How to Wear Western Boots: The Complete Australian Styling Guide

So, you bought the boots but still feel a little funny about wearing them out? We get it. Learning how to wear western boots without feeling like you’re a walking, talking cowboy gimmick is a balancing act.

But when you successfully style western boots, you don’t need a rodeo to get them on. This guide will help you make those few adjustments to your fit to make them feel like you so you can really make the most of your new boots.

The Three Rules That Make Western Boots Work

If you feel a bit out of sorts in western boots, start with these tips to make wearing them feel more natural:

• Let the boots do the talking. Between the stitching, shaped toes and western heel, boots already have a lot of character, so give them their moment to shine.
• Wear jeans over the shaft. That’s the upright part that covers your calf. By letting the denim fall over it, the outfit looks more relaxed and it avoids a bunched-up tuck.
• Keep the rest of the outfit familiar. Sticking to your usual shirts, a simple dress or pants can help the outfit feel more like yourself and less like playing a role.

How to Wear Western Boots With Jeans

Unless you’re going to be on the back of a horse, wearing your jeans over your boots is the way to go. This gives the outfit a more everyday look. Let the denim fall past the shaft, leaving the foot and heel visible, or tuck in the jeans to expose the whole boot for a stronger western look.

The cut of your jeans also makes a difference to how you wear them.

• Bootcut jeans: Flare easily over the lower leg, leaving plenty of room for boots.
• Straight leg jeans: Work over jeans if the opening is wide enough, so check the shaft doesn’t show through the denim.
• Wide leg jeans: Make sure the length covers the boot but doesn’t drag.
• Skinny jeans: Usually need tucking in, so keep the shirt and accessories simple to avoid a dress-up cowboy outfit.

Use our Ringers denim guide for women’s jeans and men’s jeans to find the right cut and length for your boots.

How to Wear Western Boots With a Dress or Skirt

Trying to work out what to wear with cowboy boots when it’s too hot for jeans is a whole other story. This is where swapping the jeans for a light cotton dress or skirt and top that pair with your boots will get you through the spring and summer.

• Length: Short dresses and skirts will show off the boot, while midis are a little more understated.
• Colour: Try brown boots with cream or florals, black boots with darker outfits, and white boots with blue denim.
• Socks: Wear them high enough to prevent the shaft from rubbing.

Trying different women’s boots with alternating lengths, cuts and styles of dresses and skirts can help you find your comfort zone.

How Blokes Should Wear Western Boots

Everyday & Casual Outfits

For blokes learning how to wear cowboy boots as part of your everyday outfit, start with a simple plain tee and straight-leg jeans. Keep it simple with a belt and wear the jeans over the boots.

On your first few wears, the new leather will have a sharper look. As you wear them, you’ll notice them softening up and developing creases that give them that worn-in look that looks a bit more natural.

Boots at Work

In the fields or around the property, trade the tee for a work shirt. Leave it untucked for a relaxed fit, or tuck it into dark jeans if you need to head into town.

Boots work in the office too. A more understated pair of men’s boots can be worn with chinos or dark denim and a collared shirt, as long as your dress code allows for it.

Wearing Boots With a Suit

When you’re suiting up, keep your boot leather clean and polished. You want the trousers wide enough to fall over the shaft, making sure there’s enough fabric to cover the boot without catching.

Hats, Belts and the Rest of the Outfit

When you’re working out how to style cowboy boots in the beginning, keep the other western pieces minimal until you get a feel for what you like. Boots and a hat can be enough without jumping into a big buckle, fringe and a heavily detailed shirt. That’s when things can start to feel like a costume.

• Hats: A straw hat can be cooler in hot weather, while a felt option keeps your head warm in cold weather. Just check the hat sizing guide first.
• Belts and buckles: Match leather belts to the colour of your boots for a simple western outfit, choosing a bigger buckle if you really want to step it up a notch.
• Flannos: Nothing says country casual like a men’s or women’s flannel paired with boots.

What to Wear to a Rodeo, Muster or Country Music Festival

CMC Rocks, the Gympie Muster and the Deni Ute Muster are long, hot days, so you want a country outfit that’s as comfy as it looks. Make sure your boots are comfy enough and already broken in for hours on your feet and walking on compacted ground, wearing light-coloured clothing and a straw hat to help with the heat. Keep those hems off the dirt too.

The same goes for your local rodeo or campdraft. As for B&S Balls, they can have particular dress requirements, so check those before picking from our women’s and men’s range.

Start With One Pair and Build From There

Pick the boots you like, jeans that fit over them and then just your usual shirt for a country look that doesn’t look like you’re taking the mickey. When you feel like you’re overdoing it, try taking off an accessory.

Find your own pair of western boots, with women’s and men’s styles ready for any type of day.