How to Wear Cowboy Boots in 2024 to Channel Your Inner Beyoncé

Let’s start with the basics—rather than go all out western, mix your brown or black boots with a shirtdress in a heavier fabric (like denim or flannel) and top it off with a felt rancher or similar wide-brim hat. The result is a fabulous blending of true cowboy style and city chic.

If you’re more of a pants gal, try a fresher, reworked version of the Canadian tuxedo (aka, denim on denim) by way of clean black washes with no distressing. Even better if they have high-fashion details, like interesting seams or structured shoulders. Keep your accessories on the modern side (yes to a structured lady bag, no to a fringe-trimmed tote) to really amp up the style factor.

Yes, you can wear shorts with cowboy boots and not wind up looking like Daisy Duke. The key is to choose both shorts and boots with a more polished vibe. Think longer hem lengths, clean washes or non-denim options paired with black leather or suede that doesn’t slouch. Top it off with a structured jacket—like a blazer—that hits within two inches of your hips and voilà!

Combine the cowboy trend with another hot 2024 trend, ‘90s nostalgia. If you keep all the elements of your look super sleek and simple—plain knee-high boots, a semi-fitted shirt, classic gold hoops—you’ll look far more Rachel Green, and less Pioneer Woman.

Beyoncé’s version of country is all about statement pieces—metallics and color and fun—but that doesn’t mean you necessarily need to go for head-to-toe glam. Opt for a pair of stand-out boots and pair them with neutral-hued separates to really allow them to steal the spotlight. Just be sure to repeat one other bold pop up top (a studded collar, a silver shoulder bag, oversize hoops) to ensure a cohesive look.

If you want to lean into the kitschy fun, try pairing metallics with pastels. The combination is surprisingly chic, with the sweetness of the pale hues striking a fabulous balance to the razzle-dazzle of shimmering silver or gold. Pro tip: Robin’s egg blue and lavender go incredibly well with silver, while yellow and pink pair well with gold.

When in doubt, try a monochromatic look. Head-to-toe brown or beige can often fall flat, and brighter shades might be a bit overwhelming, but white clothes paired with white boots makes for a chic ensemble that even the most minimalist fashionista will feel comfortable in. Play around with different textures or subtle patterns, like denim with white-and-silver snakeskin, to add some depth to the look.

If you want to go all in on the western vibes, but are worried about looking too costume-y, try opting for a monochrome black ensemble. Be sure to add some contrasting pops, like a gold belt buckle or bold chain necklace, or allow some skin to show to prevent your figure from turning into an amorphous blob.

A posh midi dress and rugged boots may not feel like an obvious match, but adding in a dressy-casual piece, like a leather belt, can help bridge the gap between the two. Also, be sure to choose a dress with a hem that hits one or two inches below the top of your boots for maximum style points.

Ideal for hot summer days, this breezy combo is incredibly simple, yet feels elevated thanks to the trendy footwear. It’s a smart move, as well, to repeat the red of the boots in your sunglasses and handbag to really tie everything together.

Denim and cowboy boots will always be a match made in heaven, but if you don’t want to look too much like a ranch hand you can opt instead for less traditional denim pieces. We’re talking ruffled dresses, corset tops or cargo shorts.

“A cute top and jeans” is the lifeblood of every millennial’s wardrobe, and lucky for everyone it lends itself perfectly as a base for trendy cowboy boots. Opt for skinny jeans or a more fitted straight-leg style for a neater tuck into the boots.

Embrace your preppy and ranch-loving sides by choosing pieces that fall within the same color family. A black headband, black boots and green-and-black plaid dress work beautifully together, but so would a brown-and-yellow floral headband, brown boots and a pale yellow mini skirt.

Go full SoCal with a sheer button-up shirt and skater shorts, then pair them with a more casual cowboy style with either a shorter block heel or no heel at all. As for accessories, we love the addition of a small shoulder or crossbody bag, a classic chain necklace and matching earrings—keep the focus on the clothes here.

If you want to make sure your red embroidered boots are getting all the attention they deserve, pair them with a simple little black dress and minimal accessories to really give them the spotlight.

Think of this combination as “equestrian lite.” The blazer and tight pants tucked into boots lend a polished vibe, but swapping out preppy riding boots for a shorter western style grounds the whole ensemble. You can also choose a looser, oversize blazer to really lean into the casual nature, or go for a cropped, structured jacket if you want something more prim.

Give the cowboy trend a ‘60s spin by picking up a pair of simple, stark white boots and pairing them with a flirty mini that would make Twiggy proud.

Consider this a more casual, trend-forward version of a miniskirt and knee-high boots. For the shorts, be sure to choose a true dark wash with very minimal detailing, and look for a pair with a longer inseam for a more polished vibe. You can also swap the black pieces for dark brown or tan if you prefer.

Play off the preppy cap-toe flats trend by pairing your Blair Waldorf skirt set with some two-tone cowboy boots instead. The ruggedness of the boots offsets a prim matching set and gives your look a cool girl edge even the Queen of the UES would approve of.

Remember, fashion is supposed to be fun, especially when it involves bolder styles. So if you want to wear your western footwear with other overtly western accessories, I say go for it! Whatever makes you feel happy and confident is a fashion win, in my opinion.