The cowgirl look has had several incarnations. It has fluctuated between being traditional and glamorous, conservative and controversial, and old-fashioned. The cowgirl is a romantic myth that has evolved over time, but it is also a genuine story about one of the biggest changes in modern history, a story about women overcoming obstacles in a world designed for men.
A new and entertaining method to explore with your distinctive style is to wear cowgirl attire. There are many ways to embrace your inner rodeo, whether you’re going to a country-themed party, concert, or festival. Here are some clothing suggestions to help you channel your inner cowboy or cowgirl! Yee-haw!
What Is A Cowgirl Outfit?
The traditional cowgirl look is heavily influenced by styles from the Old West. It lacks several conventional accessories like whips, spurs, and gun holsters. Instead, this style’s foundational elements emphasize time-honored staples like vests, cowboy hats, denim, and riding boots. The finished OOTD should exhibit a touch of modernism together with a dash of rustic refinement.
History
The household duties of the metropolitan lady in the late 1800s kept her in the home. Rural communities like those in America gave women access to spaces other than the kitchen and washroom. On their family-run farms, the early cowgirls of the 1890s were primarily in charge of herding cattle.
Because of stars like Annie Oakley and Lucile Mulhall, the horseback riding gal quickly became a Hollywood stereotype as television gained popularity. Soon after, the conventional cowgirl was replaced by the “ranch girl” as rodeo dress rose to popularity.
Essentials
Flannel
A flannel shirt is a nice accent to give the outfit a touch of Western allure. Traditionally, it’s fitting, but why not modernize the appearance by actually making it a little bigger, like beauty and grace expert Thelma Opong.
Denim
For the cowgirl style, this is a necessary piece. It’s also a simple place to start because this is a basic item that most people have. Wear your jeans “denim on denim” or with a white plain t-shirt. You can match your outfits, as did model Eva Apio, or mix them up, like Jennifer. She is rocking the most amazing denim boot coverings!
Prints
Don’t be afraid to experiment with various patterns. Dess Dior and Chanelle Natalie, two prominent fashion bloggers, have done it! Dess Dior wore a flame-red shirt, navy boots, and a skirt with a cow design. Natalie has gone monochromatic and paired her crocodile-print leggings and corset! Speaking of cowgirl style!
Boots
The best approach to embrace this style is to include cowboy boots in your wardrobe. They are available in a variety of colors and lengths and can be paired with anything, including dresses, maxi skirts, jeans, and more.
Leather
Any casual ensemble will look better with a leather jacket. Matilda Jerf is wearing the ideal brown one. Yours looks great with a bandana scarf and a pair of light-wash denim. Adorable attire warning.
Accessories
Also, you need accessories to complete the outfit! Without the traditional hat and saddlebag, you can’t be a true cowgirl! Gemma Owen accessorized her uniform with a trench, boots, and jewelry. Keep in mind that you don’t have to follow the rules to the letter; if a bucket hat suits you better, wear one. If you’re having trouble, stylists have put together a few things to give you that cowboy edge!
Tips
We took sure to include some classic silhouettes and recognizable mainstays among the cowgirl outfit for women options we’ve presented thus far. You can be creative with your OOTD, but there are several fashion no-nos to watch out for. Would you mind a heads-up? If so, the following general advice on cowgirl clothing ideas should be avoided.
Chaps: Unless you’re going to Coachella, you should keep this particular outfit hidden away. Also, if you plan to wear pants underneath, it’s not the most breathable item of clothing.
Halloween: It’s time to start over if your clothing resembles Jessie’s from Toy Story 2. To do this, remove any extraneous tassels, sequins, Americana, or the presence of a plastic gun.
Spurs: Your cowboy boots would be better off without them, we assure you. Your ankles will also appreciate it afterward.
A New Trend- Cowgirl Barbie
Western attire is getting the Barbie treatment, so fasten your diamond belt, dust off your fringe jacket, and put on your hot pink cowboy boots.
By now, we have all seen the images. Margot Robbie was caught wearing a hot pink ’80s-style cowboy dress, complete with a paisley bandana and metallic star details while filming the upcoming live-action Barbie movie. We all want to channel Barbie the cowgirl this summer after the trend became popular online.
The bright style incorporates traditional cowboy attire like fringe, leather belts, and flared pants with the character’s signature hot-pink hyper-femininity. Don’t let the term deceive you, though; both men and women are welcome to join the movement. Go no further than the Calgary Stampede to witness it come to life. The festival, which is ongoing through July 17, functions as Canada’s own runway for western clothing. And this year, there were hints of Barbie-core among the audience. Visitors are decked out in glitter makeup, hot pink-lined bikinis, vividly colored cowboy boots, and sparkling stetsons.
Because of the excitement surrounding the movie, the cowgirl Barbie appearance is becoming more popular, set to be released in 2023. Nonetheless, conventional cowboy imagery has been reinvented for years. For some time now, country-style boots and hats have been a mainstay of TikTok #OOTDs, not just at rodeos, signaling the mainstreaming of cowboy style. Not to forget, since the release of his 2019 hit song Old Town Road, Lil Nas X has introduced gender-neutral cowboy gear to our feeds. In recent years, several celebrities, such as Harry Styles, Lizzo, and Cardi B, have given the traditional country appearance their own unique twist.
Although we may have become accustomed to seeing Lil Nas X on the red carpet in a hot pink cowboy outfit, this look is a dramatic departure from the cowboys of yore. The straight white man cowboy persona has historically dominated western aesthetics in popular culture. Cowboy fashion is currently a tool for experimenting with personal style, yet the trend is being taken over by hyperfeminine aesthetics like hot pink and sparkles.
Cowboys and Barbies now get along quite fine, and Western fashion has definitely gone alternative. Swipe through the gallery below to see our suggested clothing if you want to try the cowgirl Barbie look for yourself.
There is absolutely no shortage of cowgirl clothing ideas on social media, from little dresses to high-rise jeans. Several subgenres of this particular aesthetic exist, such as disco, the ’90s, and even goth. So don’t worry if you dislike the traditional feel of rural clothing. You’ll undoubtedly locate a specialty that fits with your present attitude.