Beyoncé’s country hit, This Ain’t Texas, has fashionistas dusting off their old cowboy boots. The trend has enjoyed peaks in interest throughout recent years, following nods to western sartorialism by the likes of Pharrell Williams and A$AP Rocky. So while it’s not uncommon for celebrities to dip into cowboy core with a studded accessory here or a fringed jacket there, some aren’t afraid to take it to the next level with a head-to-toe ensemble; see Lil Nas X’s hot pink Versace hat, jacket and trouser combo on the 2020 Grammys red carpet. Admittedly, the latter approach is well-suited to a Hollywood music award ceremony, but us mere mortals might enjoy a more subtle attempt for fear of wading into costume territory (best to avoid awkward “who are you dressed as?” moments at the Sainsbury’s tills).
Luckily, with the aesthetic making its way into high street collections, it’s easy to incorporate the style into everyday outfits – the most obvious pairings being a hat-and-boot-combo, double denim, or a western belt and bolo tie.
If you’ve got the budget, try GANNI, Ralph Lauren or Isabel Marant for boots, while Urban Outfitters and Coggles offer some excellent budget options. Those in search of authentic cattlemans, bricks or gamblers (variations of cowboy hat, for the uninitiated) will head straight to the legendary westernwear Stetson, but if you want to avoid paying duty, try Revolve or Free People for zeitgeist designs and colours.
Athanasiou Blue Western Shirt, £189 // Free People Cowboy Hat by Wyeth, £88 // Gannie Cowboy Boots, £625
Hyde & Hare Crossbody Clutch, £135 // Revolve Cowboy Hat, £65 // New Look Bootcut Jeans, £27.99
The Kooples Leather Belt, £70 // Urban Outfitters Cowboy Boots, £82 // Marks & Spencer Western Tencel Shirt, £29.50
Get the look
Can’t get enough of cowboy core? There are endless subgenres to explore – coastal cowgirl, fall cowgirl , space western, not to mention the related aesthetics: cottagecore, Americana and desertwave (Coachella-goers, unite). But, if all else fails, a simple cow print handbag is timeless.
Lasso Lengths
Hair ideas to suit your favourite country fits:
Ruwa 3x Pre-Stretched Braid, £4.49 // African Collection Jamaican Locs, £6.99 // X-Pression Pre-Stretched 6x 52″, £12.99
Outre X-Pression Twisted Up Borabora Locs, from £15.99 // The Feme Collection Ponytail Kink, £18.99
