How to Wear Cowboy Boots in 2022 Like a Style Pro

Let’s start with the basics—rather than go all out western, mix your brown or black boots with a shirtdress in a heavier fabric (like denim or flannel) and top it off with a felt rancher or similar wide-brim hat. The result is a fabulous blending of true cowboy style and city chic.

Shop similar styles: Gigi Pip hat ($131); Banana Republic dress ($150; $105); Jeffrey Campbell boots ($260)

If you’re more of a pants gal, try a fresher, reworked version of the Canadian tuxedo (aka, denim on denim) by way of clean black washes with no distressing. Keep your accessories on the modern side (yes to a structured lady bag, no to a fringe-trimmed tote) to really amp up the style factor.

Shop similar styles: Levi’s jacket ($80); American Eagle jeans ($50); Idyllwind boots ($330)

Cowboy boots tend to feel like a standout piece (at least in the city and suburbs), but they don’t have to be the focal point of your outfit. Pair them with a boldly patterned mini or midi skirt and a classic white blouse and suddenly they’re as easy to wear as any other black knee-high styles in your arsenal.

Shop similar styles: J.Crew shirt ($80); Anthropologie skirt ($148); Jeffrey Campbell boots ($260)

This date-night look is so much more walkable than strappy stilettos but just as cute for making a good first impression.

Shop similar styles: Good American blazer ($149); Maje dress ($445; $178); Hanks Brand boots ($234)

A handy tip for figuring out how to mix and match prints like a pro is to start with a solid, neutral-hued base, like a black dress or white jeans and a white T-shirt. Then you can work outwards, piling on all the fun plaids, zebra stripes or colorblocking you want without looking too over the top. (Another pro tip is to make sure all your printed pieces have a least one color in common.)

Shop similar styles: Reformation coat ($328; $164); Krisa dress ($209); Cult Gaia bag ($518); Dingo boots ($130)

If you want to make sure your red embroidered boots are getting all the attention they deserve, pair them with a simple little black dress and minimal accessories to really give them the spotlight.

Shop similar styles: A New Day beret ($15); Aria Cove dress ($87); Penny Loves Kenny boots ($70)

Winterize your western boots by pairing them with a cozy knit dress. Chunky, looser sweater dresses are trending in 2022, but thinner knits will also look cute, provided they hit below the knee.

Shop similar styles: ASOS dress ($55); B-Low the Belt belt ($143); Corral boots ($209)

Add a touch of old-Hollywood glamor to your look by knotting a pretty silk scarf under your chin and slipping on a pair of luxe leather or suede gloves. And while you could tuck skinny jeans into your booties, we think this look works best with wide-leg pants that can glide over the top of your boot for just a touch of western.

Shop similar styles: Tory Burch scarf ($228); OOF coat ($450; $270); Everlane sweater ($120); UGG gloves ($100); Alex Mill pants ($135); Free People boots ($298)

Give the cowboy trend a ‘60s spin by picking up a pair of simple, stark white boots and pairing them with a flirty mini that would make Twiggy proud.

Shop similar styles: MISA dress ($390); Matisse boots ($165)

Yes, you can wear shorts with cowboy boots and not wind up looking like Daisy Duke. The key is to choose both shorts and boots with a more polished vibe. Think longer hem lengths, clean washes or non-denim options paired with black leather or suede that doesn’t slouch. Top it off with a structured jacket—like a blazer—that hits within two inches of your hips and voilà!

Shop similar styles: Halogen blazer ($119; $96); Everlane T-shirt ($24); Agolde shorts ($168); Ariat boots ($165)

When in doubt, try a monochromatic look. Head-to-toe brown or beige can often fall flat, and brighter shades might be a bit overwhelming, but white clothes paired with white boots makes for a chic ensemble that even the most minimalist fashionista will feel comfortable in. Play around with different textures or subtle patterns, like denim with white-and-silver snakeskin, to add some depth to the look.

Shop similar styles: A.L.C. top ($165); Jen 7 skirt ($79); Matisse boots ($200)

Of course, if you’re going to go the monochrome route you can’t discount the power (and ease) of wearing all black. That said, so much darkness can sometimes obscure your shape and leave you looking a little like a blob. Add in a few hints of gold, either by way of a gold belt buckle, a chain necklace or even as a decorative cap on the toe of your boots, to shake things up a bit and add interest.

Shop similar styles: Ganni jacket ($425); Topshop top ($25); Sancia belt ($99); Noisy May skirt ($29); Nasty Gal boots ($110; $34)

Sleek workwear and rugged boots may not feel like an obvious match, but adding in a dressy-casual piece, like a leather belt, can help bridge the gap between the two. Also, be sure to choose a dress with a hem that hits one or two inches below the top of your boots for maximum style points.

Shop similar styles: ASOS Edition dress ($140); B-Low the Belt belt ($165); Tory Burch bag ($498); Free People boots ($328)

We adore this cozy fall combo for chilly autumn afternoons. Hot tip: Sporting white boots or another light color rather than dark hues can help lighten the vibe, so you don’t look quite so weighted down by all that fabric.

Shop similar styles: J.Crew shirt ($90); Mare Mare skirt ($148); Crown Vintage boots ($70)

Embrace your preppy and ranch-loving sides by choosing pieces that all fall within the same color family. A black headband, black boots and green-and-black plaid dress work beautifully together, but so would a brown-and-yellow floral headband, brown boots and a pale yellow mini skirt.

Shop similar styles: Lele Sadoughi headband ($49); J.Crew dress ($128; $115); ba&sh boots ($425)

Or you could wear a black dress with a white belt. The point here is to embrace your inner Cruella De Vil (her fashion sense only) and sport only black and white for an elevated finish.

Shop similar styles: L’Academie dress ($258); Cult Gaia belt ($158); Steve Madden boots ($170)

For those who love a good maximalist moment, try pairing your bold cowboy boots with two equally show-stopping prints. If you’re not aiming to have a through-color included in each piece, opt for patterns with similar sizes or styles, like two large contrasting plaids, rather than going too out there with your selections.

Shop similar styles: Club Monaco top ($90); ModCloth skirt ($74); Alohas boots ($324)

Combine two hot 2022 trends—sweater vests and cowboy boots—for one uber trendy ensemble. We suggest layering a solid-hued knit over a dress in the same color to keep things simple but chic.

Shop similar styles: & Other Stories sweater vest ($99); Amanda Uprichard dress ($211); Lane Boots boots ($295)

We love a good layered look, and this combo is one of the best. Slip a thin turtleneck on underneath a button-front midi for added warmth without added bulk. Then opt for boots that show just a few inches of skin under the hem of your dress to balance out your top layers.

Shop similar styles: J.Crew turtleneck ($37; $26); Mejuri necklace ($135); Ganni dress ($265; $132); Golo boots ($295; $170)

The point of bold fashion pieces like cowboy boots is to have a little fun with your clothing. So really, at the end of the day, wear what makes you feel good. If that means tucking corduroy skinnies into burgundy boots and topping it all with a floral-embroidered denim vest, then so be it.

Shop similar styles: Kate Spade New York coat ($398); Anthropologie vest ($160; $100); Old Navy pants ($45; $23); Jeffrey Campbell boots ($260)