Melissa Epifano
Some trends are harder than others to fully embrace without feeling like you've completely overhauled your personal style. Exhibit A: cowboy boots. If you're not a desert dweller (or one at heart), trying to work these very specific Western-inspired shoes into your wardrobe isn't a walk in the park.
That said, cowboy boots have lasting power and have been a trending boot style for a couple of years now. They're also a fantastic transitional piece for spring as we shake off the last chilly days of winter and work our way towards summer. Whether paired with midi or miniskirts, denim-on-denim looks or dresses, it's much simpler to introduce cowboy (or cowgirl) boots into your daily rotation, even if your usual style is the polar opposite of ranch attire.
I understand if you find cowboy boots a little too costume-like for your taste, but there are plenty of styles from the best boot brands that offer a subtler nod to Western-inspired styling via a Cuban heel or swapping the traditional stitching for a fun cow print. Personally, I don't think you can go wrong with a classic black leather pair, which is sure to go with everything you own.
Pulling inspiration from these cowboy-boot outfits will ensure no one will assume this is your first rodeo.
1. Leather Jacket + Midi Skirt + Black Boots
Style Notes: Softer colours like cream and chocolate brown make a pair of black boots feel more fitting for spring. This outfit is a perfect example of how to incorporate cowboy boots when your style doesn't typically lean Western; slouchy boots with a midi skirt and relaxed jacket make for a more contemporary silhouette.
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The relaxed fit is comfortable and ideal for layering in autumn and spring.
Swap your dark denim skirts for cream versions to match the season.
2. Black Vest + White Skirt + Tan Boots
Style Notes: For warmer spring days, call on a laid-back vest and miniskirt combo and add a pair of cowboy boots. This pair is reminiscent of Frye boots and other brands that were at the cutting edge of developing the style. It's another type of cowboy boot with a differing toe and top edge shape, which makes it a little more classic.
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A black vest is the perfect contrast against a white skirt.
No spring or summer wardrobe is complete without a white skirt, and it goes perfectly with cowboy boots.
A square top edge is less costume-y than the curved edges of traditional cowboy boots.
3. Denim Jacket + Jeans + Suede Boots
Style Notes: Cow print is in the same realm as cowboy—both are equally as emblematic of ranch style. To bring fun cow-print boots into a modern-day wardrobe, copy Aimee Song's outfit (above) and choose a knee-high pair to wear over the top of a denim-on-denim look.
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A relaxed denim jacket and cowboy boots are a match made in heaven.
These jeans work with shorter cowboy boots, but the slim fit can slide into taller pairs too.
If cow print is a touch too maximalist, try this suede pair.
4. Long-Sleeved Top + Patterned Skirt + White Boots
Style Notes: In the UK, sunshine isn't guaranteed regardless of the season. For the days too cold to wear T-shirts, a long-sleeved top with a flowy skirt will offer a little more coverage without feeling stuffy. A plaid or patterned skirt brings out the prairie aesthetic, and white cowboy boots are the perfect pick to brighten and modernise it all, as Ada Oguntodo proves above.
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A lightweight staple for transitional seasons.
This skirt doubles up as a bandeau dress.
The stitching and turned-up toe feels ready for the desert.
5. Dungarees + Quilted Jacket + Ankle Boots
Style Notes: This is one of the easiest and coolest transitional-weather looks I've seen. Grace Halksworth pairs her dungarees with a floral quilted jacket and black ankle cowboy boots. No doubt I'll be wearing this exact look this weekend…
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One-piece outfits like dungarees make spring dressing so easy.
Perfect for peeking out from under dungarees.
A floral quilted jacket softens the look of Western boots.
6. White Dress + Croc-Print Cowboy Boots
Style Notes: A pair of cream-coloured, croc-print cowboy boots is an easy way to lighten up your wardrobe for spring and create a blend of muted shades that work beautifully together, just as Ali Tate Cutler has done here.
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The puff sleeves are a nice detail.
This has a slight prairie-chic edge to it.
White cowboy boots get an upgrade with the crocodile texture.
7. Brown Dress + Brown Handbag + Brown Cowboy Boots
Style Notes: When you don't know what to wear, you can't go wrong with a monochrome outfit. Franny Monzemba's dress and boot combo (above) is the perfect 'fit for transitioning from winter to spring. Earthy brown is an ideal colour palette for a Western-infused look.
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This dress will prove to be so versatile.
A saddle bag is fitting, and the hardware reminds me of a horse bit.
The shiny dark chocolate leather is perfection for autumn.
This story was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
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