Trend Prediction: COWBOY CARTER Has Hit Carolina, and We’re Feeling Country

Giddy up, TFTers! (Is that what you guys want to be called? I don’t know, I’m trying something new. We’ll work on it.) Beyoncé’s newest album COWBOY CARTER dropped recently, and we’ve all had it on repeat. From the tear-jerking melodies of PROTECTOR to the boot-stomping, knee-slapping tune of YA YA, Beyoncé has given us the a-ok to throw genres to the wind and do what feels right.

With that being said, I think something will be making a resurgence on campus in the wake of this album release: cowboy boots.

Yes, you heard me. In fact, I’d argue cowboy boots were already on trend, but only for a certain population/demographic (I’m looking at you, Fraternity Court). After this album, though, and the Renaissance era in general, I’d say Beyoncé’s single-handedly democratizing Southern aesthetics. This album encourages not only a fusion of genres, but cultures as well; Northerners/Westerners who may have never interacted with Southern culture are now chomping at the bit to heel-click their spurs. Three cheers for equal-opportunity cowboy boots!

Personally, I’m a fan of the cowboy comeback. I think I’ll participate, actually! They’re so much more versatile than they get credit for. You can go high femme with a long, flowy dress paired with any color of boots (a bright color would be an amazing statement piece), or go a little more traditional with bell bottoms or flared jeans and a fun, sexy top. Or – and this is a personal favorite of mine – black boots, long baggy jorts, and an oversized top of any kind. I may actually get a pair just to recreate that exact vision. Stay tuned for future TFT posts where I may or may not be wearing any of the outfits I just described.

Of course, this look isn’t for everyone. It’s okay if you’re a Beyoncé fan who doesn’t get the hype around the boots; one of COWBOY CARTER’s main themes is doing what feels best for you. It’s about having range, but also making sure you’re still being true to yourself – whatever that looks like on you. By extension, fashion is about the same thing. Trends like these are fun to try and participate in, but make sure you’re keeping your individual style, tastes, and personhood intact. Fashion trends are meant to help you explore your style, not shape it.

It’s not okay to not be a Beyoncé fan, though. If that previous sentence describes you, reflect.