You’ve secured your tickets and the weather is looking good for this year’s Parklife Festival at Heaton Park (although you might struggle for transport…) But what to wear?
Cowboy boots became a closet staple late last year – and if you own a pair, you’ll be glad to hear they’re not going anywhere anytime soon, as they’re now predicted to be one of this year’s biggest festival trends.
The boots have become intrinsically linked with major music acts lately – with Taylor Swift donning glitter boots during The Eras Tour, and Beyonce wearing a metallic pair for her Renaissance World Tour.
Now, fashion experts are saying cowboy boots, bejewelled with rhinestones and sparkles, are a festival must-have, with the ‘disco cowgirl’ trend rising in popularity.
In fact, nationwide searches for ‘cowboy boots’ rose by 67% over the last month, whilst ‘disco cowgirl’ has risen by 23% over the last two weeks alone. Festival outfits are also starting to rise in interest, with searches up 54% compared to the start of May.
Penelope Armstrong, Design Manager at Boohoo, reveals how Brits can get involved in the ‘disco cowgirl’ action at their festival of choice this summer – including how you should style them for a day session, versus a late-night concert vibe.
She said: “Cowboy boots are perfect for festival season, and at this point they’re a must-have for any music event this summer. They work really well for weekend-long wear as they’re surprisingly versatile and can also elevate any day-to-night outfit regardless of whether you’re familiar with the ‘disco cowgirl’ trend, or just want a good pair of boots.
“Cowboy boots work really well with a relaxed outfit for the day, so try a neutral-toned pair with a flowing midi skirt and graphic tee to kick off your festival fits. As the day progresses, you can spice things up by adding a jewelled belt, or by cropping/rolling up your tee.
“For a late night look – especially one worthy of a festival headline act – you can really go all out. Why not swap out your midi skirt for a sequined short one, or change the shirt-skirt combo for a velvet slip dress? These will both work really well with cowboy boots.”
“The main thing to consider when jumping on a new trend here in the UK is the climate, as even though temperatures are rising as we get closer to summer, Brits know how quickly the weather can change. The great thing about cowboy boots is that they’re sturdy and warm and can work as a good alternative to sandals or pumps when paired with the right skirt.”
Penelope also reveals which acts ‘disco cowgirl’ would work best for, saying: “Any concert featuring an artist that’s passionate about campy fashion and bright colours is a perfect excuse to go all out – including Harry Styles’ final UK leg of Love on Tour, where a feather boa and eye-catching boots pairing is extremely popular.
“Taylor Swift’s The Eras Tour is predicted to land in the UK in mid-late August, and we’re expecting to see A LOT of country and western inspired looks inspired by every album, particularly Folklore, Fearless and her debut. Candy-coloured cowboy boots could also see a rise, as they’re perfect for both Lover-inspired looks and the upcoming Barbie film.
“Glastonbury will also see some inspired cowboy boots and dress combos, especially given the line-up features Lana Del Rey, Lizzo and Lil Nas X, who’s no stranger to the style.”
While there are no real rules for introducing cowboy boots into your summer wardrobe, pairing them with familiar tried-and-tested items like a floral summer dress works well.
Many Brits might be put off from giving them a go as they’re nervous about the sizing and fit, Boohoo explains – but Penelope offers tips to help alleviate any concerns.
“The key to getting the best fit is to start with your usual size, but then pay attention to how your toes and width of your foot feel. The boots should be snug, but you should have enough room to wiggle your toes and leave some slip in the heel, while the ball of your foot should sit in line with the widest part of the boot.
“Some boots might need breaking in and will start to feel softer after two or three weeks of regular wear. And if you plan to wear them for a long period of time – such as to an outdoor festival – you might want to invest in some thick socks to minimise the risk of blisters.”
