Before you banish those fabulous cowboy boots you meant to wear all winter and spring to the back of your closet, consider giving them another chance before the hot summer sets in for good. With all the events cropping up starting a season of outdoor fun, a sleek pair of Luccheses or Justins will add that funky element to any outfit and get you some good use out of your kickers. Cowboy or western boots are starting to become a staple in most women’s wardrobes.  To get the most mileage out of them from season to season and year after year, opt for a fitted, below-the-knee dusty gray, bone, or saddle brown version.

What to wear

The great thing about this season is the wide range of silhouettes, colors, and prints at our disposal.  The possibilities with even just one pair of boots are endless – just use your imagination!  Here we have a pair of slouchy boots in a warm brown shade that will easily take you from summer to fall and that would work with almost any color palette and occasion.

Click on the picture to see where to buy.

Delias.com $149.50

UrbanOutfitters.com $388

Jessica Simpson $169.19

·       Dresses – For warmer weather, opt for a shorter length dress either mid-thigh or just below the knee in a light cotton woven or knit.  Try to keep the silhouette clean and simple.  And don’t be afraid to go bright and / or bold – that is one of the great things about living in Houston all that bright sunshine we get.

·    Skirts – Pending how confident you are about baring your legs, another cute option is a short skirt.  Here we feature a light wash denim mini with a flowy white cotton blouse – think St. Thomas or St. Lucia – to keep the casual feel.  You can also go with a more tailored button-down cotton shirt or a soft knit tee.  Keep legs bare to keep the look summery and to keep you cool!

·       Jeans – Tuck them in or leave ‘em out.  If you tuck your jeans into your boots, make sure they are skinny enough to fit inside and even have a little stretch to anchor them – don’t even think about stuffing your boot- or even straight-leg jeans into your boots!  Wear them with a slouchier, belted plaid shirt; a punky striped tee; a knit tank with a belt or long necklaces; last winter’s vest, or a tailored button-down with the tails out to change up your look.

Cowboy boot do’s and don’ts

·       DO wear them with a lightweight sock.  Make sure if you wear longer ones that they don’t peek over your boots.

·       DO try to break them in if they are new.  There are a few tricks out there where you might risk ruining your boot so your best bet is to use a shoe tree, stuff the shoes with newspapers, or protect your feet during the first few wearings to prevent blisters on your heels, ankles, or toes.

·       DO try them on with everything.  From dresses to shorts, tailored to casual, these days western boots are slowly becoming as ubiquitous as its western pant counterpart, the jean.

·       DON’T wear cowboy boots with any hint of winter (shearling, furry lining, etc.).  The point is to maintain the cool look of the boots while keeping as cool as possible.  A smooth and almost light leather work well in warmer weather and don’t make people wanna reach for a popsicle.

·       DO visit vintage and second-hand stores for a great deal on boots that are already broken in for you!  Sometimes chain stores like Urban Outfitters has cool vintage finds – find one in your size and you know it’s meant to be!

Once upon a time, wearing white/beige after Labor Day was completely unheard of. The brave souls that attempted to wear white pumps (GASP!) or beige slacks were whispered about as soon as they set their cocktails down and left the room or were kindly handed the September issue of Vogue by friends. However, in recent years, designers have begun to include luxe cremes and whites in their fall collections, and we’ve been hooked ever since!I typically think of the fall as a cool season ushering in “holiday” during which I enjoy playing dress up in rich hues and textures. Deep eggplant, chocolate brown, and golden topaz are all favorite fall colors of mine. But I must admit, I absolutley adore a great pair of beige slacks paired with an equally luxurious beige cashmere sweater accented with gold and ethnic accessories. It’s just so… fancy and feminine.

The key to wearing white/beige after that taboo weekend of September is to make sure your items are rich with texture. A snow white mohair v-neck sweater with a flattering pair of premium denim jeans and boots can make you stand out in a casual crowd while looking dressed down sexy and confident. Let’s also not forget how fabulous an amazing beige wool trench or angora scarf accessorizes an outfit for a complete look.

Merino wool, cashmere, and silk are all fall friendly and fabulous fabrics that look and feel great in white or creme colors. My only request: PLEASE no white pumps a la Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman. That’s just wrong.

tanara nikole, originally from Louisiana, currently lives in Manhattan where she freelances coordinating special events and fashion styling. She has her B.A. in Fashion Merchandising and Consumer Studies and is currently working towards her MBA in Marketing. tanara nikole can typically be found shopping, reading at Barnes & Noble, or dancing on a bar in the Village – you just never know!

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