They can be seen as a cringe, and they can also be seen as stylish, depending on how you wear them.
The topic here is cowboy boots. Specifically, cowboy boots for men.
When it comes to wearing cowboy boots, it is easy to go overboard with the look, which may make it look like a fancy dress costume at a party or may make people at the club raise their eyebrows when they see you walk in.
So, if you are looking to buy a pair of cowboy boots and are eager to make the look work, read on for how you can seamlessly pair them with your outfits without looking like Woody from Toy Story!
Choose the Right Fit for Your Pants
Starting at the top, a pair of cowboy boots will only really look in place with a pair of straight-leg, boot-cut, or slim-fit jeans. Don't try them with skinny fits, as this will make them look bulky, and don't pair them with baggy trousers, as they will, at best, look really weird.
You need to make sure that the boots you purchased from Ariat are able to sit subtly under the leg of your pants, or, if you are feeling bold, you will want them to be showcased appropriately. This is why both slim and boot-cut jeans are ideal, as they provide a natural line that flows with the boot's shape.
Match Colors
Going back to Woody from Toy Story for a minute, he does have the basics right for pulling off the boots.
He has the brown boots paired with his hat and the red on his waistcoat, while also using a fair amount of blue. Of course, you don't really want to be pairing your cowboy boots with a cowboy hat but you should be mindful of the color of the boots and how they match the rest of your outfit.
One tip is to color-match them with your belt and your jacket. For the best results, aim to buy boots that are in the tones of black, tan, or brown, as these will work effortlessly with a lot of outfits.
Stick to Western-inspired or Neutral Tops
Depending on the look you want to achieve, your cowboy boots will go well with denim, plaid, chambray, or even solid button-downs. If you want to go in an urban or city direction, you can opt for neutral-colored tops or minimalist t-shirts with tailored blazers.
Try to avoid t-shirts that are overly graphic or logo-heavy, as this can create a clash with the look and feel of the boots.
Proportions are Important!
Cowboy boots are a statement to themselves, and you need to ensure that you pair them with other substantial pieces, or you will look very unusual.
For instance, wearing them with thick fabrics or unstructured jackets will pull them into your outfit, whereas if you wear them with sweatpants, it will look dreadful! For fabrics, choose denim, leather, or wool.
Remember, you don't want to look like an extra from Toy Story, so try to keep accessories to a minimum! If you need to have accessories, opt for something subtle, like a chain necklace or stylish belt buckle.
