Western Style Boots: How and Where to Wear Them

Welcome to boot camp! Today we’re talking all about Western style boots – from what pants to wear with them, how to style them, and where to wear them. 

Cowgirl or western-style boots are super on trend right now. I think shorter, subtle pairs are a fun piece to add to an otherwise basic outfit. They’re definitely not my first choice of boots — I definitely gravitate toward Chelsea boots, or dressy pointed toe boots, but since they’re so trendy right now, we’re including them in this week’s BOOT CAMP!

Western boots vs. Western Inspired Boots

If you’re wanting to try the western boot trend, but don’t want to look too costume-y or go full cowgirl, I’d recommend trying a western-inspired boot.

The pair that I have and really like are THESE ONES. They’re sold out, but these are similar. You’ll see that they have some designs on the side that are typical of a western boot, plus a very western style angled block heel. But the shape of the rest of the boot is more like a standard ankle boot, rather than western. Look at the difference between THESE BOOTS and THESE BOOTS, and you’ll see that the first pair is definitely “western inspired,” whereas the second pair is definitely more of a true western.

You decide which works better for your wardrobe and which style will get the most use with things already in your closet! There’s no right answer here, because all of our styles will be different.

How to wear western boots without looking costume-y

There are a few things you can do to avoid a costume-y look with western boots:

1. Maybe skip wearing them with a wide brim hat.  If you’re going to a concert, costume-y outfits are definitely appropriate and often encouraged, so go full hog with the hat and the boots. But for everyday, if you’re trying to avoid a costume-y look, choose either the boot or the hat. Not both together.
2. Balance the outfit when wearing heavier boots. Western boots are a little clunkier kind of boot, without a fitted ankle, so it’s easy for the outfit to feel bottom heavy. So choose a fuller skirt to add volume on the top to offset the heavier shoe. Or choose a skinny pant to offset the heavier boot and not add more bulk to your bottom half.
3. Pair your western boots with elevated classic pieces. Classic pieces are a great way to make any trendy piece feel more elevated. Try mid or dark wash jeans instead of light wash jeans for more of a classic look, a chic blazer instead of an oversized denim jacket, or a classy fuller black dress instead of a trendy bodycon dress.

Here are some shopping options for shorter western boots

And some shopping options for tall western boots

Outfit ideas for western boots

I hope this is helpful!

If you missed the first three days of BOOTCAMP, check out day one all about Chelsea Boots HERE, and day two all about Dressy Pointed Toe Ankle Boots HERE, and day three all about Tall boots HERE.

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