It’s Time To Try The Western Look
What’s Going On?
We’re blaming pop culture. The thing with the cowboy is, he’s never really off our screens for long. Five years ago, Yellowstone landed. A decade ago, there was Django Unchained. Before that, Russell Crowe in 3:10 To Yuma, Jake Gyllenhaal and Heath Ledger in Brokeback Mountain… The list goes on, back through Paul Newman, Clint Eastwood and beyond.
Along the way, the style has been refined. The fringing’s been pared back, and the boots have been toned down, but some key elements have stood the test of time. Rugged denim, worn-in leather, shearling, suede and Native American-style embroidery are here to stay.
The Brands Doing It Best
Pharrell Williams, in his latest guise as creative director of Louis Vuitton, recently gave the fashion world an overdue diverse take on western style, spotlighting what he called the “original cowboys”. Dsquared2 has presented dirty-looking plaid shirts and distressed denim with a few retro rodeo touches.
Meanwhile, some cool, contemporary brands are pushing a ‘wearable western’ look. Bode has taken modern classics like a simple linen jacket or straight-leg trousers and reworked them with embroidery, patchwork details and wild west-style illustrations. Sid Mashburn is a name to know for pops of colour and Navajo-style references – check out the belts. Rhude is a go-to for bandana prints that can slot into your wardrobe in the form of bags, shoes, shirts or even an actual bandana.
Then there’s Tom Ford. Current collections from the man who nailed the urban cowboy look in 2014’s Nocturnal Animals feature shearling and suede trucker-style jackets, western-inspired denim, and woven leather and rope belts. That other American style icon Ralph Lauren has been turning out cowboy-influenced collections since the early 80s. You can see subtle western touches across the brand today, but especially in its great RRL line.
The A-List Cowboys
The A-list contains a few urban cowboys we could all take a couple of lessons from. Some experiment with silhouettes, putting a twist on a classic combo by wearing slightly flared trousers. Others opt for shirting with western details or embroidery.
Jacob Elordi has paired straight-leg jeans with a cropped, trucker-style moto jacket plus a necktie. Harry Styles has embraced the western trend more emphatically, running with everything from cowboy boots to fringe jackets. Austin Butler stayed pretty classic with his looks for Elvis, making him a great reference for how to style and implement colour within a western context. From oversized denim jackets to custom cowboy hats, Travis Scott has added a streetwear edge to some western pieces. Finally, there’s Chris Hemsworth, who often matches jeans with tailored shirts and leather jackets to nail modern-day cowboy cool.
5 Tips For Making Western Wearable
Three’s a Crowd
The line between cool and costume can get pretty fine. One to two pieces that nod to the trend should be enough – three or more can lean into dress-up territory. Before you invest in a ten-gallon hat, try adding subtle western twists to your staple denim or shirting.
Buckle Up
A western-style buckle bet is such an easy win. You’ve got options too: the leather of the belt itself can be the point of difference or you can draw focus with more a statement buckle. Going deeper, studs and embroidery are nice details for taking things a step further. Use elevated basics for the rest of your look to balance things out.
Boot Up
Classic cowboy boots can feel a little ‘hoedown’, but a simple black or brown boot in a western-inspired silhouette can be a stylish and functional choice.
There’s Old Gold Out There…
This isn’t the first time the western trend has come around, which means vintage shops and second-hand stores can be a treasure trove. Especially early on, visiting in person is important to ensure you’re biting the bullet on the right pieces.
Print Can Look Mint
A bandana-print necktie can elevate basic combos. Layer it over a tee and a denim jacket or shacket. Avoid regular shirting with this look – it can look a bit boy-scout. Shirting, belts and knitwear are other classic ways to embrace Navajo-style patterns.
Ready? Now Get The Look
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