Western Chic Cowgirl Outfits

Western pieces like cowboy boots, denim shirts, and even cowboy hats are so fun and add a lot of personality to any outfit.

The key to using western and cowboy pieces is to keep the rest of what you’re wearing subtle enough that you don’t look like you’re wearing a costume.

1. White Sundress with Cowboy Boots and a Belt

A white sundress with little eyelet details like this is a good option. It almost says cottagecore, so the western boots make sense. It feels summery, but in a way that’s out in nature, so you might actually have a use for wearing the cowboy boots.

We have another natural fabric with the woven bag and the leather belt together. It all ties together for a summery and natural look.

2. Denim Shorts with a Fringe Top and Boots

Denim shorts and cowboy boots are definitely western chic, while not being costumey western. The denim shorts feel like a modern cowgirl, while the fringe on the shirt and the bag are trendy and match the western aesthetic, while also feeling somewhat boho and not fully tipping into western.

3. High-Waisted Jeans with a Tucked Western Shirt

A western shirt is a great statement piece to have in your closet. There are a lot of good vintage options, 70s options, for western shirts. I like that this one has a pretty neutral color and would be easy to pair with bottoms other than denim, although denim is definitely a good fiber to use when going for a casual western aesthetic.

Here the cowboy boots can be left untucked, and we see them popping out of the jeans without getting the full view of the western boots.

4. Denim on Denim with Brown Cowboy Boots

The Canadian tuxedo is actually a very chic option that feels cowboy western chic. It could lean a little bit more chic if she swapped the boots here for a sneaker or a loafer. She could even do a black leather instead of a brown leather for something that feels a little bit more appropriate to be wearing around the city rather than in the countryside.

For this situation, I like the brown leather with the beige jacket. A canvas or trench color like this goes well with the denim without adding any more colors. With denim on denim like this, the accessories and pops of color should be brown, black, beige, or white, but not all at once.

5. Floral Midi Dress with Tan Cowboy Boots

The floral midi dress is another example of how boho chic and cottagecore kind of cross over with western cowgirl. It definitely makes sense to have a denim jacket here. Denim feels more western, obviously, with the cowboy boots.

However, she could keep the cowboy boots and wear a cardigan for a less western feel, or a leather jacket for a more western feel.

6. Leather Skirt with a Graphic Tee and Boots

Here’s something more edgy and hardcore than western. I guess this is a modern cowgirl look. It feels almost more western when you look at the studs that she has on her back. It feels like utility in a cowgirl way, and leather is definitely western cowgirl.

The modern graphic tee helps tone everything down, and it feels a little bit less rockabilly with the oversize.

7. Flared Jeans with a Bodysuit and a Statement Belt

This definitely feels western. However, a bodysuit and jeans is such a classic combination that it doesn’t feel over the top, despite being blatantly cowgirl. The flare of the jeans with the cowboy boots on the bottom feels like you could be out in the desert or at a country bar.

The small, understated bag suits this outfit. It keeps the cowgirl look cohesive and makes it a little more feminine than it would be if she carried a bigger bag.

8. White Button-Down with Wranglers and Boots

So here her button-down isn’t necessarily western at all. The button-down is a classic western choice, and there are the plaid flannels that we often see, plaid button-downs with western details. This is more of a classic workwear button-down, which gives the outfit a more neutral than overtly cowgirl feel.

Her boots are less of a cowboy boot and more of a western boot with a modern feel because of the big block heel. It feels like workwear because of the square toe, but the block heel doesn’t feel as much like she’s actually going to be in the fields.

9. Fringe Jacket with a Tank and Straight Jeans

This is another boho cowgirl option. The fringe jacket, especially in a neutral color like this, is easy to pair with any neutral colored top underneath. She has the white tank here, which is a subtle option. If she wanted, she could even go with a darker top. A black or a dark brown would look good.

I actually think a dark brown would match well with the boots and the belt, while having the denim keeps the outfit casual and modern. The straight jeans feel more modern and streetwear than a flare would, or a boyfriend jean, which would feel more western and workwear.

10. Denim Skirt with a Western Blouse and Boots

So here each of her main pieces has a western aspect to it, but together it still feels like it makes sense in everyday life. Her denim mini skirt is cowgirl material, but the fit is more modern. Again we have the western boots with the big block heel. The block heel is a little bit bigger than you would see on an actual cowboy boot, so it feels like a more modern touch with just a hint of cowgirl.

