by Bridget Webber

Created on: December 23, 2008   Last Updated: March 13, 2010

Love them or hate them, cowboy boots are here to stay. They may well have been worn by real cowboys during the beginning of their existence, but they can now be worn by virtually anyone of either sex. It is perhaps, how you wear them which spells either success or which gives them a poor appearance. The following is a guide to what (and what not) to wear with cowboy boots.

The Casual Cowboy/Cowgirl

You can achieve a casual look, which still says, 'don't mess with me,' by wearing your boots with blue jeans. Women can wear skinny jeans tucked into their boots, or boot-cut jeans that just leave the toe and heel area on view.

However, many cowboy boots tend to have embroidery or a great design down the side of them, which is why most women like to leave a vast part of their boots on show.

Men are more likely to have their jeans over their boots, despite the wonderful design underneath, although as a man you can still wear your jeans tucked in if you balance your look by wearing a rugged shirt and a leather waistcoat which retains your masculine appeal.

However, if you are a man never tuck your jeans into your boots unless you have achieved the balancing act as above, or you will look too feminine.

Whether you choose to wear a cowboy hat or not as part of your outfit, will depend largely on where you are going and for what reason. Such a hat can be great for practical purposes, shielding the sun from your eyes. It can also complete your ensemble.

But, don't wear your cowboy hat indoors unless it is to a bar or when you are attending a dance as this may be seen as an insult by observers.

The Fun Cowboy/Cowgirl

The fun cowboy or cowgirl usually intends to go out on the town and possibly engage in dancing. Cowboy boots are wonderful to dance in as they support your feet while giving you the confidence that comes from style.

For this type of wear a few extra trimmings are in order, unless you prefer a plainer look. Tassels on waistcoats, leather, suede and even lace, if you are a female, can be worn.

Women may opt to wear mini skirts or jeans. The skirts are often not skinny tight ones, as these don't allow for maximum movement and then generally are still long enough to preserve modesty while dancing.

It is probably more traditional for a woman to wear a blouse with her skirt, but the more modern version of such an outfit is to wear a feminine tee shirt that is figure hugging with a little waistcoat and matching belt.

Men may wear either a black or brown leather or suede waistcoat, with or without tassels, and a detailed belt. Their shirts may be tucked in for a smarter look, or left to hang out when a more casual approach is being taken. They too, may wear a tee shirt as long as they are wearing a waistcoat over the top.

The Modern Cowboy/Cowgirl

For the ultra modern look be prepared to mix and match items from your wardrobe and to move away from attempting to achieve a traditional appearance.

For this look you may decide to wear a long leather coat, instead of a short jacket and your cowboy hat may be black suede to match your trousers.

If you are a women then you may wear a mid-length feminine skirt with a modern cute tee shirt to add a quirky edge to your outfit.

While experimenting though, do avoid wearing your boots with floor length skirts and dresses, with extreme minis which can look cheap, and ordinary every day slacks which don't complement your boots.

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