousers with a flared leg.

When wearing shorts with cowgirl boots, it’s important to consider your short length and the style of boots which they pair best with. Short cowgirl boots pair great with longer, mid-thigh shorts, whereas tall western boots style well with shorter denim shorts, as they elongate the leg and are usually slightly higher in the heel. Either style pairs well with a western tee for a more comfortable fit option. 

Short cowgirl boots also pair well with jeans for a more comfortable fit, or western dresses if you’re looking for an easy day-to-night option.

How to Wear Cowgirl Boots With Dresses

When thinking about what to wear with cowgirl boots in the summer, dresses are probably the first thing that comes to mind. If you already have a good pair of boots, finding the right dress to wear with them is easy. Similar to picking out a top to wear with your cowgirl boots, you’ll want to avoid contrasting textures. Likewise, steer clear of dresses that fit snugly around the legs (like pencil skirts and body-con numbers). Aim for knee length but go with whatever makes you feel most confident.
 

What Accessories to Wear With Cowgirl Boots

When it comes to accessorizing your outfit with cowgirl boots, simple is better. Try wearing a few understated accessories to complement your boots, such as a western belt or cap. These accessories pair well with a range of outfit options, including western dresses or jeans, without drawing too much attention away from your boots.

Men: What to Wear With Cowboy Boots

What Looks Good With Cowboy Boots?

In general, what looks good with cowboy boots are clothes with similar textures but contrasting colours. Urban cowboys, this is your time to shine. Now more than ever, cowboy boots are appreciated as more than just ranch wear. When deciding what to wear with cowboy boots, keep your clothes simple. Solid colours or simple patterns are your friend. Choose hues that aren’t too saturated or bright, and if your boots have contrasting stitching, try incorporating that colour into the rest of your outfit for an eye-catching ensemble. 

What Trousers to Wear With Cowboy Boots

Cowboy boots and denim have gone together for over a hundred years. Functional, versatile, and comfortable, a good pair of jeans is a must-have for pairing with your cowboy boots. For a style you can wear both day or not, try darker blue or grey-wash jeans with your favourite pair of cowboy boots. As their name suggests, boot-cut jeans are specifically designed to be worn with boots: They’re slightly flared from the knee down to create extra room for the shaft. If you want to go a little dressier, wear your cowboy boots with slacks, just make sure not to tuck them into your boots.

Western Belts: Yes or No?

When thinking about what to wear with cowboy boots, the quintessential Western belt buckle probably came to mind. While men’s Western belts may be known for having large and ornate belt buckles, they’re actually more commonly seen with modest, engraved buckles paired with braided, studded, or hand-tooled leather belts. Whether or not to wear a Western belt with your cowboy boots is up to you and may ultimately come down to where you live. If you’re wearing your cowboy boots into town for work, then pair with a simple black leather belt, but if you’re heading out to the bar or a concert, throw on a western belt for a traditional look.

Wearing Cowboy Boots With a Suit

When people ask what to wear with cowboy boots, the answer is typically not “a suit.” But thanks to more relaxed office dress codes, you don’t have to be a cattle tycoon to wear cowboy boots and a suit to work anymore. In fact, a well-made pair of cowboy boots can complement just about any suit.

The most versatile cowboy boots you can own are short western boots. Much like dress shoes, these offer a simple but sophisticated finish, and pair well with suit trousers. Brown cowboy boots pair perfectly with shades of grey and blue, and tan cowboy boots work with lighter coloured suits. Wear a solid coloured tie that matches your suit—or go without one for a modern, business-casual look. Rule of thumb: Your belt should always match your shoe colour, and your tie should match your suit.

Cowboy Boot Colour Matching for Men

Finding the perfect outfit to match your cowboy boots shouldn’t be a task. There are some general colour matching patterns we see within the Western lifestyle, but these can be interpreted by an individual differently to another. 

General rule of thumb is that black cowboy boots can be paired with most colours, as these tend to blend seamlessly with any outfit. Brown cowboy boots work best with brown, navy or grey tones such as charcoal or light grey, as they create a visual difference from trousers to shoes. Tan cowboy boots are a great option for lighter, summer days with warm or light tones such as grey or denim blue, and can even be paired with white for a focal point in your outfit.

The trick to pulling off cowboy boots with a suit is to maintain and care for your cowboy boots properly. That means cleaning, conditioning, and polishing them regularly following our cowboy boot care guide. A well-kept pair of cowboy boots will last years—and probably even outlast the suits you wear them with!

What to Wear with Cowboy Boots for a Night Out?

Cowboy boots can be a stylish part of your wardrobe, even if they’re not common in the area where you live. To wear your cowboy boots for a night out on the town, pair them with a dark pair of jeans, a solid coloured shirt, and a bomber or Harrington jacket. Try a blazer for a smart-casual look, or give yourself an edge with a T-shirt and leather jacket.

How to Wear Cowboy Boots Without Looking Country

To wear cowboy boots without looking too country, choose modern clothing styles over flannel or other Western-inspired clothing. Look for brown or black cowboy boots with a short, straight heel, instead of the angled one you find in traditional boots. Wear them with darker coloured jeans or slacks, along with a dress shirt, styled casually like it’s the end of a workday with cuffed sleeves and an unbuttoned neck. Alternatively, pair them with some denim jeans and a western tee for a more relaxed fit, without looking too country.

When cared for properly, cowboy boots can be an exceptional addition to your shoe collection. Cowboy boots are made with the best materials and have become more versatile and fashion-forward in recent years. Take care of your cowboy boots, and they’ll take care of your feet.