by When Queen Bee herself wears it, you know it’s gotta be good. Denim jeans and cowboy boots styled together have been a huge trend, and there are no signs of it slowing down. The classic cowboy uniform has been a staple in American fashion for over a century. New York City-based fashion stylist Liz Teich says, “This isn’t a new idea, especially as we’ve seen cowboy boots the last few seasons, and this trend always seems to be one that returns year after year. Unlike Beyoncé’s Texas-inspired styling (á la Louis Vuitton’s men’s fall show) recently and from what we saw from designers a few years ago, what will make them feel fresh is how they’re styled.”
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Liz Teich is a New York City-based fashion stylist.
While we may not be in Texas, cowboy boots are certainly made for walking and make for a fun and versatile accessory paired with any favorite trusty denim jeans. Not to mention, the greatest thing about jeans is that they seamlessly pair with any shoes, and that includes cowboy boots. Teich says, “To make cowboy boots and jeans feel more 2024, we’ll be seeing them styled in a less Western-inspired aesthetic, but mixed with other aesthetics.”
The best thing about wearing cowboy boots with denim jeans is that they suit a huge range of styles, whether you’re rocking your favorite band tee or looking for a more playful way to dress up your everyday denim. Jeans and cowboy boots are a match made in heaven, and there are endless ways to wear them, no matter what your aesthetic is.
Read on for some inspiration from street style stars and styling tips to help you along.
Menswear-Inspired Blazer
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Jeans and a tee get a major upgrade when you add in an oversized menswear-inspired wool blazer, dainty gold jewelry, and a large woven hobo bag in caramel. Play up how fun it is to be matchy-matchy by sporting teeny black lacquer sunnies, and patent black cowboy boots for cool-girl polish. Teich says this look is totally wearable, “this is personally how I wear them because it looks authentic to me (especially being from New York). These boots work well and add balance with the oversized blazer and wide leg, slouchy/loose denim, and can substitute for booties from years past that feel tired and frumpy with these silhouettes.”
Dress It Up
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Teich loves a look that works seamlessly but nods to classic Western fashion. “The lady-like bag and the turtleneck give it an unexpected twist that is refreshing and modern but doesn’t feel like a costume.” Not to mention the added benefit of getting dressed quickly when things match.
Ladylike Layers
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Want to look like Princess Di? Us too. Teich says, “This look feels very reminiscent of Lady Di mixing classic prep with the cowboy boots. We’ll be seeing a lot of mixing genres/styles this coming season and this is a prime example of one that works, especially as a riding boot would feel expected.”
Lighten Things Up
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This look proves that brown and black do belong together! Just because the weather is warming up doesn’t mean you have to put your boots away. A deep cognac cowboy boot adds warmth and depth to an otherwise simple shorts and tank look. Teich knows the idea isn’t new but says, “What makes it feel fresh, is the unexpected mix of colors, not matching boots to the rest of the look, as well as the larger, less festival-like bag.”
Rock Your Best Western
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Got a fun faux fur coat that hasn’t seen enough action yet? Add it along with a wide-brim cowboy hat and boot to go with your wide-leg light-wash jeans for a look that works for brunch, and beyond. Teich says, “This works because it’s literally taking a page out of that era, but also feels like something I would want to wear today. The sandwich styling of the orange-toned hat and boots really brings your eye throughout the whole look.”
Play with Animal Print
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There’s nothing subtle about wearing more than one animal print at a time, but it works like a charm when mixing your trusty ankle-length dark denim and brown cowboy boots. It’s a look that feels just as daring as it is polished. Teich says, “This styling feels very reminiscent of a French girl take on the cowboy boot. Animal prints will also be everywhere this spring, so adding a boot that’s inspired by a cowboy boot, rather than an actual cowboy boot, will feel intentional instead of over the top with the trends.”
Canadian Tuxedo
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Going full-blown denim on denim doesn’t have to look like Britney and Justin. Teich says, “Denim on denim will be major this coming season, especially matching sets, so adding a cowboy boot can make it feel extra current.” Opt for an all-denim blazer and coordinating flared pants for a look that feels like a modern version of the Canadian tuxedo.
Pull Out Skinny Jeans
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Take your skinny jeans out of retirement and pair them with an open plaid shirt dress layered over a classic white poplin button-up. While Teich says a bolo tie might be too literal for some, getting creative with layers is “very Ralph Lauren Americana styling from the fringe bag, belt, collared shirt, and jacket/plaid dress worn as a jacket”. Tie the whole look together by matching the colors on your shirtdress to your cowboy boots to make a statement.
High Waisted Straight Leg Jeans
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Jeans and a cowboy boot clean up beautifully. Pair straight leg high waist dark wash denim with a black cowboy boot and all-black accessories for a fresh and refined day or night look. Teich says, “This look is so classic and the cowboy boot is really not a new style, so it doesn’t scream an era. What makes it feel current is the way it’s paired with clean silhouettes and a wider leg jean.”
