The cowboy boot craze is really the only shoe craze that matters right now. Street style, Instagram, and the new shoe arrivals on every cool shopping site are proof positive of this. That said, the Western boots that fashion girls are buying this season are decidedly more polished than the rugged styles of the past, and we’ve noticed that there are certain things they’re simply not wearing with their chic new boots. Alternatively, we’re also here to talk about what to wear with cowboy boots.

The tricky thing about cowboy boots is that they’re more specific than, say, Chelsea boots. If you wear them with pieces that conflict with their aesthetic, it may look like you got dressed in the dark. If you wear them with other boldly Western pieces, it can look like Halloween came early for you.

Fashion girls have been honing their cowboy-boot styling skills in recent weeks, and we’ve been keeping track. Scroll on to find out which pieces stylish women have been keeping far away from their cowboy boots and which pieces they’re wearing with them. Oh, and you can shop the coolest styles on the market along the way.   

Wearing things with cowboys boots that are also Western-inspired can come across as costumey. That’s why we love the contrast that animal print provides.

Streetwear and cowboy boots don’t really mix, but the fashion crowd has been quick to pair them with polished pieces, which makes the boots look particularly chic.

There isn’t a hat style that works with cowboy boots aside from a cowboy hat, which you probably want to avoid unless you’re going to a Halloween party. Tons of accessories, in general, can also distract from your cowboy boot moment. On the flip side, simple looks like jeans and a tee or turtleneck are no-fails.

We love the unexpectedness of pretty pieces (e.g., ruffled skirts and pink lace) and those that are more classic (like a plaid trench) with Western boots. That being said, embellishments such as sequins and fringe can come across as OTT.