How to wear cowboy boots in 2023

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Y2K devotees will be thrilled to hear that cowboy boots are still utterly relevant in 2023. 

The Western-inspired footwear trend has been gaining momentum on the runway over the past couple of seasons, spotted at the likes of Chloé, Molly Goddard, A.W.A.K.E. Mode – and we're honestly so here for it.

The statement shoe is infused with playfulness and has an almost costume-like appeal. Understated? Hardly. But what cowboy boots lack in subtlety, they more than make up for in noughties glamour.

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Slipping on a bold pair (think metallic finishes, colour blocking or contrasting topstitching) is a super easy way of injecting an outfit with a sense of fun.

There is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to rocking the larger-than-life boot. Fringed suede tan styles are ideal if you're paying homage to OG Glastonbury boho girlie Sienna Miller, whereas flashy disco-esque shades are very Renaissance Beyoncé.

MORE: 12 legging outfits: how to style the wardrobe staple this season

RELATED: How to style double denim this season

How to style cowboy boots 

Cowboy boots and shorter hem lengths go hand in hand like a dream, especially if you've bagged a high drama pair that demand to be shown off. 

For SS23, we're into easy-breezy shirts, pleated mini skirts and blazer dresses. 

As we edge into the colder months, all the aforementioned styles can be layered over sheer tights, but cowboy boots also work really well alongside baggy jeans for maximum Western vibes. Yee-haw, indeed.

Are they in for 2023?

Arguably, the biker look has pipped cowboy styles to the post, taking top spot as 2023's most covetable boot. But the Western-inspired shoe style has practically transcended the trend cycle at this point, carving itself out as a bona fide footwear classic and returning to the runway season upon season.

True to form, for AW23 Zimmermann has championed delicacy and detail with its cowboy boots, showcasing botanical embroidery and fine gold hardware, whereas A.W.A.K.E. Mode went for slouchier, more lived-in leather.

Hello! Fashion shares how to style cowboy boots this season:

With a statement shearling coat...

The impact of Charlotte Simone remains evident among the street style set, and we love the combination of cool blues with a flash of silver.

With monochrome layers...

For a speedy masterclass in how to layer, turn to this monochrome outfit for inspiration. The graphic black and white contrast in the boots is echoed around the neckline for a sense of cohesion.

With sheer tights and a cool-girl co-ord...

The understated hosiery trend that has every celebrity hooked this season? Sheer tights. Style yours with knee-high cowboy boots and a mini skirt to elongate the line of the leg.

With an oversized leather blazer...

For a calculated textural contrast, pair soft suede cowboy boots with a relaxed-fit leather jacket.

With a fluffy cardigan and a midaxi skirt...

Cowboy boots can totally lend themselves to a sense of femininity - pair yours with a cute cardigan and a floral skirt.

With a fringed shirt dress...

Lean into the Western look by embracing fringing, championing a sense of playful movement.

With alternative denim...

Jeans are a cowboy classic, but explore the breadth of denim via a ruffle dress or a distressed midaxi skirt.

With a clean-cut blazer 

The movement of the mesh underlay works really nicely to balance out the structure of the cream blazer, and we love the studs for a hit of hardware.

With a bomber jacket and denim skirt...

The oversized bomber is one of this year's biggest outerwear heroes, opt for a vibrant shade to offset a more muted print.

With a sheer panel shirt dress...

If the weather permits, go bare-legged. This sheer panel shirt dress feels crisp and cool against black boots.

With a cape coat...

Teaming cowboy boots with subtle fringing is a great way of paying homage to the Western look without verging into fancy dress territory. Featuring leather trims, this cape coat feels relaxed and we love the flash of gold on the boot toe caps.

With a vibrant dress and trench coat...

If you've opted for cowboy boots in a classic, neutral colourway, consider livening things up with a bright belted mini dress.

With a plunging shirt and wrap skirt...

Slouchy boots and a modest midi skirt leave room for the drama of a plunging neckline.

With a collared midi and textured coat...

Balance out a splash of vibrancy with a black croc-effect coat and monochrome boots.

With double denim...

Bedazzled jeans are making headway this party season. Take things to the next level and style yours with a matching jacket.

How we chose:

  • Style: All our picks are cowboy boots, featuring tapered toes, tall shafts and Western-inspired detailing. They are either bang on trend for AW23 or have a certain classic appeal for maximum versatility. 
  • Price: Whether you're planning on splashing out or bagging a bargain, we've got a pair of cowboy boots in your price range. We've selected this season's best, ranging from high-street brands to luxe designer labels.

  • Suede Leather Western Cowboy Boots

    By Anthropologie

    Champion the biggest colour trend of the moment with these crimson Anthropologie boots. Crafted in Portugal, they are cut from supple leather and feature cream top stitching. 

  • Vachetta Leather Western Boot

    Polo Ralph Lauren

    Crafted in Spain, these Polo Ralph Lauren cowboy boots are categorically high impact. The energising red vachetta leather works beautifully alongside off-white and black layered cutouts and the almond-shaped toe feels luxe and soft.

  • Moody Metallic Cowboy Boots

    FP Collection

    Lean into molten metals with these deep gold cowboy boots by boho specialist Free People. Finishing just below the knee, these feature a crinkled, reflective finish and would look amazing alongside and A-line mini dress and a wash of highlighter.

  • Duerto Embroidered Leather-trimmed Suede Cowboy Boots

    Isabel Marant

    Isabel Marant excels in cowboy boots, and its 'Duerto' pair is the sartorial proof. The contrast between the off-white and the black feels clean but not overly stark, and the Cuban heels add a sense of authenticity. 

  • Embroidered Cowboy Boots

    Wanting to get the Western look for less? Monki has you covered. The high street hero has come through with a minimalist black pair featuring square toes and white topstitching. Plus, they're faux leather and therefore suitable for vegans.

  • Wish Star Boots

    Golden Goose's 'Wish Star' boots fuse Venetian craftsmanship with Western spirit, and we are here for the crossover. Cut from 100% cow leather with a star inlay, the vibe is unapologetically celestial.

  • Cowboy Boots With Studs

    In the mood for some cool-girl chrome? We adore Zara's studded cowboy boots, complete with super pointy toes. Team yours with distressed denim and a metallic crossbody. 

  • Embroidered Leather Cowboy Boots

    Ganni

    Cut from smooth, tan leather, this pair by Ganni would make for an extremely wise footwear investment. Versatile and reassuringly neutral, the low heel height feels ideal for everyday. Style with baggy light-wash jeans for maximum off-duty cool.

  • The Silver Cowboy Boot

    Annie's Ibiza x Terry de Havilland

    It would be remiss of me to curate a cowboy boot edit without spotlighting Annie's Ibiza's collab with iconic 1970s footwear label Terry de Havilland. Steeped in flashy disco energy, this silver pair is at the very top of my party footwear wish list.

Why you should trust me:

 Orin Carlin is Hello! Fashion’s SEO Content Writer. Promising to leave no stone unturned in the name of fashion and beauty journalism, she is the proud creator of our ‘Try The Trend’ series. With a particular interest in formula innovation, microtrends, royal and bridal beauty, perfume, rituals, treatments, fashion history and vintage icons, she can either be found interviewing major industry names (previous subjects include Georgia May Jagger, Mary Greenwell and Sam McKnight) or scouring the internet for must-have pieces. It's not just a job; it's a personal quest to unearth noteworthy pieces that resonate with style enthusiasts.

HELLO!'s selection is editorial and independently chosen – we only feature items our editors love and approve of. HELLO! may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. To find out more visit our FAQ page.

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