Midnight Cowboy

While I was home this winter break in the great State of Kentucky, my homeland, I couldn’t help but feel my recent move to attend college in NYC had made me lose a part of my southern roots. Like all problems in life, I wanted to fix it by making an irrational purchase. So when my girlfriend suggested we make the two-hour drive to Nashville, Tennessee, I immediately began googling one thing: Cowboy Boots. Now if you’re familiar with Nashville you’d know that there are countless billboards advertising boot stores and deals like “buy 1 get two free”, “free hat with purchase of boots”, or “my first born if you cop some boots.” I’ve been to Nashville many times, but never have I stepped into the sacred shrine that is a Boot Barn. When I entered I was met with floor to ceiling shelves of the most incredible cowboy boots I’ve ever seen. You name it, they had it. Square toe snakeskin, Cuban heel ostrich, cordovan ropers, everything. Then, out of nowhere a black pair with a Cuban heel. Immediately I was brought back to being 15 and obsessed with Saint Laurent and Luka Sabbat. Before I knew it I was walking out the store with the bag. As a certified Jawnz Addict I couldn’t have been happier. But now the important question,” What the hell am I gonna wear these with?” It’s a question I still don’t have an answer for, but I like that. 

I feel that it is important when dressing yourself to push your boundaries. Do something to stand out. It’s no fun to play it safe. The occasional bold pattern on a shirt, oversized jacket, or in this case, cowboy boots, forces me to try out new looks and be more thoughtful about how I dress.

If you looked at street style pictures from Pitti Uomo you’ll know that western wear was a huge trend this season. Whether it’s Diplo in a cowboy hat or Frank Ocean in a bolo tie there are plenty of examples of how to experiment with stolen cowboy valor. It may feel daunting, but old dudes in Texas are pulling it off every day, so you certainly can too.