For the modern day cowboy, dressing for success means understanding how to tap into today's trends while preserving a sense of timeless style. It can be a challenge, especially when trying to master the balance between western culture and a professional dress code. It’s no wonder then, that we hear the same question over and over again – are cowboy boots business casual?

While every workplace has its own dress code, the general consensus is: Yes. When correctly paired with an appropriate outfit, cowboy boots are acceptable — and attractive footwear that can show off your western vibe without ruffling any feathers

Today, we’ll walk you through how to match business casual with cowboy boots, starting with apparel, a quick list of what to avoid, and an inside look at our top three boot picks for acing your outfit in a professional setting.

Build a Solid Foundation with Proper Attire

Cowboys boots are an iconic wardrobe staple, adding western flair to any look. The key to elevating your cowboy boots to business casual is knowing which pieces to pair ‘em with.

Begin building your look by selecting tailored bottoms like dress pants or a pair of straight-leg jeans that're designed for boots. Both black denim or neutral colors generally work here. For a timeless look, add a sweater or collared shirt in classic neutral colors like white, beige, or gray when wearing darker jeans or darker colors when wearing neutral jeans.

Combining cowboy boots with more traditional pieces like dress shirts, blazers, or suits will also help maintain a professional look. By playing up the western vibes with these classic pieces, you can look polished with an adventurous streak.

Now, here’s what you’ll want to steer clear of:

• Skinny jeans
• Light colored pants
• T-shirts
• Shorts
• Flashy accessories
• Pants tucked into your boots

The Do’s and Don’ts of Business Casual Cowboy Boots

With your apparel down pat, it’s time to find your perfect cowboy boot style. Let’s start with some general cowboy boot dont’s:

• Sprurs
• Dirty, dusty, worn-down boots
• Wear & tear
• Bright leathers
• Over-the-top embroidery
• Calf-length boot shafts
• Rubber soles

Let’s look at what boot features do work in semi-professional settings:
Narrow Toe Box [But Square Toe is OK Too]
First, look for boots with narrow-toe boxes that best complement a professional look. This isn’t to stay a great lookin’ pair of square-toe boots can’t fit the bill, too! Especially if you have wider feet, you’ll want the extra roomy toe box and all-day comfort a square-toe boot can provide.

Leather Soles

When talking about cowboy boot soles, there’s a time and a place for rubber. Hint: it’s not in the banquet hall or boardroom! Leave your rubber-soled work boots for your weekend fun, and instead reach for a pair of leather-soled cowboy boots for a clean and polished look.

Heel Height

A 1½-inch heel is our recommended height ideal for achieving a professional appearance. By following these tips and choosing your cowboy boots accordingly, you’ll find the right balance of casual style to take you from your first call to last call without skipping a beat.

Rich & Exotic Leathers

Ok, this is a big one. The type of leather your boots significantly impacts your overall look. It’s also why we recommend reaching for soft, supple, or exotic leathers that complement the rest of your business casual look.

Richly textured exotic boots crafted from ostrich, gator, or lizard elevate any ensemble with a touch of refined sophistication.

If you prefer the soft, supple texture of a classic cowboy boot, calfskin, bovine, or goat are all worthy options.. Read on to see three of our favorite business casual boots handcrafted with quality leathers like ultra-soft calfskin, sturdy bovine, or quick-to-patina goat. The latter is particularly special, as it boasts natural oils that give the boots a charming aged look over time.

Our Top Three Business Casual Cowboy Boots

The Cartwright

Introducing The Cartwright – A.K.A, the perfect cowboy boot for the modern-day business casual cowboy. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this boot stands on an expertly-shaped 1½” stacked leather heel with a rubber heel cap, providing comfort and durability in equal measure. 

The Cartwright features a round toe in the classic Tecovas cowboy shape and 12-inch shaft adorned with hand-laid cording and topped off with a vamp showcasing our signature toe stitching.

This everyday cowboy boot can be dressed up or down, making it a versatile addition to your wardrobe. Wherever you go, The Cartwright is sure to turn heads and make a lasting impression.

The Doc

For a business casual cowboy boot with an authentic western flair, look no further than The Doc. This broad square toe dress boot boasts a classic yet contemporary western profile.

The 12-inch shaft showcases a distinctive contrasting stitch pattern, while the vamp is adorned with our signature toe stitching. A ¾ double-stitched Goodyear welt, leather sole, and stacked leather heel with rubber heel cap provide lasting comfort and durability in any setting.

Whether you're heading to a business meeting or a night out on the town, The Doc's timeless style and quality craftsmanship will help you make a lasting impression wherever you go. Choose from richly colored bovine, goat, and bison leather to find the look that speaks to your style.

The Earl

Last but not least, we have The Earl. This practical and stylish roper boot has universal appeal for work and play. This office-ready roper features a shorter heel than a traditional cowboy boot and a design showcasing an ultra-soft, hand-burnished calfskin, bovine, or goat leather. The unadorned vamp and shaft allow your choice of leather to shine, making The Earl a perfect pair of boots for any business casual outfit.

Whether you’re wearing your best dark denim or dressing up in slacks, consider The Earl your practical, durable workhorse ready for it all.

From Board Room to Bar Room, Tecovas Has You Covered

At Tecovas, we take pride in crafting the classic cowboy boots built for every lifestyle, with out-of-the-box comfort you can count on. Whether you’re wrangling meetings in the big city, or sippin’ on cold ones after a long week, rest assured your Tecovas boots are designed for it all.

Shop Tecovas today to find the business casual cowboy boots perfect for every setting. For even more western-inspired style, check out the Boot Camp.