By By Kaitlin Andorfer
Round up your inner John Wayne because the campus has been invaded by this season’s new western trend. The cowboy boot, a long time American icon, has reemerged as the hottest new footwear North of the Mason Dixon, galloping its way into even the trendiest of wardrobes.
Although in high demand this season, the cowboy boot now associated with the American folk tradition has been around for decades. The modern boot originated in the 1870s. Cattle herders modified the standard military boot to make the toe pointer so they slid easier into the stirrup and added a bigger heel to give support when their horse reared. With the coming of age, the boots became fancier and featured more complex patterns, as well as a wide variety of colors and styles.
“They are purely a symbol of individualism,” Valerie Steele, curator of the museum at the Fashion Institute in Manhattan, said. “They’re a symbol of power, but instead of being military, you are free to ride off into the sunset.”
Most recently made popular by celebrities like Jessica Simpson, Sienna Miller and Mary-Kate Olsen, the cowboy boot has been gaining momentum on the fashion scene in the past year and is now reaching its popularity peak.
Perhaps one of the reasons for this is the boot’s versatility. It can be paired with many styles to give an outfit attitude and edge.
Mixing the boots with a short dress or a pair of tapered-leg jeans tucked into them, creates an urban cowboy chic look. Channel Sienna’s Boho style and wear them with a pair of mid-calf length leggings and a peasanty top, or a jean skirt and cut off tights.
Unless you’re a professional cowboy, hold your horses when it comes to adding any more western regalia, like a tasseled jacket or hat to your ensemble. Look like a fashion icon, not like you are going to a costume party.
“I personally don’t wear them, but I think they look okay on other people,” Kelly Herold, a junior TV/film major, said. “You have to be a certain kind of person to pull them off. It can be cute if you know how to wear them.”
Choosing the right pair of cowboy boots is like picking out a flavor at Cold Stone; they’re all deliciously sweet and each one has it’s own flavor that makes it unique. From tall to short, light to dark, plain to patterned, there are many things to consider when choosing the perfect boot. Also, when picking out a pair that is right for you, consider the shape of the toe. A short boot with a square toe looks rough and tough, whereas a calf-high boot with a pointy toe has a more feminine look. Zappos.com has a wide variety of new boots in all shapes and colors.
The best boot breeds, however, are the kind that have been previously loved and well-worn in. Buying a vintage pair makes them look more authentic, and because the leather has already been softened by someone else, they won’t abuse your feet and rub them raw on the first wearing.
A well-made pair of boots will keep feet comfy and looking totally hot when hoofing it to class.
So whether it’s Texas or Long Island, this season’s hottest trend has got everyone bootscootin’ in full American tradition.

The hottest new trend, cowboy boots, come in a variety of shapes, sizes, colors and designs. (Kaitlin Andorfer/The Chronicle)
