The Wild West in Today's Fashion World
Giddy on up girls, it seems like cowgirl boots might be the new going out shoe…
by MIA JONES ★ DECEMBER 2, 2022
Chances are you have seen cowgirl-themed attire pretty much everywhere recently. Western style is so in right now, and we hope it’s here to stay for a while. From frayed denim to dainty lace tie tops to jean vests to frills, fashion and retail are living for this (and so is my outfit inspo Pinterest board, quite frankly). It’s fun, chic, vintage, and playful for the transition to colder weather. Think Dolly Parton, or the song “Texas Sun” by Khruangbin and Leon Bridges. The beautiful thing about this look is that it can be tailored to your personal taste, whether that’s more vintage and unique or dainty and girly. Not to mention it can be dressed up and worn on a night out or while you’re going out to dinner with your girls.
For starters, influencer Grace Vonstrahl’s unique brand, sheisgracielou, is literally the embodiment of this whole aesthetic, and it’s in a good middle range price-wise. Grace’s brand is inspired by her lifestyle and incorporates her original designs, including flowy silhouettes and an amazing selection of vintage lace and denim (I couldn’t be more obsessed if I’m being completely honest). A flowy maxi skirt, such as the one shown below, could easily be worn with a sweater and some fall boots in the cold weather, but once Syracuse dethaws, it could be worn with a cute tank and sneaks in the summertime. It’s an effortless and easy option to throw on when you can’t find anything to wear in your closet.
If you’re looking for more cute little tees and tops for everyday wear, rodeo graphics are all over the place right now. Sunday Best—Artizia’s Winter 2022 collection by Emma Chamberlain—has baby tees showcasing cowboy boots and hats in fun embroidered designs and earth-toned colors. These can simply be worn with jeans if you’re tired of plain t-shirts, and they can be layered with jackets and cardigans in the fall climate. And I’m sure everyone has seen the Gigi Hadid x Frankie’s Bikinis collab that came out a couple of months ago as well, which is definitely giving the western-esque vibe with all of the adorable ruffles and tie-up detailing, as seen below with this white one-piece swimsuit.
When it comes to denim, the wild west is influencing our jeans with the flared and wide-leg silhouettes and even some really cool fringe detailing. Incorporating unique details with staple pieces is a plus with the cowgirl look, and it definitely gives off the vintage, cool girl appearance. If you’re willing to brave it in the cold, short, raw-hem denim skirts are the perfect choice for a night out since they go with anything. Additionally, a jean vest is a versatile staple to add to your wardrobe, and it can be layered so easily with button-ups, long sleeves, or dresses, and even worn while going out. Places like Urban Outfitters, Free People, H&M, and Asos are good places to look for any of these pieces.
Last but definitely not least: cowgirl boots. Ahhh yes, how could they be forgotten? Everyone and their mother seems to have a pair of these nowadays, and we love how versatile and fun this shoe is to play around with. Whether it’s short boots or long, real or fake leather, pops of color or not, a good pair of cowgirl boots can be dressed up or down, and who cares if people say they’re impractical—everyone needs a statement piece in their closet. Cowboy boots can be worn with jeans and tees for a simple everyday look, but pair them with a long dress or maxi skirt and gold jewelry if you’re going for something a little more dressy. If you’re shopping for more affordable options, Tilly’s and Amazon are your friends, and it never hurts to try the thrift store or a vintage shop, too. Steve Madden and Jeffrey Campbell have some really cool designs as well, just more on the pricey side. But honestly, these days, you can find cowboy boots practically anywhere.
I hope this gave y’all some inspiration to go out and find your inner cowgirl. Don’t worry, she’s in there somewhere. So, with that being said, let’s saddle up UGirls, it’s time to hit the rodeo in Syracuse.