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Whether you’re preparing for a special event, or simply want to feel good by dressing nicely, choosing the right combination of footwear and clothes can make all the difference.
Cowboy boots and suit combos are no exception.
Yet, how do you pull it off? Is it a social faux pas to combine cowboy boots with any dress clothes?
Read on, and we’ll go over several tips that can help just about anyone pull off a modern western look.
What type of cowboy boots goes best with a black suit?
Typically, black boots.
The short answer is, yes, you can wear cowboy boots with a suit. As long as you choose a dark color to match your suit, such as black or brown, and ensure your boots are well-polished before going out.
Wearing rugged cowboy boots might be appropriate for a rodeo, but not taking a date out to a fancy restaurant. As long as those boots appear sleek and dressy, then they’ll pair well with just about any suit you choose to wear.
What also helps make your suit shine is the materials your chosen boots are made of.
Even though it’s recommended that you choose the sleek, textured look of a lizard, crocodile, or even well-polished cowhide, as long as your boots are made of real, full-grain leather, compliments will come.
For color, a black suit is best paired with brown or black cowboy boots. The reason? Dark colors match best with dark colors. With that being said, do your best to avoid wearing brightly colored boots with any other dark attire (think yellow, green, red, etc.).
Another helpful hint is to choose dress pants that are wide enough to accommodate cowboy boots in the first place.
Your appearance will be ruined if your cowboy boots stick your pant legs out like they’re trying to escape.
Can you wear brown cowboy boots with black suits?
You can, but pay attention to the color combination of your entire look.
There are those who think the combination shouldn’t be attempted, but it’s a matter of both opinions and whether you pair the brown boots with other items of the same color, such as a brown tie.
The reasoning for not wearing brown cowboy boots with a black suit stems from a possible color clash that will land a person funny looks.
However, as mentioned before, it matters more if your footwear is well-polished and has a pleasing and dressy texture to it.
If you’re set on the color brown to wear on your feet, it’ll help to choose a darker shade of brown if you’re insistent on wearing a black suit as well.
Brown boots tend to pair better with other colors than black, such as charcoal, gray, and navy/blue clothing. The focus here is to pick colors that match well with another, and the shades of each one can matter in pulling off a professional look.
Think of it this way, avoid wearing bright colors with very dark ones, as the contrast between the two might look a bit extreme. You’re trying to gain admiration, not awkward stares.
Should you wear cowboy boots with black suits?
That’s entirely up to you, but mind the accessories as well!
In addition to keeping the color tones synchronized, it may also help to avoid fancy cowboy boot designs, and choose simpler ones instead. In this case, the details matter more than the general suit and cowboy boots combination.
Anything color lighter than black will be a bit harder to pair, but it can work out as long as you pair brown boots with another accessory such as a brown belt.
The idea here is to coordinate all the bits and pieces of clothing together to create a soothing and sharp image. Belts, ties, or even a watch could make or break the look.
Got a nice silvery watch, and do you have to wear it later? Maybe go with some black cowboy boots if they’re available. Got a burgundy tie hanging in your closet that looks stunning with the black suit you own? Maybe a pair of “black cherry” colored boots is your best bet.
Bonus Content: Other shoes exist too!
This isn’t to say that cowboy boots should be tossed aside, but never forget about all the other kinds of shoes that look excellent with a black suit. Some jobs won’t allow certain kinds of footwear in their dress codes, and you’ll be left with no other choice but to leave the cowboy boots behind.
The main goal here is trying to pull off a look that both looks and feels good. Remember, while others will see it most of the time, if the suit and footwear combo feels right, then maybe it is!
On that thought, it also helps to know that the one wearing the suit can also matter in looking good. You wear the suit, it doesn’t wear you.
Final Thoughts
So, again, yes, you can wear brown cowboy boots and a black suit. When going forward, be color-wise, and don’t shirk the accessories either. It’s all in how you put the look together, not what you have.
And only if a place of business or private function forbids it, then who’s to stop you from wearing what you want? Within reason, of course.
Robert is a native Texan writer for TexasWalkabout, passionate about Texas culture and food, wearing cowboy boots daily. He interviews local pitmasters and chefs, tastes and reviews innovative dishes, and explores hidden gems and iconic landmarks. Graduating magna cum laude in Cyber Security from the University of Texas at San Antonio, Robert excels academically and professionally while also being knowledgeable in Texas history and culture. After living in Texas for over 28 years, he provides first-hand and trustworthy information for all your Texas needs!
