Ways to wear: Western style

17th Jun 2019 Fashion & Beauty

With puff sleeves and tassels currently dominating the streets, we show you how to style the western trend this summer

When the weather can’t make its mind up, it can be hard to try out new summer trends for fear of catching a cold or looking foolish amongst a sea of sensible waterproofs and tights. Luckily, there’s one trend that embraces layering, texture and just the right amount of whimsy—the western trend.

You couldn’t move on last season’s catwalks for lassos, buckle belts and stonewashed denim, and having filtered out on the high street, there is no shortage of options to embrace your inner cowboy. Think open roads, BBQ cookouts and barn raising, but add a modern, style edge, with hardwearing fabrics that work just as hard as the cattle-herders do.

If you’re fearful of coming across a little too Toy Story, there are plenty of ways to nod to the look without going full fancy dress. Here are five of our favourite ways to go west.

Rebel House on the Prairie

Subvert the traditional girly look of a prairie dress by option for a pared-back colour scheme. A gingham, tiered frock is a solid investment piece that can be dressed up or down, teaming well with the seasons buckled boots and belt.

When it comes to hair and make-up, a sleek, sexy finish will make it clear that this isn’t your first rodeo. Tame rogue brow hairs but still maintain a strong shape with a gel that offers hold as well as colour definition and leave eyes bare or with simple brown eyeliner.

A strong red lip has extra power when teamed with a slicked-back, ribboned ponytail, using a wet-look gel to keep everything in its high-fashion place.

Raw hide

Suede and denim—two staples of the cowgirl wardrobe. A co-ord offers plenty of styling options, but looks particularly great with a patterned blouse underneath, with a tie-bottom that can be secured low or high depending on your desired look.

Accessories are key to this look—the unfinished denim of the bag adds texture, while the delicate gold accessories of earrings and pin catch the light without stealing any attention from the main outfit.

Rodeo drive

A take on the western trend that is still appropriate for summer in the city, this look makes good use of the ubiquitous floral maxi dress, found at the back of many a wardrobe. Give yours an update by leaning into the soft, washed out colour palette that recalls the desert—think warm pinks, aquamarines and lots of rusty browns and orange.

Take things one-step further with the perfect summer scent. Smoky, tobacco scents will add a masculine edge to an otherwise feminine outfit, giving it that much needed rock and roll finish.

Walk the line

The Western look doesn’t have to be all stiff denims and leathers. If you prefer a more casual look, try teaming a faded t-shirt with a floaty shirt. Bonus points for a genuine retro band or college tee, but the high street has plenty of pre-distressed pieces if your local vintage shop isn’t delivering.

Soft sliders and a tasselled cardigan may not do much to elongate your physique, but fashion doesn’t always have to be conventionally flattering. Embrace the freedom of the look with similarly free-and-easy curls thanks to a curling style cream, tucking stylishly under the must-have Stetson hat.

Texas tuxedo

Behold the power of double denim—a timeless style classic when done right. The balloon sleeves of this light wash blouse balance out the bell-bottoms of a darker jeans, flattering the waist or thighs. Tuck things in for a smoother silhouette and add height with a heel that ticks off two trends in one—buckles and snake print.

To complete the look, pile on the jewellery, with an oversized bag and hat in softer colours that compliment the denim back of the look. Finish with minimal make-up. A golden eyelid and subtle blush add all the natural glow of a day out on the ranch.