How to Style Cowboy Boots, According to an Editor in 2025

Cosmopolitan

7 days ago

You know, I know, we all know—the Western trend is alive and very much here to stay. I mean, what you see the Cowboy Carter concert outfits? We're even going so far as to wear cowboy hats to the beach (Hailey Bieber can convince you of that one). But cowboy boots, specifically, are very much an essential for every season. Contrary to popular belief, these boots are not just for music festivals (though they're perfect for the occasion), so if you're late to the party, it's time to get yourself a pair or two for every single occasion. With the right styling, you'll be the most fashionable cowgirl out there.
Don't worry—I hear you if you haven't the slightest clue of how to style cowboy boots. I've got you covered with street style inspiration, celebrity Instagram posts, and, of course, styling advice. Paired with everything from your favorite dress to the typical tank and shorts combination, cowboy boots will see you through all your plans, this season and beyond.
Whether you're brunching in the city or two-stepping at a music fest, these cowboy boot looks are guaranteed to turn heads. Scroll on for 11 ways to style cowboy boots.
Bella Hadid's red dress and brown leather boots combo proves you don't need to overthink it—just throw on your favorite flirty dress with knee-high boots and you're set. This look works for literally everything from weekend brunch to music festivals, and honestly, it's way more comfortable than heels.
Emily Ratajkowski channels Princess Diana with this blazer-and-boots combo that feels both polished and rebellious. The trick is tucking your jeans into tall boots—it creates a sleek silhouette that feels more sophisticated than letting denim bunch over the boots. Add an oversized blazer and simple top for that effortless "I didn't try too hard but still look amazing" appeal. This formula works for the office, casual Fridays, coffee meetings, or any time you want to feel put-together without sacrificing comfort.
These electric blue boots prove that when you want to add a pop of color to your outfit, Western-style footwear is the perfect vehicle. The trick is building your look around that one bold piece. This is how you turn a basic shorts-and-top combo into something that actually stops traffic.
Emma Chamberlain's sunny yellow dress with red embroidered boots proves that color clashing can actually work when you commit to it fully. The key is choosing one standout element—like those gorgeous red boots—and building your accessories around it with matching sunglasses and a fun patterned bag. Ketchup and mustard never looked so good!
A tailored set might seem like an unlikely pairing with cowboy boots, but this polished look proves how wrong that assumption is. The secret is keeping everything in the same color family. Perfect for when you want to look put-together but still show some personality.
Cowboy boots are the perfect match for a high-low dress—they ground the dramatic silhouette and keep it from feeling too fancy. The boots peek out perfectly under the shorter front hem while the longer back creates that Instagram-worthy drama. Easy formula that works for brunch dates or whenever you want to look effortlessly put-together.
When you want to fully commit to the Western aesthetic, matching your cowboy boots to your leather jacket is the way to go. This rich brown leather coordination creates a cohesive look that feels intentional rather than accidental. The trick is adding contrasting elements—like the black mini skirt and tights—to keep it from looking like a costume. This approach works best when both pieces have similar finishes and tones, creating an elevated take on cowgirl dressing that's especially perfect for fall.
Bermuda shorts and cowboy boots might sound like an odd couple, but this look proves they're actually perfect together. The longer hemline of the shorts creates a nice proportion with tall boots. Add a long coat for polish, and you've got an outfit that works for transitional weather when it's too warm for full pants but too cool for mini shorts. Sometimes the best outfits come from mixing unexpected pieces you already own.
Two rebellious classics come together in this perfectly edgy combination. Keep the rest of the look simple with shorts and a basic tee so the statement pieces can do all the talking.
A crisp white shirt dress makes cowboy boots look sophisticated instead of casual. The contrast between the polished collar and rugged Western boots creates an unexpectedly chic combination that works for the office or elevated weekend plans. This look proves that with the right styling, cowboy boots can absolutely work in professional settings.
A denim mini-skirt set gets an instant upgrade when you add cowboy boots to the mix. The Western footwear balances out the sweetness of the matching pieces and adds just enough edge to keep the look from feeling too precious.
Kim Duong is the Deputy Shopping Director at Cosmopolitan, overseeing shopping coverage online for all things fashion, lifestyle, beauty, and sex. When she's not musing about which products are actually worth your hard-earned cash, she's also writing (sometimes slightly unhinged) fashion content in print. You can find her previous writing in Refinery29, InStyle, Travel + Leisure, and StyleCaster. Follow her on Instagram for bottomless cute dog content and did-that-really-happen-to-me story times in her highlights.
Tarah-Lynn Saint-Elien is the fashion editor at Cosmopolitan, writing weighty and witty stories that run the gamut of gushing over Zendaya to convincing you of everything you need in your closet! She began her journey in the industry with a fashion and faith blog and an internship at Elle about 10 years ago. Since then, she's also served as the style editor at The Haitian Times. The Haitian-American pageant queen is Miss Supranational Haiti 2024, a Syracuse Masters graduate, and the author of three books, including: Claim Your Crown. Follow her on Instagram and TikTok: @iamtarahlynn.