Some stray style thoughts from Zephan Parker, a bootmaker who inspires customers young and old to find their signature Western looks.
Zephan Parker of Parker Boot Co. spills his Western style secrets and shares his favorite products for creating the perfect classic Western look.
THE RIGHT BOOTS FOR THE RIGHT GUY: “If you don’t ever wear boots but want to start, a monotone boot is king. Chocolate brown is a good call. … Textures matter. You want to be careful with, say, python or square toe if you have just gotten into the look.”
DON’T TRY SO HARD: “I feel like style in its essence should be effortless. We look at the icons — the Paul Newmans, the Ralph Laurens — their effortlessness is what empowers us to replicate it. … I don’t ever want anyone to think I am here to put on a show. Even if I’m wearing something nice and maybe expensive, I want people to be completely able to overlook it.”
TRENDS AIN’T EVERYTHING: “People under 30 lately are gravitating back to the Garth, Tracy Lawrence, old Tim McGraw thing, with the mustaches and [patterned shirts.] I grew up in that musical era, but I was influenced by older cousins and family. I wear a lot of layers, a lot of coats and ties. But I try to find an equilibrium, a balance. Like, today, it’s a Double RL kind of feel — baseball cap, not necessarily put together, but intentional.”
MIX ‘N’ MATCH: “Something too genre-specific feels like a costume to the rest of the world. … You can go casual with an alligator boot, linen trousers, an untucked shirt, and maybe a bandana. A symbolic elegance, but light and airy.”
Get The Look
Have yourself a little eye-candy with these made-to-order Parker Boot Co. favorites.
[1] The Caldwell in Black Roughout, Western Box Toe [2] The Caldwell in Brown, Round Toe [3] The Caldwell in Cognac Roughout, Western Box Toe [4] The Kent in Black
Straight American Alligator Belt
The Final Detail
“Fragrance is usually the last touch someone puts on … that final touch allows people to take on a feeling, and feel put together. To feel whatever mood they want.”
That’s Jake Nagle, a former VP of brand growth for Tru Western, the maker of some of the finest colognes and perfumes in the American West.
Specifically, Nagle has developed and shepherded scents tied to Yellowstone, Professional Bull Riders, and Wrangler — all scents we’ve put to the test at C&I and deemed perfect for the classic cowboy.
PBR’s line includes the boozy, sweet, sophisticated Añejo. Men’s Wrangler Original just came out last year and is a tasteful fresh cologne for days out. And for the John Duttons in anyone’s life, Yellowstone Ride and the newer, stronger Yellowstone Ride Reserve will have everyone around asking who smells so good.
It makes sense that each of these Tru fragrances makes a lasting impression. Says Nagle, “We develop our fragrances with a mindset that there should be some tension, some dirtiness.
“That doesn’t mean the scent itself is dirty, but that it has texture. There’s something in that pokes out. It can’t be too smooth.”
Check out Zephan Parker's bootmaking journey.
From our July 2024 issue.
PHOTOGRAPHY: Courtesy vendors
