Love western wear? You're in good company. Prairie prints, denim, yoke-front shirts, and cowboy boots all made their appearance for a wild, Wyoming wedding. Who wouldn't want to join the company of supermodels and stars?
For families that rock Western looks regularly, it's not so much about style as it is comfort and practicality. Nothing beats well-worn denim and broken-in boots. There is a way to combine everyday Western wear and high fashion.
Create timeless looks and effortless chic with these straight from the runway inspirations. Mix cowboy boots and other country classics with designer flair. Read on for 5 fashion tips!
1. Follow the 50% Rule
Make only half your clothing and accessories Western looks at any given time. Obviously, Western wear for work doesn't count. So if you are out on the ranch, feel free to ignore this advice.
Outside of work mix your pieces for a more sophisticated feel. Boots, AND a prairie skirt with a ruffled petticoat, AND a cowgirl shirt with a bolo tie, AND a big belt and buckle, AND a Stetson can look like a costume.
Try mixing the shirt and boots with a slim skirt and a saddlebag-inspired tote. If you feel like something a little more casual, how about mixing your Wranglers with an Aztec-inspired tunic and a little heel.
If you decide on denim, feel free to mix it up with something dazzling. A little lace camisole or corset, a denim mini, and boots are perfect for a night on the town. Wear your little black dress with your ranch jacket and boots. For that matter, who says that sequins don't mix with jeans?
2. Harmonize, Don't Match
Denim from head to toe makes a statement, but if it all matches it says "Canadian Tuxedo" not high fashion. A better choice is to break up that denim with other fabrics, colors, and patterns. Try a crisp plaid shirt or a leather jacket instead of double or triple medium blue wash.
If you do wear pieces of denim together, try a crisp-creased dark wash pair of jeans with a buttery soft sandblasted denim work shirt. Harmonize different denim washes and finishes together.
Going all matchy-matchy isn't a sin for just denim, either. Avoid dressing identically to your partner or children. Again, you are going for style points, not a costume contest.
Choose one theme to carry between all the outfits. For example, you may choose a fabric for your family and interpret it as a skirt for yourself, a dress for your daughter, a shirt for your son and the piping on a shirt for your spouse.
3. Choose Urban Gear With Western Looks
You don't have to give up your cowboy chic to have style in the city. Try a slouchy hoodie or quilted vest with embroidery highlights like your favorite Western shirt. Add jeans and a chunky walking shoe for a complete outfit.
Mix up a motorcycle jacket with your favorite romantic prairie dress for a pleasing combo. A lace-up boot and silver accessories cap the ensemble. Consider just using accessories like a belt or hat to make a statement.
A thick leather belt with a statement belt buckle around a trench coat, for example. Top off your nightclub mini with a cowboy hat. Stow your necessities in a saddle-stamped leather backpack or opt for bolo tie with a business suit.
You don't have to give up Western chic in an urban environment. A fringed biker tank looks great in the city or on the farm. Feel free to choose jackets, tees or hoodies that show your cowboy pride in the big city.
4. You Have to Have a Hat
A hat gives any outfit a country feel. Summer or winter, the right cowboy hat makes any clothing ensemble Western. You don't need to wear a 10-gallon Stetson, though.
Try a summery straw hat with a narrow pinch crown with your jeans. Many women like the way a pinch crown calls attention to the cheekbones and chin. Twine flowers around the band and you have a romantic country wedding look.
Western-themed ball caps are just as chic and add a country touch to more urban looks. Hat etiquette indicates that a lady does not necessarily remove her hat for the National Anthem or on entering a building. Many modern women choose to remove their caps indoors.
The ladies' hat "rule" is that dress hats are not removed, but hats worn for weather protection should be taken off. So your rain bonnet and wooly snow cap should come off indoors. A ball cap is at your discretion.
5. It's Your Style
Every season, every year, celebrities sport Western looks. High fashion runway shows, Instagram-famous influencers, and ladies who just love cowboys wear Western-inspired outfits with panache.
That's the real secret to rocking the style. Be proud of your country connection and don't be afraid of innovation. Don't get caught up in following the trends-- be the trend-setter.
Whether you are in South Dakota or South Chicago, Alaska or Appalachia, Western clothing is always chic. It's how you choose to wear it that defines style. Take pride in farm-fresh fashion.
You can take inspiration from Dolce & Gabbana, Tommy Hilfiger or even Calvin Klein. But what you put together is 100% original. It's All-American and ALL YOURS.
Show Us Your Western Looks
You don't have to be famous to look good in country clothing. We love modern Western individuals and families who share our sense of style and fun. Our clothing comes in sizes from infants 6 mos. to XXL men.
Cowboy and Cowgirl Hardware outfits Cowboy, Rancher, Farmer, and Western Families in tough and high-quality clothing. Share your favorite Western looks with us on Facebook and Instagram. Just look for Cowboy Hardware!
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