Thanks to Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter era, everyone is dressing like it’s the Wild Wild West. A new era of Western fashion in pop culture was shared by the superstar, alongside Bad Bunny and Bella Hadid, in 2024. And so, naturally, It-girls are giddying up to try cowboy-core. While there are significantly fewer tumbleweeds to lasso these days, the rugged trend is timeless and versatile. Representing a romantic Americana sensibility, cowboy-core prevails as it harkens back to an era when opportunities were seemingly endless. The style’s charm also lies in its diversity, highlighting the aesthetic’s true pioneers in Black and Indigenous communities across the Americas. With tastemakers like designers Pharrell Williams and Willy Chavarria giving the Western style a modern makeover, it’s clear that the style’s biggest fans are reinventing it with inclusivity in mind.
The latest iteration of the Western aesthetic is also a sartorial illustration of our desire to be closer to nature, or at least look like we are. Defined by wide-brimmed hats, sharp boots, and denim galore, the style embodies an effortlessly cool approach to life as the clothing must be functional and fashionable. The trend is full of delightful juxtapositions as worn leather, floral embroidery, exaggerated collars, and flowing maxi skirts are mainstays. Inspired by the iconic Barbie and Ken outfits in the titular movie alongside Queen Bey’s rodeo-ready Renaissance ensembles, city slickers might also add pops of futuristic chrome, hot pink, and leopard print to brighten up the Prairie-esque style. Bolero necklaces, bold belt buckles, and fluttering fringed jackets are common Western staples, setting veteran riders apart from rookie ranchers.
Before putting on your cowboy boots, read below for some Western fashion inspiration that’s actually worth trying.
1. Gone Riding
It’s no secret that self-proclaimed horsegirl Bella Hadid has fully embraced the Western aesthetic. The model-turned-equestrian nails the look with her black ranch hat, statement-making silver belt, and dark wide-legged denim. The brown boots peaking out are the perfect touch.
2. Nouveau Western
Louis Vuitton’s fall/winter 2024 menswear show was an open celebration of Western style. Outfits comprised of suede overshirts and leather pants arrive in chocolate brown and earthy sand tones. With the addition of turquoise detailing, the ensemble embodies the trend to a tee, although most ranchers don’t have monogrammed duffels.
3. Modern Cowgirl
A more modern approach to cowboy-come comes by donning a sweeping black trench coat decorated with cognac flames. The silver belt cinching her waist is a subtle nod to the Western style.
4. Western Barbie
Vibrant pink cowboy hats are a quick and fun way to cosplay as cowgirl Barbie. Pairing her hat with an eye-catching bolero necklace, this 21st-century cowgirl prefers to ride a bike rather than a horse.
5. Avant-Garde Cowboy
London-based designer Edward Crutchley takes an excitingly eccentric approach to the trend, opting for staggering hats and boldly printed ponchos that would keep any rancher warm by the fire.
6. Desert Princess
Model Alva Claire is giving “modern desert princess” during Willy Chavarria’s fall/winter 2024 show. Her floor-length tartan maxi skirt adds a Western element, while the sleek black bomber jacket adds a touch of New York grit.
7. Double Denim
Denim is a favorite fabric amongst cowgirls and cowboys. Model Angela Gonzales opts for a double denim look, pairing her light-washed buttoned corset and flowing skirt with slightly slouchy black Western boots.
8. Fits a Pattern
Prints are essential to the Western aesthetic. Here, the uber-saturated pattern invigorates an otherwise neutral ensemble. This fashionable leading lady adds a wide-brimmed hat, complete with a gold chain for a more glamorous take on the rustic trend.
9. Western Edge
If the cowboy trend seems intimidating, one good first step is to simply add cowboy boots to a classic black and white outfit. The mix of modern and Western will give a twist to an otherwise classic formula that’s right on par with today’s Western craze.
