How Do You Make a Western Look?

How Do You Make a Western Look

The Western look has never really faded away, even though we’re over a hundred years away from the Wild West. Of course, you’ll see the attire more in states like Montana, Wyoming, and even Texas, but you may decide that the look is something you want to achieve – either for a particular occasion or as part of your regular wardrobe.

The good news is that due to shows like HBO’s Westworld and Peacock’s Yellowstone, the Western look is making a big comeback – and embracing the fashion trends is easier than ever if you’re shopping clothing stores in Cape Girardeau, MO.

Establish a Few Signature Pieces

It’s important to find western wear for women that truly allows you to embrace the Wild West with your own personal style. Whether you decide to do it with denim, snakeskin, or fringe is entirely up to you.

There are a few signature pieces that you may want to consider adding to your closet.

Plaid shirt: Choose a plaid shirt in colors that you love to wear. You can find ones that are fitted so that you don’t end up looking like a ranch hand. These shirts can be left open over a t-shirt or even tied high to expose your midriff.

Denim skirt: Find a denim skirt that allows you to show off your shape. This can be a vaquero-style with lots of layers or an A-line. If you want to show off your legs, you can also go with a cutoff, complete with a layer of fringe on the bottom.

Jacket: Choose a neutral chore jacket or have some fun with a leather fringed jacket, complete with rhinestone embellishments.

Boots or booties: Choose how far up the leg you want your boot to be – there’s no wrong answer. Heeled and flat options are available, and buckles can help you to add some bling to your footwear. Opt for leather or snakeskin for the material.

Cowgirl hat: A cowgirl hat completes the Western look, but it’s not something you have to wear every day. Find a color that suits you or opt for something neutral.

The Vaquero is the quintessential North American cowboy. The style is unique, and there are plenty of items that you may fall in love with. Once you find a few pieces that you love, you can put your own spin on the Western look so that it is both comfortable and individual.

Choose Different Materials

It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with some of the top materials that are used in Western attire. This includes denim, suede, and leather.

There are also ways that you can add a feminine look, whether you are getting dressed for the evening or attending an elegant function.

In addition to wearing one of the “harder” Western materials like denim or suede, pair them with silk, organza, chiffon, or lace. It will soften your look and allow you to steal from what you already have in your wardrobe.

Some great examples of pairing different materials together include:

  • Crocheted bralette with denim jeans
  • Silk dress with snakeskin boots
  • Lace vest over suede leggings

Beyond the materials, you can also look at various prints and patterns. Most of the Western attire is fairly monochrome, with a splash of color here and there – typically either pink or turquoise.

You can also look at animal prints such as cow and rattlesnake as a way to show off your own personality. A great example of incorporating your print is with a t-shirt underneath your jacket or in the bandana that you might tie around your neck or weave through your denim belt loops.

Avoid Looking Like You’re Joining the Rodeo

There’s a big difference between achieving a Western look and looking like you spend your days herding cattle. Much of it comes down to material as well as knowing when to add in subtle bursts of color and bling.

You can easily “borrow” some of your wardrobe from utilitarian stores that cater to the hardworking American. Some items that you may want to explore include:

  • Chore jackets
  • Denim shirts
  • Corduroy overalls

Limit the number of items that you buy from such stores, though. Otherwise, when you show up to watch the rodeo, they’ll think that you’re working the rodeo.

Fashion has to be included, too. Have some fun with a tasseled button-down to wear under your chore jacket. Opt for a chain belt with turquoise and other accents to loop into your denim work jeans. And even pair your rhinestone boots with the overalls.

Mixing and matching will be key to creating interchangeable Western looks for any occasion. If you do get an invite to have a “working vacation” on a farm, you can easily have enough gear to fit in. However, if you also get an invite to head to Nashville for a girl’s night out or to a date in the Stockyards, you can fit in with the upper class.

You just need to know how to complement your clothing with accessories. Many cowboy belts have removable buckles. You can swap them out to coordinate with any look that you have mustered up.

Shoes are also an important part of completing the Western look. This is when you’ll want to skip the utilitarian boots unless you’re actually going to be mucking stalls or feeding the hens. You can choose a traditional boot if you’re wearing jeans or opt for a bootie (suede or snakeskin will get the job done nicely) if you’re wearing a skirt, cutoffs, or a flirty mini dress.

Comfort is the name of the game with Western. You should be able to move the way you need, whether you’re horseback riding, doing chores on the ranch, or dancing the night away.

Get creative – and when in doubt, go to a store where you can try on a few different looks. You can also rely on the employees at a store to provide you with advice – and a quick email to many online boutiques can provide you with fashion advice, too.

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