The Best Pairs of Cowboy Boots for a Little Western Flair

Saddle Up

The No-Pants-Necessary Boot

To be clear: By no pants, we mean bare legs.

Photo: RAIMONDA KULIKAUSKIENEGETTY IMAGES

One can achieve this look with oversized pullovers, T-shirt dresses (with or without biker shorts), or micro miniskirts and denier tights to underpin the over-the-knee height.

Remember, the boots are the star of the look. So keep the rest of the pairings minimal and let them shine.

A Vintage Appeal

Consider styles made from materials meant to get better with each wear, like nubuck or pebble-grained leather.

Photo: MELODIE JENGGETTY IMAGES

To feign a vintage feel, many designers finish their cowboy boots with retro details and distressed materials that resemble something you'd find in your favorite secondhand shop.

And those who are looking for something a little bolder should opt for tactile, faux exotics.

Making a Statement

Exaggerated silhouettes and bold prints that complement, rather than clash, with their uniqueness.

Photo: RAIMONDA KULIKAUSKIENE / GETTY IMAGES

When you think of the Western trend in present day, it's likely that bright colorful boots with metallic leathers come to mind.

But in 2022, the fad presents itself in more modern ways, like fold-over boots from R13 and graphic sceneries à la Brother Vellies.

One foolproof way to successfully pull off more eccentric pairs is to wear them with something equally as fun—think: exaggerated silhouettes and bold prints that complement, rather than clash, with their uniqueness.

Devil Is in the Detail

Intricate details are a key feature of all the best cowboy boots.

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Whether that means embroidered flowers or paisley whipstitching, each pair is carefully crafted with an eye-catching design that will pop against monochromatic outfits.

Wear a detailed boot with light-wash denim and a T-shirt to complete an all-American, off-duty ensemble that's as chic as it is laid-back.

The Wear-with-Anything Boot

Luckily, there are more pared-back options with all the makings to become your new everyday signature—but with a Western twist.

Photo: CHRISTIAN VIERIG / GETTY IMAGES

Khaite's Dallas ankle boots have remained a fan favorite for seasons, while Isabel Marant's signature style with the cone-shaped heel dates back to the mid-2000s, perching them on the cusp of the nostalgic Y2K bubble.

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By Shelby Ying Hyde

n a literal sense, cowboy boots can be tricky to work into your wardrobe.

Unless you live somewhere that calls for the sturdy silhouette, they have a tendency to feel (and look) out of place.

But over the decades, designers of all sizes have started churning out their own spins on the Western style, giving those who want something a bit more fashion focused the chance to take part in the trend, regardless of their geographical location.

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