- WESTERN STYLE -

Spring / Summer

Wearable Western style in real life is the art of borrowing from the cowboy without ending up dressed for a rodeo sponsored by a bourbon brand. The idea isn't to pile on cowboy boots + hat + fringe + huge belt + plaid shirt as if you were going to milk a bison in Texas. Instead, aim for one statement piece, two at most, and then keep the rest more understated and urban.

The foundation of modern women's western style lies primarily in the fabrics and cuts: raw or washed denim, distressed leather, suede, heavyweight cotton, embellished belts, and understated western boots. A camel suede jacket paired with straight-leg jeans and a white t-shirt is enough to set the tone. Cowboy boots work very well if they remain elegant and somewhat refined. When they become overly embroidered, too pointed, or covered in metallic eagles, they veer into "local country music festival" territory.

Prints should be kept to a minimum. Western shirts are often two-tone. Avoid overly "folksy" versions or "unusual" color combinations. A well-cut Western shirt creates a minimalist look. Contrast is what prevents it from looking like a suit. A long denim dress with Western boots works better than an outfit that tries too hard to be "Western."

Today, the most successful women's western style is often blended with minimalism or understated bohemian elements (Native American jewelry made of silver and turquoise or red coral). The focus is more on a free-spirited, robust, slightly rugged yet elegant look than on historical reenactment. Brands and designers who pull this off maintain a modern silhouette and use cowboy codes as accents. As is often the case with clothing, true luxury lies in restraint.