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Can I Wear Cowboy Boots to an Interview?
As part of any job interview the most important step one is make a good first impression. One important element of that impression is what you are wearing including what is on your feet. If you routinely wear cowboy boots you may want to know if you can wear them to an interview or if you should leave them at home.
Well, good news – the quick answer is that yes you can wear cowboy boots to a job interview. You will want to make sure that they are good looking boots that are nicely cleaned up – maybe even dress boots – and that they complement and enhance your overall attire.
With that being said, be aware that not all cowboy boots are suitable for interviews so choose wisely. This isn’t the time to pull out the old s-kickers for knocking around the yard or garage. To wear cowboy boots to a professional interview you will want to make sure that they are clean, polished, and give off the professional look you want to present in an interview.
Assessing the Company Culture
Research the Company
You should do your research before an interview as part of preparing to ace the interview, but this also gives you the chance to learn about the office culture and how cowboy boots may be seen there. I recommend checking both their official website and their social media profiles to get a better understanding of their values, work environment, and company dress code. Another important source of intel can be reading online employee reviews (Glassdoor, etc), which can provide insights into a company’s day-to-day operations and work attire expectations.
Industry Expectations
You should also consider the industry the company belongs to when deciding if cowboy boots are suitable for your interview. There are many businesses where wearing cowboy boots may be acceptable or even the norm – examples such as construction, agriculture, or western-centered businesses – or other more casual business environments.
However, they might not be the best choice for more conservative industries like finance, banking, or law where a more traditional dress code may be expected. Then again, if you are sporting the right boots they may just ask you where you bought them! If you have too much doubt, opting to go with a pair of more traditional dress shoes doesn’t mean you can’t wear your boots after you get the job.
Choosing the Right Cowboy Boots for an Interview
Style and Material
When picking which cowboy boots you will wear to an interview make sure to pick boots that have match you attire and the formality of the interview. In a more professional office type environment, you will want to go for dressier cowboy boots with less ornamentation or design. In a more informal environment, more standard western style cowboy boots may be acceptable as long as they match the rest of your style.
Choose a style that is both professional and appropriate for the work environment. You will want to stay with well-fitting boots made from high-quality materials to make a polished appearance. For men, pairing dress pants and a shirt or a suit with dress cowboy boots makes a great combination. Women can wear dress pants and suits, office dresses, or skirts with their boots.
Good material choices can be standard leather, smooth ostrich, or goat. These can all give a nice polished and professional appearance with the right outfit.
Color and Embellishments
The color of your cowboy boots is an important part of achieving a professional look for your interview. You will generally want to go for neutral or darker shades, such as black or brown and avoid overly bright or flashy colors.
Regarding other decorations or embellishments, it will be best to choose boots with minimal or no decorative stitching or patterns. Simple designs are the way to go.
Matching Cowboy Boots with Interview Attire
Men’s Outfit Guidelines
After making sure that you have checked off everything else you will want to make sure everything goes well together and is nicely coordinated.
A few other things to consider:
- Make sure your boots and belt color match.
- Wear your pants over your cowboy boots.
- Shirt and pants pressed with no wrinkles.
Women’s Outfit Guidelines
For women, wearing cowboy boots to an interview has some similar guidance to consider in making sure your outfit is well balanced. Follow these guidelines for a polished look:
- Go for a blouse or a dressy top that complements your cowboy boots. Make sure the colors and patterns coordinate well with your boots.
- Pick a pair of well-fitted jeans, dress pants, or skirt that works well with your boots.
- Make sure everything has complementary colors and is well matched.
The key thing to remember is you want to keep your overall look professional and suitable for the interview setting while incorporating your cowboy boots in your own unique style.
Making a Great First Impression
Confidence with Unique Style
An interview is a great chance to make the right first impression. What you wear can show how you can balance your professionalism while maintaining your style and showcasing your personality. If you decide to wear cowboy boots and pull it off successfully then you can demonstrate your ability to combine traditional professionalism while keeping your authentic persona.
Cowboy boots may not be the conventional interview choice, they can highlight your self-assured and confident approach. Presenting yourself with confidence could create an impression on your interviewer, allowing you to set yourself apart from the competition.
Alternatives to Cowboy Boots in an Interview
If you’ve made it through all of this and are still not sure whether you should wear cowboy boots to an interview, you may want to consider other footwear options. In this final section, we’ll review some alternatives that are also suitable for interviews.
Formal Shoes
If your interview calls for a more formal attire, consider wearing a classic alternative like:
- Oxfords: These closed-lace shoes are a timeless choice. They come in various colors and materials, and you will want to stick to darker shades like black or brown for a professional look.
- Brogues: This is a more decorative shoe option that features more intricate details like perforations and wingtips. These can be worn for occasions like an interview, and offer a stylish, yet professional look.
You can watch a Youtube video that is based on a summary of this article by going here: https://youtu.be/6z2QM2vtTZw