TO WEAR OR NOT TO WEAR: WESTERN

Apr 13

When I first moved to Dallas almost six years ago, I’ll admit I was a hater of the whole “cowboy ” image and did not subscribe to the “everything is better in Texas” mentality. Sure, I enjoyed going out to country dance halls or to the Fort Worth Stockyards with my friends on occasion, but that was as far “western” as I went. When I did go dancing or drinking, however, I never knew what to wear. Everyone around me was always dressed like they just got off of a shift herding cattle, but in an off the runway sort of way. I despised cowboy boots, loathed cowboy hats and gagged at the thought of being caught in any jacket that involved denim or fringe. I also wasn’t the girl that felt comfortable in those cute, short flippy dresses with a ditsy floral pattern. Normally, I’d just end up wearing some kind of jumpsuit or blouse with jeans and sneakers or boots. I suppose I hated it all because it felt like playing dress up. Being from the midwest, if I wore a cowboy hat out I’d feel like I was wearing a costume. I felt like only real cowboys and cowgirls/true texans should be wearing boots and hats. Those accessories belonged on a ranch somewhere, not out and about in the city.

But, as it happens, after living in Dallas for a few years, one does start to believe everything actually is better in Texas and, dare I say it, all of a sudden have the unquenchable urge to buy a pair of fabulous cowboy boots…and a suede fringed jacket. My mindset changed because after living here for awhile I realized wearing things like cowboy boots or a hat is a part of the Texas culture much like prep clothing is to the east coast. This change is quite fortuitous for me because anyone who follows trends knows that western inspired fashion is popular right now making upscale western looks more accessible than ever. Will the outrageous cowboy boots and increasing number of colorful fringed clothing items eventually be surpassed by another trend? Yes. However, they will always be a beloved staple in Texas regardless of what’s trending. Which, in a way, does make them timeless…don’t you think?

I’ve rounded up a few fun and fabulous western inspired items. Because, if you are going to do western, you better gosh darn do it right.