Cowboy boots became a closet staple late last year – and they’re having a resurgence ahead of summer, as plenty of celebs have been spotted styling them over spring.
This includes previous Love Islanders Amber Gill – who paired her silver cowboy boots with a glittery top and denim skirt when attending a concert earlier this week – and Tasha Ghouri, who’s posted a number of ‘daring’ Instagram shots featuring her tall black boots.
Amber’s look is the perfect example of ‘disco cowgirl’ – which has seen a 67% rise in searches thanks to events like Taylor Swift and Beyonce’s tours – as she’s paired a statement pair of boots with a glitzy outfit, along with some bold matching accessories.
Tasha also wore some striking thigh-high white cowboy boots to Coachella, paired with a colourful jacket, and then donned a bright blue pair for her second festival outfit.
Now, fashion experts are predicting that it won’t be long before the current season’s Islanders get in on the action, as a striking cowboy boots and sparkly dress combo would be perfect for those looking to turn heads in Casa Amor.
Penelope Armstrong, Design Manager at Boohoo, reveals how you can get involved in the ‘disco cowgirl’ trend this summer – including how you should style your cowboy boots during the day, versus a late-night date or night out.
She said: “Cowboy boots are perfect for summer, and at this point they’re a must-have for any outdoor event – including late-night dates. They also work really well for festivals as they’re surprisingly versatile, and can also elevate any day-to-night outfit regardless of whether you’re familiar with the ‘disco cowgirl’ trend, or just want a good pair of boots! Cowboy boots work really well with a relaxed outfit for the day, so try a neutral-toned pair with a flowing midi skirt and graphic tee to kick off your summer fit. As the day progresses, you can spice things up by adding a jewelled belt, or by cropping/rolling up your tee. If cowboy boots do make their way into the villa this year, we imagine they’d look amazing styled with a similar crocheted dress to what Maya Jama wore on opening night – but perhaps one that’s a little shorter so that the shoes get more attention. For a nighttime look – especially a date night or couple’s evening – you can really go all out. Why not swap out your midi skirt for a sequined short one, or change the shirt-skirt combo for a velvet slip dress? These will both work really well with cowboy boots. The main thing to consider when jumping on a new trend here in the UK is the climate, as even though temperatures are rising as we get closer to summer, we know how quickly the weather can change – especially because we’re not in the villa ourselves. The great thing about cowboy boots is that they’re sturdy and warm, and work well in any weather.”
Penelope also reveals which music events ‘disco cowgirl’ looks would work best for, as they’re perfectly-suited to the upcoming festival season. She says: “Any concert featuring an artist that’s passionate about campy fashion and bright colours is a perfect excuse to go all out – including Harry Styles’ final UK leg of Love on Tour, where a feather boa and eye-catching boots pairing is extremely popular. Taylor Swift’s The Eras Tour is predicted to land in the UK in mid-late August, and we’re expecting to see A LOT of country and western inspired looks inspired by every album, particularly Folklore, Fearless and her debut.”
While there are no real rules for introducing cowboy boots into your summer wardrobe, pairing them with familiar tried-and-tested items like a floral summer dress works well. Many people might be put off from giving them a go as they’re nervous about the sizing and fit, Boohoo explains – but Penelope offers tips to help alleviate any concerns.
“The key to getting the best fit is to start with your usual size, but then pay attention to how your toes and width of your foot feel. The boots should be snug, but you should have enough room to wiggle your toes and leave some slip in the heel, while the ball of your foot should sit in line with the widest part of the boot. Some boots might need breaking in and will start to feel softer after two or three weeks of regular wear. And if you plan to wear them for a long period of time – such as to an outdoor festival – you might want to invest in some thick socks to minimise the risk of blisters.”
