By Kara Brownlee

Toronto Wardrobe Consultant & Personal Shopper

Cowboy boots are meant to be worn for a lifetime, endure history, enlist stories, and inspire wild freedom.  Currently stomping down Paris runways, this boot is in constant rotation.  They’re classic, adored by the masses and worthy to be coined an iconic fashion staple.

According to history, the cowboy boot was inspired by the vaquero-style boot brought to the Americans from Spain in the 1600s.  Like many other iconic fashion pieces (for example trench coat) war brought into the spotlight.

Cowboy boots originating story begins in 1861 in the United States during the American Civil War.  This footwear was chosen by the military’s cavalry.   The war ended, and men and their horses fled west in hopes of finding peace and building homes.  Likely not taking much, but their boots, with them.

The Wellington boot was the first mass-produced cowboy boot style.  Described as a tall boot (midcalf or a couple of inches below the knee), the boot hugs one’s calf.  Utilitarian in design, the shafts stitching detail kept the leather up, protecting one’s leg and the heel firmly anchored feet in stirrups while riding.

Certain aesthetics compile a cowboy boot; midcalf, 1-inch heel and a pointy or round toe.  Now, high, or low heels, above the knee (known as a buckaroo) or to the ankle, round, square or pointy toes make the cut.  Modern-day cowboy boots cover most of the spectrum.  These highly adaptable boots beg the question, of which style to buy and how to wear them.

Finding your style:

• Start with a neutral colour that will easily blend in with your current wardrobe. Black, brown, or tan.
• Consider scale. Shorter or thicker legs should consider boots with a shorter shaft, pointer toe and higher heel.
• Fit is important – they are meant to be hard to get on. Wiggle room is meant only for toes meaning they are tight around the foot and calf.
• Big calves? no problem, buy a pair with zippers (just don’t ask a “real” cowboy if it’s a cheat.

How to wear: 

• Pair with flowy dresses and skirts.
• Straight, wide, or flared pants pair well.
• Keep it cowboy and throw on a floral or western motif top.
• Keep it simple and chic and pair go monochromatic.