Cowboy Style Dilemma-Nailing the Perfect Hat, Belt, and Boot Combo

*It’s Friday night, and you’re standing in front of the mirror, deciding whether to go with black boots, a black belt, and a brown hat—or brown boots, a black belt, and a brown hat. It’s the age-old question: Should we match our boots to our belt or our hat?

Coordinating outfits—especially when it comes to color-coordinating your boots, hats, and belts—can feel like both an art and a science. After being asked this question countless times in the store (and pretty sure my sister Nere is getting tired of me calling her over for wardrobe help), I decided to survey my coworkers and do some online digging to find the best solution—so you don’t end up looking like a confused rodeo clown.

Ready to settle the debate once and for all? Let’s dive in!

Traditional Fashion Guidelines

The Western style norm—paying respect to the classic cowboy aesthetic, according to many ranch and rodeo insiders—is to match your boots with your belt. This combination creates a cohesive look and maintains a consistent leather appearance. On the other hand, a core cowboy ensemble, if you think of it on a whim, is the classic black Stetson paired with black boots. Matching your boots with your hat ties your outfit together from head to toe, much like pairing a tan straw hat with light-brown boots for a naturally coordinated vibe.

Through my research, I also discovered a less common option that seems more suited to the fashion-savvy wrangler: matching your hat and belt. This approach opens the door to bold statements and can be a fun twist on the traditional look. Of course, a ranch hand might argue that a comfortable pair of boots and a durable straw hat is the real go-to—but that’s a discussion for another day.

With all these guidelines and opinions, there really is no one-size-fits-all solution. Here at Broken Horn, we like to say: if your boots match your belt, and your hat complements one or both, you’re on solid stylistic ground.

Naturally, we like to shake things up. These guidelines are just that—guidelines. They might work in theory, but what about in real life? To find out how folks are actually dressing—beyond the experts’ advice—I turned to the people around me. I asked family, friends, and coworkers to share what they do when they’re deciding what to match for a Friday night. Their answers? Well, let’s just say rules are meant to be broken—or at least bent—right? Here’s what they had to say.

Survey Results & Observations

1. Boots + Belt (Classic)

• Surprisingly, fewer people leaned this way than I expected. Those who did embrace the tried-and-true, classic look.
• “It’s less expensive and easier to pull off than matching your hat,” says Marisol, Broken Horn’s owner.

2. Hat + Boots (Western Aesthetic Style)

• This option was more popular, driven by that “true cowboy vibe.” My husband commented that since the hat and boots stand out most, you might as well match them—though he considers it a bit less traditional.
• My future brother-in-law (who embraces the vaquero side of country) explained: “I like my belt to stand out, so I match my boots and hat.”

3. Hat + Belt (Bold Statement Maker)

• No one in my immediate circle voted for this option—beyond a few online fashionistas. Perhaps it takes a bit more flair to pull off.
• My stepdad, who doesn’t fall into this category,(but stood out with his opinion) shared: “I coordinate my hat with my entire color scheme rather than just one accessory.”

Overall, it’s all about personal preference and the statement you want to make. One clear takeaway emerged: there’s no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ way—just whichever way makes you feel confident.

Now that we’ve researched and investigated what everyone actually prefers, let’s round up our final thoughts and see what conclusions we can draw.

Conclusion & Takeaways

It’s clear that there’s no one way to dress like a true cowboy (or cowgirl). Whether you prefer matching your boots to your belt, pairing them with your hat, or even trying a bold hat-and-belt combo, it all comes down to personal style and the story you want your outfit to tell.

My Advice start with one item and build the outfit from there. Tired and true once I tried to build an outfit with all three matching accessories and I felt very overwhelmed. Focusing on 1 main accessory and building from there works great for me. Remember rules are meant to guide, not restrict.

Factors to Consider

·       Occasion & Setting
Dress codes matter. A polished black belt and black boots might be ideal for a semi-formal rodeo event, while a well-worn straw hat and scuffed boots might be perfect for a laid-back ranch day.

·       Color Scheme
Sticking to one color family is typically the safest route. However, a subtle contrast (like a dark hat and lighter boots) can make your outfit pop—as long as something else (like a shirt or belt buckle) ties the palette together.

·       Personal Style & Comfort
Keep it simple, Confidence is the best combination there is. If bold is more you go big or go home is the motto

·       Quality & Texture
Keep in mind although not mentioned it was expressed greatly and is the one thing all agreed on. Never mix match textures and/or quality.

Final Word

Here at Broken Horn, we love seeing how each person makes cowboy style their own. Ultimately, your confidence is what matters most. If you match your boots to your belt—or decide your hat needs to take center stage—wear it with pride. Because in the end, the best outfit is the one that feels true to you. And, always remember DRESS FOR YOURSELF.

How do you wear your cowboy gear? Let us know in the comments! Leave a photo we’d love to see how you do it, do you think hats and belts are a match made in heaven or a passing trend?