By Lisa Dante
For most Texans, cowboy boots and a western hat are closet staples. But have you noticed how in the past few years western wear is more popular than ever among celebrities and high-end designers?
Rodeos in Texas have become more than fried food, mutton bustin’ and barrel racing. “It’s also become a runway for Texans to show off their favorite western wear,” says Sarah Bishop, owner of Billy’s Western Wear located in Boerne and Kerrville, Texas. When most people first hear the word “rodeo,” they will likely picture a man in a ten gallon hat, boots, a plaid shirt and jeans. Think Marlboro Man. The truth is, rodeo and fashion have gone hand in hand for decades.
Boot Scootin’
Cowboy boots are undoubtedly the key accessory to an authentic western wear look. They have a rich history that dates back to the 1500s and early 1600s, when the Spanish brought boots to Mexico. The modern cowboy boot evolved in the late 1870s during the cattle drive era in the American West. Today, cowboy boots come in every color under the sun, with a wide range of materials used, from genuine cowhide leather to exotic skins. There are two basic styles of cowboy boots, western (or classic), and roper. The classic style is distinguished by a tall boot shaft, going to at least mid-calf, with an angled, “cowboy”
heel, usually over one inch high. The toes can be rounded or squared.
The “roper” style is a design with a short boot shaft that stops above the ankle but before the middle of the calf, with a very low squared -off “roper” heel, usually less than one inch high. They can be seen with rounded or squared toes.
Brands like, Ariat, Corral, Ferrini, Black Jack and Lucchese , are among the most popular top brands. Boots are like well made handbags. Investing in a good quality pair that will last for many years is a wise purchase. Although, there’s not one boot that’s going to serve every purpose in your wardrobe.
Denim and Diamonds
Most western-inspired outfits wouldn’t be complete without accessories featuring denim, fringe, studs, rhinestones, embroidery or suede detailing. However, classic denim can certainly stand alone.
Personally, I was never a fan of denim. I found it stiff and constricting. I would watch friends throw on a pair of jeans and look casual, cool and comfortable, but I wasn’t one of them. Then my entire denim world changed when designers started adding the slightest bit of stretch to jeans. They became one of my favorite wardrobe staples.
The western trend isn’t riding off into the sunset anytime soon. Hats off to you if you decide to go for a head-to-toe western ensemble.
But, if you’re a little hesitant about pulling off a full yeehaw look, start with a simple denim shirt. Stick to blue denim, it’s the most classic and versatile option. Denim blue jeans have become a universal symbol of western fashion. Do denim your way.
Designer Yves Saint- Laurent summed up denim the best: “I have often said that I wish I had invented blue jeans: they are the most spectacular, the most practical, the most relaxed and the most nonchalant. They have expression, modesty, sex appeal, simplicity— all I hope for in my clothes.”
Buckle Up Buckaroo
There is one accessory that captures the essence of cowboy charm like no other. The western belt buckle is the way to go and a large buckle style is forever timeless. Belts are eye-catching and take even the simplest of outfits to a whole new level. From their intricate designs to their rich symbolism, western belt buckles have become a statement piece that adds a touch of rugged sophistication to any outfit.
Whether you choose simple, classic rodeo wear or the glitz and glamour of a rhinestone studded jacket, the current fashion aesthetic in western wear reflects the rich history and spirit of the American West.
Saddle Up!