I mentioned in my trend report that Western wear is getting its fashion moment. A nod to the Wild West also made my seasonal must-haves list for Fall and Winter 2018. It’s a Trendy Classic, iconic, timeless, and always in style. But because it’s fashionable at the moment, you’ll see larger and deeper assortments at retail.
Western wear is generally an earth-toned and neutral palette, but these days pink cowboy boots are not uncommon. When I think of Western wear, cowboy boots and all sorts of variations of them are top of mind. But there’s also ornate cowboy belts, felt and straw cowboy hats, fringed anything, suede and shearling jackets, shearling vests, sheepskin, pony and cow print, plaid barn jackets, moccasins, bootcut jeans, ponchos, ruanas, tiered skirts, ruffled blouses, studded bags, saddle bags, prairie dresses, denim jackets, denim shirts, bandanas and checked shirts.
You can interpret the trend as fully as you like, especially when you live in an area of the US where Western wear is a stylish staple. Others might prefer to add hints of Western wear to their outfits. Or remix Western items with their avant-garde, hard-edged, Preppy, Modern Retro, Punk or Sporty styles.
My clients run the gamut. Some adore Western wear, and are never without a pair of cowboy boots and bootcuts. Some like fringe, suede and denim shirts, while others are into denim jackets, ponchos, ruanas, weathered brown leather and ruffled plaid blouses. And some don’t fancy the vibe at all.
Personally, I like the irregular juxtaposition of adding a Western element to a polished, pretty, crisp, dressy and very un-rugged outfit. That’s my ‘80s gene coming through, which is why I bought a pair of optical white Western shooties at the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale this year. I LOVE these shoes, and they’ve become unexpected wardrobe workhorses. I thought I’d wear them from time to time, but instead want to wear them all the time. They’re very comfortable, and add a fresh 2018 component to my outfits.For example, I’ve been wearing the new white Western shooties with a few Fall midi dresses, a ruffled midi skirt, and a pair of high-waisted black skinnies. For toppers, I’ve worn my old Smythe equestrian blazer and new cape coat over the floral midi dress. I’ve worn the navy polka blazer, denim jacket and old navy Theory blazer with the navy ruffled skirt and a form-fitting top. I’ve worn the black high-rise skinnies with a tucked striped top and cape coat. In every outfit, I sported high-contrast sheer black hosiery or socks with the white Western shooties, and finished off the look with a light blue bag and white pearls. The white pearls and my blonde hair effectively bookend the white footwear. I’m enjoying the new-to-me vibe VERY much. The happiness factor is high, and here are the exact items from my wardrobe used to create the outfits.
Over to you. Will you add a nod to the Wild West to your style? If so, how do you wear the trend?