The most cowgirl part of this is definitely the western blouse. However, the neutral color tones it down, compared to if it had more of a pattern with more western detailing.

11. Slip Dress with a Denim Jacket and Cowboy Boots

Here’s a more toned down cowgirl option. It feels like she could even take off the denim jacket and the boots would make sense with the slip dress. The boots definitely contrast with the fabric of the slip dress, but the light color looks good with the burnt orange.

I think if she were wearing a darker cowboy boot, some aspects of the outfit would have to shift. She would definitely have to change the bag, and maybe a leather jacket would look better if the boot were darker.

12. Cropped Tank with Flared Jeans and a Concho Belt

A concho belt is a statement detail that definitely feels western up close, but since it’s a smaller accessory, it’s not screaming cowgirl too much. The flared jeans look good covering the cowgirl boots just enough that the belt is the statement, while the boots tie the aesthetic into the rest.

13. Suede Skirt with a Fitted Tee and Ankle Boots

So these boots aren’t overtly cowgirl. They have a western feel because of the tabs on the side and the semi-pointed, rounded toe, together with the suede skirt. Suede, being a natural fiber, feels somewhat western and outdoorsy, like leather and denim. It’s definitely more of a modern take.

I like the color of the boots combined with the brown and the suede. I could almost see a different bag here, maybe a canvas tote if she’s running errands. Maybe an oversized bag, since the silhouette of her skirt and shirt are kind of small. An oversized utility bag would look good.

14. Plaid Shirt Tied with a Tank and Denim Shorts

The western boots here are definitely making the biggest statement for this outfit. The plaid shirt is a perfect example of a classic cowgirl outfit combined with the denim.

I like that she chose a plain white tank. It feels casual enough and cool enough for any summertime activity, while if needed, you can use the plaid shirt. Although it feels like she knows that she won’t need it, and the plaid shirt is almost used more as an accessory to add pattern and interest here.

15. Black Dress with Cowboy Boots and a Felt Hat

This is one of my favorite ways to wear cowboy boots. I think if you’re hesitant to try western style, a black cowboy boot like this is so understated that it’s easy to wear in many situations. Here the tank dress is easy to throw on. Most everyone has a black leather bag in their repertoire, and it’s easy to pair with black leather cowboy boots.

Here she went a little bit farther with the felt hat. That’s definitely something that can be done, but I think it looks better when there’s a use for it. Here she’s out in the bright sunlight and the hat is serving a purpose. If it were at night, the hat wouldn’t really make sense, despite having a western outfit. I think that’s when it can tip more costume, if there’s no real utility for a hat.

16. Turquoise Jewelry with a White Tee and Jeans

Turquoise is definitely a boho cowgirl western material. I usually think of it as boho, but there’s definitely crossover between the two aesthetics. With turquoise jewelry, we’ve often seen the necklace matching the earrings, which is a nice statement and an intentionality that’s not often made. Turquoise looks great with brown. Here she has the brown leather, which goes well with the denim.

I like the denim untucked from the boots. I think without the necklace, maybe this outfit would look better tucked into the boots. However, because of this statement on top, your eye is moving to the top of the outfit, and the boots shouldn’t be pulling it away.

17. Denim Jumpsuit with a Belt and Boots

We could almost see this being a separates situation like the Canadian tuxedo, but this is an even easier option. It’s a jumpsuit, so you really don’t have to think about much. She has the option to add the belt, which makes sense with her brown bag and her brown boots.

I think if she were to remove the belt and the jumpsuit were fitted, it would look good to tuck it into the boots. The brown leather of the boots, especially with how high quality most cowboy boots are, would look good as more of the statement.

18. Leather Fringe Vest with a Tank and Jeans

Again we have the understated black cowboy boots. The dark denim almost feels like the same color as the cowboy boots. It feels like a seamless transition, especially being untucked.

The white tank feels more modern, and then the leather fringe vest is a statement piece without being overwhelming because of how thin it is. It almost feels like an addition to the tank top rather than a full vest on top.

19. Prairie Dress with Ankle Boots

Another cottagecore, maybe coastal, outdoorsy feel that transitions into western because of the addition of the cowgirl boots. I love a denim jacket with a floral print, whether it’s a midi dress or just a blouse.

Here she doesn’t even have to wear the denim jacket, but the western boots and the denim jacket are a great combination together for this outfit.

