(The Shopping List)

I’m Going All In On Cowboy Style With These Country-Cool Essentials

Y’all ready?

March 9, 2024

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Allow me to set the scene: The year is 1996, and I’m three years old wearing a red velvet cowboy hat astride a horse — well, technically a pony, but whatever. Though I wasn’t born in Texas á la Beyoncé, I’ve lived in the state for 22 years, which means I’ve gone through more pairs of leather boots and stiff-legged jeans than an Ariat outlet store. So I’ve been delighted to see the explosion of interest in cowboy fashion this past year, with stars like Lady Gaga, Bella Hadid, Bey, and Lana Del Rey all wading into the quintessential country look to coincide with their assorted projects. After all, the official Texas motto is “Friendship” — as in, no gatekeeping our signature styles here.

Country getup is for everyone, whether you want to incorporate it into your everyday look or treat it like a fun costume when the mood strikes. Thanks to all the celebrities getting in on the classic American style, shoe brand Clarks estimates that searches for “cowboy boots” specifically have skyrocketed by nearly 300%. Any Texan will tell you, though, spurs-ready footwear are not the only way to nail the vibe. Incorporating country style into your existing wardrobe can be as simple as layering on a lariat necklace or costume party-level elaborate with tons of layers. Regardless of how you wear the look, though, it’s always a guaranteed head-turner.

Ahead, check out the pieces I’m shopping to round out my own western wardrobe.

Stallion Boots

Women's Ranch Hand Tulip Cowgirl Boots

$1,295

Sure, you could go for a saddle-brown or all-black pair of cowboy boots, but where’s the fun in that? I love the way these stompers draw inspiration from nature, incorporating color and all sorts of botanical motifs for a homemade feel.

8 Other Reasons

Western Chain Belt

$57

Take it from Beyoncé’s most viral manicure ever — silver + turquoise = automatic country credentials. A loose, hip-fitting chain belt in those exact materials can transform a simple dress or basic pair of jeans into a moment.

Modern Monarchie

Texan Embellished Wool Cowboy Hat

$370

It’s easy to see why the rhinestone cowboy aesthetic is still going so strong — who could resist the allure of velvety wool and twinkling gems? The band of crystals around this burnt orange hat adds a hint of glamour where you want it most.

DONNA SALYERS FABULOUS FURS

Signature Series Hook Faux Fur Vest

$185

When getting into the country-western mindset, think about materials you’d find on the frontier. Wool and buckskin are beautiful, but fur is in a league of its own — faux only, though, of course. A vest is a managable way to incorporate the texture into an outfit, and ideal for layering.

Ghost Cowboy

Meowdy Partner Tee

$35

Venture through any town in Texas and you’ll see all sorts of punny shirts and ironic bumperstickers slapped across pickups. This high-quality T-shirt does the talking for you; it’s a true conversation starter in any scenario.

Wrangler

Wrangler x Yellow Rose by Kendra Scott High Rise Trouser

$129

Bootcut jeans are back with a vengeance, and thank goodness. The leg-lengthening style not only looks incredible on absolutely everyone, but it’s a wildly easy way to lean into westernwear. The key is to look for a pair with a bit of embellishment, like this pleated pant from the Wrangler x Kendra Scott collaboration.

David Yurman

Petite X Lariat Necklace

$575

Admittedly, it can be easy to get a little heavy-handed with country clothing. To scale it back — with some sophistication to boot — consider a dainty lariat or bolo-style necklace. They can be worn on their own like a necktie, or layered for a more whimsically western feel.

GANNI

Red Mid Shaft Embroidered Western Boots

$825

The westernwear trend comes in waves, and this amazing pair of cherry-red GANNI boots throws it back to the ‘70s. With its alluring sheen and tiny embroidered hearts, one could imagine this pair on Barbi Benton in her Hee Haw days.

Levi's

'90s Trucker Jacket

$98

When in doubt, just throw on an oversized denim jacket. The material might be the most critical element of any cowboy getup, as its both practical and simply looks the part. Crucially, it’s an extremely versatile piece, easy to make work with completely different styles, too.

Thalé Blanc

Crescent Fringe Crossbody Bag

$565

Fringe is a beloved country motif, but it can veer a little costume-y if not worn juuust right. An accessory, like this sunset-colored Thalé Blanc bag, features the perfect amount of movement and texture without overpowering the rest of your outfit.