How to Pull Off the Western Style Without Overdoing It

Thanks to shows like Westworld and video games like Red Dead Redemption 2, cowboys and the western style have made a bigger comeback than when Cleveland came back from trailing 3-1 against Golden State in the 2016 NBA finals. The fashion industry has also picked up on the western look, and you’ll notice more cowboy boots and rockabilly shirts down the catwalk. But cowboys have fascinated designers long before this current trend we’re seeing today.

Some people define the cowboy style as a micro-trend that keeps reappearing every so often through different interpretations. However, for others, the western style is the preferred way to dress not only because of its appeal, but because of its functionality and comfort as well. Cowboy boots, country-style mens workwear shirts and the western jacket can be seen all around rural Australia by hard-working ranchmen. But you don’t have to be a cowboy or a ranchman to rock Western-style apparel. You can pull off the look no matter the occasion without looking like Woody from Toy Story.

Source: unsplash.com

The current western trend is less about dressing up, and more of the current fad for wearing hearty, utilitarian workwear that screams Americana. Think of plaid mens workwear shirts, denim and chore jackets, all made of on-trend and easy-to-wear fabrics such as shearling, corduroy and suede. And remember, this ain’t a buffalo chase, so go at this western wear trend one at a time. You can pull it off by simply wearing a mens workwear shirt, or adding an accessory to your regular look. You also can’t go wrong with western-styled denim, a check or cord shirt. For the lower part, get light-wash denim or black slim-fitting jeans if you’re rocking a louder western-style shirt. Avoid wearing bootcut jeans, unless you want them soaked or are a huge fan of Jeremy Clarkson.

Source: unsplash.com

Key Western Style Pieces

Western Jackets

The easiest way to incorporate the western style into your wardrobe is through a jacket, and snakeskin jackets are the most statement way of doing so. A desert suede jacket can also do the trick, mimicking the look of deerskin that Native Americans used for making their jackets which were designed with fringes, allowing them to dry out more easily when wet. Nowadays, a fringe is also okayish, as long as you think practically about it, but should generally be avoided. The sandy suede screams western enough by itself. Make sure the jacket is just above your waist for a more modern look and ensure it cinches at the waist.

Trucker jackets are also an option, available in corduroy or denim, and with a borg or shearling lining. Trucker jackets have become mainstream lately, and they were initially meant for western frontier workers at a time when the workwear they had wasn’t durable and hardwearing enough for the work they were performing. Thicker fabric and darker washes match the look of the original trucker jacket, and they’re arguably the easiest western-style jacket to wear.

Source: unsplash.com

Western Shirts

Picking the ideal western shirt is all about the yoke. The yoke was initially designed to support the looser parts of the shirt around the shoulders and chest and became more decorated as a means of distinguishing rodeo cowboys participating in contests. If you prefer the look of embroidered western shirts, get a subtle washed in colour like rust, sea green or dirty blue. Contrast piping can work well, as long as you avoid fringing as well.

Flannel or denim shirts also work well for echoing the workwear, hardwearing nature of western style. Don’t style untucked and loose with a white shirt underneath, else you risk hitting the grunge section. Wear it tucked in instead, just like a cowboy would to avoid pulling the fabric loose.

Source: unsplash.com

Cowboy Boots

Traditionally, cowboy boots should have a high shaft, round pointed toe and stacked heel. The high shaft should come up halfway your calf. The high shaft can have a huge impact on the silhouette of your trousers when you wear the boots underneath. If you’re wearing them over the top, you’re making them a focal point of your outfit, which can be sometimes too much. Get dusty brown or snakeskin shoes if you want to mimic the true western style. Brown cowboy boots look great with denim, and once you beat them up a bit, they’ll look even better. Besides the boots, get a straight leg jean with a looser cut than you’re used to wearing, and wear them with turn-ups to showcase your boots.

Following these simple guidelines will allow you to pull off the western style look without looking out of place, regardless whether you’re working on the ranch, running errands around town, or enjoying a dinner out with the missus. As you get comfortable with the style, you can start experimenting more and seeing what works best for you.