Love them or hate them, the Wild, Wild West is back. That’s right. Cowboy boots are a thing again.

Ask someone for their opinion of cowboy boots and you’re likely to get a mixed reception. For some, cowboy boots are a heresy best left for Clint Eastwood in movies only your dad watches; for others, no fashionistas wardrobe would be complete without them. I myself used to dismiss cowboy boots as a crime against fashion, but recently I’ve been tempted to change my mind on the most divisive fashion accessory since cycling shorts. However, the one thing I have learned from springing the cowboy controversy on unsuspecting friends, is what might be the only thing that matters when you decide to invest in a pair of cowboy boots.

Let’s break this down: If an outfit is a commitment, then cowboy boots are til death do us part. You know when you buy a risqué fashion piece – say a long skirt – something that’s worn sometimes but not often enough that you see people in them everywhere, and as soon as you set out the door you stop feeling like Kiera Knightley in a period drama, and more like a weird, unpopular English teacher? That’s what cowboy boots will do for you unless you’re willing to commit fully to the aesthetic. I don’t mean breaking out the spurs and hat; committing to the aesthetic can be as simple as our old friends, jeans and a nice top. But your most reliable accessory is confidence. I fully believe that with the right styling (and a lot of it), anyone can flaunt the cowboy look, and not just at a fancy-dress party.

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By Lydia Flack.

Image: Livestrong.com