You can thank Beyoncé for the current western craze
Cowboy boots, fringe, leather, Stetsons — if it feels like you’re seeing more country-western fashion this season, it’s not your imagination. Beyoncé’s “Cowboy Carter,” cowboy-inspired trends on fashion runways and style icons such as Lil Nas X and Taylor Swift have made western wear mainstream. Cowboy hats, boots and more are have become style must-haves. Here’s how to corral the best cowboy core trends for your closet.
How to get a cowboy aesthetic
Cowboy style emerged from a practical need for durable, hardworking clothing, and it drew from many sources, from Spanish American colonists to Union soldiers. Some of its most recognizable features, such as silver concha belts and turquoise accents, come from Native artistry that’s been practiced for centuries. Today’s cowboy core is also influenced by streetwear and Y2K’s denim obsession, fusing traditional style details of the cowboy lifestyle with modern tastes.
Cowboy core fashion
- Denim: Sturdy, hard-wearing denim is a key staple of cowboy core, especially if you wear multiple shades together. Think beyond jeans: Mix and match with denim vests, midi skirts, shorts and jackets.
- Prairie dresses: Long, loose dresses with tiered skirts and long sleeves are both nostalgic and cozy.
- Western shirts: These iconic shirts are usually made from chambray, denim or a plaid fabric and feature dual chest pockets. Tuck them into denim shorts or tie them over maxi dresses.
- Embroidery: The embellished clothing worn by Spanish ranchers in Mexico gave rise to the embroidery found in American cowboy clothing. From cowboy boots to shirts and skirts, embroidery both stabilizes fabric and adds a touch of beauty to often function-focused pieces.
Cowboy core accessories
- Cowboy hat: With their wide, moldable brims, cowboy hats keep the wearer shaded whether you’re working outside or enjoying a festival. Solid felt is a good choice for cooler weather, while woven straw keeps things breathable and comfortable in hot weather. Look for a hat with an adjustable chin strap to keep it in place.
- Cowboy boots: Originally packed with functional features (a high shaft to protect against snakes, embroidery to conceal repairs), cowboy boots are now beloved for the ability to go with just about any outfit.
- Neckwear: If a cowboy hat or boots feel too bold, try subtler western-inspired accessories, such as bolo ties or scarves. Tie a bandana or silk scarf around your neck or accentuate a collared shirt with a bolo tie.
- Cowboy-style belts: A belt doesn’t have to be merely functional. Look for one with tooled or stamped leather, oversize buckles or metal embellishments.
Best cowboy core fashion trend buys
These sturdy, classic cowboy boots are made from faux leather and feature a cushioned insole and a contrasting embroidered design. Choose from flashy pink and aqua, understated tan and more.
Good American Denim Slit Midi Skirt
This high-rise denim midi skirt has the same five-pocket styling as your favorite jeans, plus belt loops and a zip-fly closure. Smoothing technology offers light compression for a flattering fit.
Made from decoratively woven straw, these hats feature hat bands adorned with faux turquoise or metal accents. A sweat-absorbing inner band and adjustable chin strap help create a secure, comfortable fit.
Saachi Turquoise Stone Multistrand Leather Magnetic Bracelet
This western-influenced bracelet is made with a genuine turquoise stone and other semiprecious gems and crystals. It has a magnetic closure and measures 7.5 inches long.
Pair this openwork crochet tank top with boot-cut jeans and a denim jacket for an effortlessly western outfit. It’s made from cotton-blend yarn and comes in three wearable neutrals.
The raw hems and distressing in these high-rise denim shorts deliver a cowboy core aesthetic when paired with an embroidered blouse, boots and cowboy hat. They’re available in two lengths, as well as standard and plus sizing.
HOTOUCH Cotton Button-Down Loose-Fit Blouse
Textured to look and feel like linen, this casual blouse can be worn tucked into jeans or loose over a crop top. Choose from 25 colors; size down if you prefer a more fitted shirt.
Perfect for a more subtle take on cowboy core, this graphic tee features an illustration of a desert landscape. Wear it in a French tuck to show off a western-style belt buckle.
Accent a button-down blouse with this bolo tie, which has a faceted pink gem pendant strung on a black faux leather cord. Silver tips accentuate the cowboy aesthetic.
Available in two denim washes, this cropped denim vest has a raw-edge hem and a comfy boyfriend fit. Layer it with a contrasting pair of jeans or a tiered maxi skirt.
JASGOOD Floral Embossed Western Leather Belt
This genuine leather belt showcases western-inspired embossing. Both the belt and the oversize metal buckle feature scrollwork floral details. It’s available in five sizes and three colors.
R.Vivimos Halter Patchwork Mini Dress
This floaty mini dress has a deep V-neck, an open back and a polka-dot mesh ruffle on the hem. Choose from more than 25 colors and prints. Wear it to music festivals with cowboy boots and a denim jacket.
Sunwel Fashion Fringe Hobo Bag
Roomy and stylish, this fringe bag offers multiple zip pockets and is big enough to hold a tablet. Available in three colors, it’s made from faux suede and has an adjustable strap to convert it from crossbody to shoulder bag.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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