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Suddenly, everyone in NYC is wearing cowboy boots
By
Bess Adler
Published Aug 8, 2024
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Photo by Bess Adler for Gothamist
By
Bess Adler
Published Aug 8, 2024
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Glance downward while strolling through SoHo, Bushwick or Williamsburg and you’re likely to see cowboy boots.
New Yorkers are pairing them with jeans, slip dresses, gym shorts — you name it and people are wearing it with boots.
Some New Yorkers, like Violet Prete, 23, have been ready for this style for years.
Manhattanite Violet Prete, on her break from work, in shorts and a T-shirt from J.Crew.
Photo by Bess Adler for Gothamist
Prete, who works at J.Crew and described her outfit as "full J.Crew attire," said she bought her steel-tipped lizard skin boots years ago at a thrift store in Idaho, where she was visiting friends.
"I hadn’t had the courage to wear them in New York City yet because they weren’t trendy, and then I started wearing them two or three summers ago," Prete said.
And now?
"I literally just got a compliment," she said. "This guy on the street pulled me aside and said, 'You’re wearin’ those boots.'"
Michelle Broomes in a corset top from Urban Outfitters and boots from Michael Kors.
Photo by Bess Adler for Gothamist
"I figured it wouldn’t be too weird wearing boots because everyone is wearing boots now," said Michelle Broomes from Manhattan.
Lauren Wilson, from Prospect Lefferts Gardens, in a linen dress and cowboy boots.
Photo by Bess Adler for Gothamist
Others, like Lauren Wilson, 42, didn't know that cowboy boots are having a moment.
"I was born in the Rocky Mountains in Calgary and it’s a cowboy town, so it’s me connecting to my roots, I guess," Wilson said. "I’m happy to be on trend."
She described her footwear, which she purchased for $30 at a consignment store, as "the score of the century."
Some New Yorkers are opting for riding boots instead of the Western look.
Angele Chen said her Frye boots are “the most comfortable boots that I have and I feel like they go with everything, especially long shorts.”
Photo by Bess Adler for Gothamist
Angele Chen said she'd been looking for cowboy boots when she spotted Frye riding boots on eBay about six months ago, and bought those instead.
She expressed delight that she'd finally found what to wear with her long shorts.
"I’ve been really trying to make these gym shorts work," she said.
Angele Chen in Frye boots paired with gym shorts and a corset top.
Photo by Bess Adler for Gothamist
Many boot-wearers said they were drawn to the style after seeing them at thrift stores.
Social media and the popularity of Beyonce's country-themed "Cowboy Carter" album, which was released in March, have likely given the trend a boost. "Sex and the City's" premiere on Netflix earlier this year may also be a factor; the show's protagonist Carrie Bradshaw is known for sometimes pairing tall boots with summer dresses.
Schuyler Daffey said she bought a pair of boots this summer after seeing the look on Instagram.
Schuyler Daffey, 20, from Manhattan, in cowboy boots, a long skirt and a Free People top.
Photo by Bess Adler for Gothamist
Heather Barnard, 45, used to live in Austin, Texas, and said she appreciated seeing a taste of home in New York City.
"My mom is from Texas, so I grew up around a lot of cowboy stuff," Barnard said. "My mom thinks the trend is hilarious. She’s like, ‘I left Texas, just for you to wear this!’ But as someone who loves this stuff, it’s nice to see it on everyone."
Brooklynite Heather Barnard in vintage Dan Post cowboy boots and a vintage Rocky’s engineer stripe set.
Photo by Bess Adler for Gothamist
Greenpoint resident Roman Bradley, 22, liked the height boost that the boots provide.
“I’m on the shorter side, so I like the heel and I just love boots,” Bradley said. “I like sneakers, too, but I think when I walk around and I want to look cool, boots are kind of the way.”
Roman Bradley, 22, from Greenpoint, Brooklyn in Margiela Tabi Boots, Diesel jeans, a vintage belt and a Courrèges top.
Photo by Bess Adler for Gothamist
Tanya Ravichandran also prefers boots to sneakers.
“Honestly, I’m kind of anti-sneakers,” Ravichandran said. “I know they’re really comfy, but I love when something goes up the leg. I think it completes the silhouette of the entire outfit.”
Tanya Ravichandran, 22, from Greenpoint, Brooklyn in vintage Helmut boots and a vintage McQueen skirt, with Roman Bradley.
Photo by Bess Adler for Gothamist
“They’re actually comfortable, which is why I like wearing them,” Manhattanite Laura Patou said. "It’s either this or sneakers if I want to be casual during the day.”
Laura Patou, 26, Manhattan, in a white bodysuit and faux-leather boots.
Photo by Bess Adler for Gothamist
Sophie Armendariz, 23, from Williamsburg, Brooklyn wearing thrifted black boots.
Photo by Bess Adler for Gothamist
Dawna Valdivieso, 35, from Brooklyn in Rogers Boots from Playa del Carmen, Mexico.
Photo by Bess Adler for Gothamist
Sophie McGrath, 30, from Williamsburg, wearing her Free People cowboy boots to a pirate-themed birthday party.
Photo by Bess Adler for Gothamist
Even non-New Yorkers are in on the trend.
Sam Chae, 19, came from Miami to visit a friend in Brooklyn. She said her sister got her a pair of red cowboy boots for her birthday and she’s loved them ever since.
Sam Chae, 19, from Miami, Florida.
Photo by Bess Adler for Gothamist
Sam Chae's red boots.
Photo by Bess Adler for Gothamist
“I’ve always liked red and I’ve wanted a statement shoe,” Chae said.
Tagged
new york city
fashion
Bess Adler
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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