These boots were made for stylin’
Image Courtesy: Strike Orlando
I ordered my first pair of cowboy boots days before receiving my positive test result for COVID-19. When I tell you that the two main things that kept me together during my lengthy and lonely quarantine were the “Twilight” saga and my pending arrival of black knee-high cowboy boots, I am telling the truth. I tracked those shoes every single day until, finally, they arrived on day eight out of 10 in isolation.
After seeing the tracking status of my boots as “delivered,” I put on a mask, ran out to my front door, quickly ran back into my room, and marveled over the pink box that held the thing I was dying for over the past few days. I immediately tried them on and strutted around my room as if I was a runway model. I began planning outfits that I would wear once I was out of quarantine. As silly as it may sound, my sense of despair from being cooped up flew out the window instantly, all because I had my new favorite boots.
Cowboy boots had their day of being an accessory exclusive to horse girls, country music lovers, and of course actual cowboys. The western footwear has now taken a turn into the high fashion realm, which is a statement that I feel like I would have laughed at five years ago.
Since then, they have become a versatile shoe to style - elevating outfits for streetwear, business attire, and elegant occasions. I have broken down ways you can style your boots to fit every situation.
STREETWEAR
This has become a home for model-off-duty looks which supermodel Kendall Jenner is a pro at. She has sported her cowboy boots with a comfy sweater and classic black biker shorts for a fit on the go. The boots not only brought in a pop of color to her look, but they also juxtaposed the urban vibe that she had with the turtleneck sweater, biker shorts, and shades.
Cowboy boots have also been styled with jeans, denim shorts, and oversized tees. Pairing basics with a colorful or unique shoe brings in a whole new element to the outfit.
Image Courtesy: Pinterest
BUSINESS
Blazers mean business. Within the last year, they have come to the forefront of business wear. From colorful tones for spring and summer to neutral and darker tones for fall and winter, blazers seem to be a staple item for the foreseeable future.
They have been most notably styled with matching sets, dresses, shorts, and oversized jeans or pants. Incorporating blazers with a powerful cowboy boot, brings in a whole new dimension of strength in a look that mixes professionalism and playfulness. This combination diffuses the thought that dressing like an executive has to be boring.
Image Courtesy: Alicia Roddy and @camilacoelho via Instagram
ELEGANT
While elegance is most often not the first word that people associate with cowboy boots, this just demonstrates their versatility.
When dressing up for a fancier occasion, there is an expectation to look a certain way. Wearing denim makes a look casual, and wearing a blazer might look too serious. Finding a look that feels flawless and graceful is difficult. When coupled with typical elegant attire such as satin or long dresses, the boots add a light-hearted component to the look that is, in my opinion, feminine and stylish.
Image Courtesy: Pinterest
I am a true believer that adding a fun piece to an outfit not only brings more to the overall look but lifts up your soul. When I was in the midst of my quarantine depression and my cowboy made me into a whole new girl. I felt hopeful, stylish and joyful.
Strike Out,
Melissa Donovan
Orlando