20. Cutoff Shorts with a Western Bodysuit and Boots

A long sleeve shirt and shorts are a great combination for weather that feels a little bit like a shoulder season, while you still want to make the statement of shorts with cowgirl boots. It feels very summery to have cowgirl boots with cut off denim shorts. I think even a little mini skirt would look good here. Boots with mini skirts are an undervalued combination.

The long sleeve here almost plays a role in covering up more skin, because of how much skin is showing with the shorts and then the boots. It draws attention to the legs, which is nice.

21. Corduroy Pants with a Pearl-Snap Shirt

When we think of western and cowgirl wear, the materials that are generally flattering and go well are thicker, hardworking materials like corduroy, denim, and leather. There are no explicit rules, but her snap shirt also has a thicker material, which helps it make sense with the slightly western aesthetic.

Tucking in the shirt, or any blouse that you have, with a belt feels more workwear and western approved.

22. Maxi Skirt with a Cropped Western Shirt

This one has a more feminine boho look. The maxi skirt pairs well with a western boot, and together with her woven bag the outfit fits right in on a farm.

Here the western shirt isn’t tucked in, but it’s not hanging loose either. Tying the shirt gives the impression that it’s going to be held close rather than flowing around, which is inherent to the western aesthetic.

23. Denim Overalls with a Bandana and Boots

A bandana is an understated accessory that can be added to any part of the outfit. You could put it in your hair, tie it to your bag, tie it around your waist, or around your belt loop. Here she has it around her neck, which has the purpose of wicking sweat, and it could also keep you cool, or keep you warmer in the fall.

I like that her tank top is cropped somewhat to show a little bit more skin with the overalls. Overalls can have somewhat more of a masculine feel, but having a cropped shirt negates that.

24. Faux Leather Pants with a Fringe Top

Here the black leather boots definitely take a modern spin with the faux leather pants. These pants are a great fit. The high waist definitely makes sense with this fringe top. I could also see a low waist. I could also see her tucking the pants into the boots if they were more of a skinny fit.

The fringe top is another nod to the western aesthetic without adding any real noise with color. It feels almost like a nude, which draws the attention more to the fringe than the color.

25. Gingham Dress with Cowboy Boots

Gingham feels like a picnic. It feels like maybe a tablecloth on the prairie. It’s more of a cottagecore pattern, but cottagecore and western cowgirl definitely cross over here with the woven bag and her brown leather belt. It all ties together with the cowboy boots.

I like that the cowboy boots are more of a neutral color on her. It definitely draws attention to the beautiful gingham tiered dress. The amount of skin that’s showing above the cowboy boot is actually perfect. I think if the dress were longer, it would look like a little bit too much fabric compared to the boots.

26. Tank Dress with a Denim Jacket and a Wide Belt

The bag and the belt are matching, but I like that they’re paired with a lighter boot here. The wideness of the belt feels more bohemian.

I like when a belt is used in a non-utility way. The belt really doesn’t serve a function here other than accentuating her waist, which makes the outfit more trendy and fashion forward than if she had no belt.

27. Wrangler Shorts with a Tube Top and Boots

Again we have the cut off shorts with the boots. Here the boots are more of a neutral color, so they’re definitely pulling in the western cowgirl aesthetic, especially when paired with denim. However, the eye is still staying on top with the bright red color.

This is more of a warm weather outfit, and cowboy boots especially do trap heat, so something like cut off shorts and a tube top really does make sense.

28. Long Denim Skirt with a Tucked Tank and a Belt

Here we have a long denim skirt rather than a midi or mini skirt like we’ve seen before. This is a great statement piece. If you were leaning into the western aesthetic, you could add a denim jacket here, or even a brown leather jacket, or something lighter on top, like a beige canvas jacket. I would avoid going darker on top because of the color of the boots.

There are also some really cute dark denim or black denim skirts. If she were to wear a black denim skirt, she could keep the brown accessories, or switch to black boots, a black bag, and a black belt.

Worth Adding to the Closet

A few non-Western basics that keep these outfits wearable.

• Satin Cowl Neck Midi Slip Dress. The slip dress from #11, which looks great with a denim jacket and boots.
• Genuine Leather Belt with Pin Buckle. Cinches the denim jumpsuit in #17 and the tucked looks in #3 and #8.
• PRETTYGARDEN Open Front Oversized Cardigan. A neutral layer over the gingham dress in #25 or the prairie dress in #19 when the sun goes down.