I never thought I’d know how to wear cowboy boots, let alone even own a pair, as an adult. To me, they always felt like a costume and inauthentic to my personal style. That changed after I visited Nashville, where I laid eyes upon the metallic patchwork embroidered leather, brushed silver studs, and star-shaped cutouts of the Paradise Vesuvio pair from Old Gringo. I was so enchanted by every stitch that I sacrificed a sizable chunk of my paycheck at the time to have them—and it was one of the best decisions I ever made for my closet.
Not only were they 100% worth the purchase for how often I wear them, they’re also the most complimented article of clothing I own. My pair are certainly not everyone’s taste, but the best part about cowboy boots is that among all of the different iterations, there’s undoubtedly a design for everyone. Whether you prefer leather or suede, a taller shaft or an ankle bootie, a classic color or something fun and flashy, there are endless permutations of the tried-and-true footwear, and they’re a great outlet to infuse some personality into any outfit.