Western fashion comes back around year-on-year with Stetsons, cow-print accessories and the perennial cowboy boot. This season is no different. Cowboy boots were part of the cool-girl uniform at Copenhagen Fashion Week, while celebrities like Dua Lipa, EmRata and Beyoncé, whose blockbuster tour made silver cowboy boots fly off the shelves, are repeat wearers. And, in 2024 we're seeing no signs of the cowboy boot trend slowing down.
Beyoncé's latest country releases Texas Hold Em and 16 Carriages were accompanied with Bey in a head-to-toe cowgirl look, and Kim K jumped on the bandwagon soon after posting a picture of herself in a cowboy hat, western jeans and a pair of cowboy boots, of course. Safe to say, it's a trend that's here to stay.
When did cowboy boots become fashionable?
From ranch to runway, the infamous boot has evolved over time, losing its spurs but gaining a new spotlight. The cowboy boot made its runway debut in 1979 when Ralph Lauren launched two new lines, Polo Western and Ralph Lauren Western. The designer was keen to explore Western wear, including denim, accessories and boots, but still, in keeping with tradition, Lauren said ‘I think the spirit of Western style has a rugged elegance and authenticity that people want to relate to.’
Since then, the cowboy boot has been embraced by high fashion, where iconic designers have stepped away from tradition and given new meaning to the boot, namely glamour and femininity. In Alexander McQueen's SS98 show for Givenchy, we saw baby pink cowboy boots with cut-outs to show skin and heels that were higher (and more stiletto in style).
How do you wear cowboy boots without feeling ridiculous?
From Dolly Parton to Princess Diana, celebrities have always seemed to love this everlasting trend, which is still going strong in 2023. The trickle-down effect at its finest. But why are they so popular, still? One word: versatility.
Cowboy boots don’t have to mean jeans and Clint Eastwood; you can pair them with dresses, skirts, or even a jumpsuit. They’re the perfect boot to throw on and still look smart. They’re a timeless classic and definitely worth the investment, whether you go for a more traditional or modern style.
Wear your ankle boots with long floaty prairiedresses to keep things on the stylish side of hippie or go for a knee-length pair worn with a thigh-skimming mini dress.
If you need any more convincing that these boots are worth investing in, take the fact that they were invented back in 1875 and we are still wearing them today. In fact, they're constantly being reinvented.
Buy once and keep forever, or, opt for a second-hand pair that are already well worn in. Here are our pick of the best cowboy boots for women out there now...
SHOP: The Best Cowboy Boots For Women
www.ganni.com
Ganni has an entire sub-category of its shoe section dedicated to cowboy boots, including this cherry and cream pair.
www.zara.com
With its toe cap and wedge heel, Zara's ankle boots are a byword for chic.
www.ariat.com
Ariat is a staple destination for 100% leather goods that embody the country aesthetic to a T. This pair is utterly comfortable, and is available in two width sizes to suit your needs.
www.newlook.com
These black and cream cowboy boots would look great with baggy jeans and a leather jacket.
shop.mango.com
Mango's knee-high suede cowboy boots have a 6cm block heel, which makes them perfect for pairing with miniskirts.
www.freepeople.com
A white pair of cowboy boots will add a touch of cool to grey tailoring.
www.anthropologie.com
If you want something more statement, Anthropologie's Western cowboy boots really pack a punch.
www.cos.com
Even if you didn't get tickets to Beyoncé, you can still channel her energy with these silver cowboy boots.
www.russellandbromley.co.uk
Russell & Bromley's suede and studded cowboy boots would look brilliant with double denim.
www.net-a-porter.com
Paris Texas is a fashion-editor favourite for boots - and its suede cowboy style is no exception.