How to Style Cowboy Boots for Real Life, Not Coachella

Between festival season fashion and the coastal cowgirl trend taking over, we're reaching critical cowboy boots outfit mass. Don't get us wrong, we love the rugged edge a pair of cowboy boots can bring to a look, but as one of this year's most prominent shoe trends, these boots are walking towards overexposure. Thankfully, we're not quite there yet, and there are still plenty of fresh ways to style cowboy boots, including giving the traditional look a major makeup.

Once you've found your pair—or pairs—of choice, the next question is how to wear them. Whether you're drawn to fresh takes on the cowboy-boot trend or are in a happily committed relationship with a more traditional pair, you're guaranteed to find new cowboy boots 'fits to love among our 11 favorite ways to style this staple.

With a Slip Dress

Emily Ratajkowski regularly serves up cowboy-boot fashion inspo, but we especially love the blend of hard and soft she's bringing with this slip dress look.

With a Garter Skirt

For a sultry look, try pairing a garter-style skirt, fuzzy sweater, and a pair of metallic cowboy boots. The mix of textures is unexpected, while the boots and lingerie details keep things undoubtedly on trend.

With an Oversized Blazer

Blazers—oversized, or otherwise—and A-line miniskirts create an '80s-cool silhouette, but you can add an edge all your own by wearing this 'fit with cowboy boots instead of heels or loafers. Keep the preppy retro energy of this look alive by opting for boots in a soft, pastel shade.

With a Matching Set

One of the best things about cowboy boots is that they play nicely with wildly different aesthetics. Case in point: this brightly patterned set with gold cowboy boots. While nothing about a bra top and matching knit bottoms screams Westernwear, the end result is pure fashion magic.

With a Casual Midi Skirt

Kendall Jenner, arguably the most understated of the KarJenner clan, is another celeb who loves running errands in cowboy boots. Channel her model-off-duty energy with a satin midi skirt, matching tank, and a pair of cowboy boots polished to a high shine.

With Quiet Luxury Separates

Like East Coast humidity, the quiet luxury aesthetic refuses to go anywhere this summer. To add a bit of flair to the aesthetic, add a pair of vibrant metallic or multi-colored cowboy boots.

With a Statement Minidress

Cowboy boots can be statement-makers on their own, but they can also deliver a very casual vibe, which is great if want to tone down another statement piece. The next time you can't find a pair of heels to wear with a bold mini-dress, skip the guesswork and toss on a pair of cowboy boots.

Dress Down a Formal Maxi

If you've got a maxi dress you love that's slightly too dressy for every day, we have a solution. Rather than letting your maxi gather dust as you wait for a movie premiere to attend, toss on a pair of cowboy boots and a cropped leather jacket or oversized blazer. The combination of street-style outerwear and rugged shoes will breathe new daywear life into your dress.

With Lots of Fringe

Cowboy boots and fringe go together like Margot Robbie and Barbiecore. Because these two Westernwear staples are so cohesive, you don't have to wear head-to-toe fringe for your 'fit to achieve fashion (cow)girlie status. You can start small with a fringe bag and skirt, and build from there.

Dress Up Denim

Of course, denim skirts, whether mini or maxi, don't need to be dressed up, but if you wanted to add a few feet of fashion elevation to a casual denim skirt 'fit, cowboy boots will get the job done. For maximum impact, we recommend adding a statement bag that matches your boots while contrasting with your clothes.

With Union-Alls

For a casual vibe that's a bit buttoned up, you can't go wrong with a pair of union-alls and cowboy boots. Accessories really pop with this look, so pile on the belts and bracelets and grab your loudest statement bag.