A lot of designers have been experiencing a touch of wanderlust lately by heading west. And no, we’re not referring to the brands that ditched New York Fashion Week in favor of Los Angeles. For the Fall 2017 and Resort 2018 collections, fashion houses opted for Western-themed offerings, from your trademark cowboy hat to more subtle Southwestern patterns and trappings. Whatever the geographic inspo, it’s clear that brands are looking to put a little giddyup in your wardrobe this year. But you don’t have to go full-on cowgirl to make the most of the trend. By employing touches here and there (in other words, don’t rock a cowboy hat and boots, a bolo necklace, plaid shirt and embroidered jeans all at once), you can effectively go a little bit country.
For some Westernwear styling tips and the fashion finds necessary to channel your inner cowpoke, mosey through the slideshow above.
Westernwear 2017
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Westernwear 2017 #1
The fringed hem on this patterned dress serves as the perfect partner for those classic black cowboy boots. Skip a cowboy hat in favor of a black fedora for a more city-friendly take.
Image: Imaxtree
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Ganni
Double up on fringe with this floral-patterned piece. Slip on some open-back mules and add a straw tote for a polished finish.
Donnelly Dress in Biscotti, $132.99 at Need Supply Co.
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ASOS
You definitely need a pair of black cowboy boots in your arsenal. You can cap off anything from dresses to jeans with this patterned pick, just steer clear of teaming them with embroidered Western button-downs.
Cactus Leather Western Knee High Boots, $119 at ASOS
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Westernwear 2017 #4
If you’re looking for a Western role model, Sofía Sanchez de Betak is your gal. Here, the Argentine street style pro slipped on an embroidered fringed wrap over a camel sweater and jeans. A studded saddle bag and sleek cowboy-esque boots helped balance things out.
Image: Imaxtree
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Rodebjer
A gray wool poncho with fringe trimmings calls for a patterned turtleneck, jeans and unassuming boots with a bit of Western flair.
Wool Poncho, $144 at The Frankie Shop
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MM6 Maison Margiela
Speaking of unassuming cowboy boots, the two-tone palette and harness accent on these babies make them perfect for pavement as opposed to the prairie.
2-Tone Cowboy Boots, $266 at Opening Ceremony
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Westernwear 2017 #7
We’re used to seeing rain slickers and wellies at Glastonbury, but Alexa Chung threw us for a loop when she hit the farm in a plaid jacket and black cowboy hat. The black choker and backpack prevented the look from being too country.
Image: David M Benett/Getty Images
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Westernwear 2017 #8
If you stripped away the cowboy hat, this Ashley Williams Fall 2017 outfit would seem at home at any fashion week. (But we recommend opting for a smaller gallon version.)
Image: Mike Marsland/WireImage/Getty Images
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Topshop
Instead of using a choker to citified a country-leaning look a la Alexa Chung, strap on a Western-themed choker to elevate your band tee and jeans combo.
Western Choker Necklace, $11 at Topshop
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Topshop
A rose-embroidered jacket with cozy lining will keep you warm on the range or in New York City. Work in a Victorian blouse and mustard yellow pants for additional refinement.
Moto Embroidered Borg Jacket, $160 at Topshop
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Westernwear 2017 #11
The Coach 1941 Resort 2018 lookbook managed to mix Western ideals with 70s accents. Follow the brand’s lead by layering a cowgirl collared shirt under a slim-fitting cropped leather jacket, patterned jeans and matching boots.
Image: Courtesy
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Cinq à Sept
Rein in this red embroidered short-sleeve cropped shirt boasting bright white piping with a tailored jacket and skinny jeans.
Giselle Silk Crop Top, $206.98 at Nordstrom
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Mango
The beaded collar and black bow on this white blouse would really pop under a collarless dark brown leather jacket.
Beads Bow Blouse, $59.99 at Mango
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Westernwear 2017 #14
While the Christian Dior Cruise 2018 collection had notes of cave paintings and Georgia O'Keeffe (in the form of those soon-to-see-everywhere hats), it all produced a Western effect.
Image: Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images for Christian Dior
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Westernwear 2017 #15
Leave it to Rihanna to make Dior’s cruise collection shine. The singer/actress/designer announced the winner of this year’s LVMH Prize decked out in a slightly revealing white long-sleeve dress topped off by one of those covet-worthy hats.
Image: Marc Piasecki/WireImage/Getty Images
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Reclaimed Vintage
Part of the charm of Dior’s collection and Rihanna’s stylish interpretation involved incorporating some jewelry. A bolo necklace can pep up a prairie dress or a basic white tee.
Inspired Western Bolo Necklace, $7 at ASOS
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Free People
Oversized hoop earrings have found their way back into the fashion fold, but don’t count out other outsize earrings. These turquoise clip-ons are guaranteed to jazz up anything from a plaid button-down to a vintage tee.
Road to Cali Turquoise Knockers, $48 at Free People
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Westernwear 2017 #18
You can dress up a plaid shirt by pairing it with a pastel pleated skirt. Just tie it into a knot over a tonal tank and work in deep blue heels for a contrasting touch.
Image: Imaxtree
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Westernwear 2017 #19
Jonathan Simkhai grounded his Resort 2018 plaid topper with a studded waist harness and cinched khaki pants. Copy this look IRL by either skipping the harness in favor of the pants or vice versa.
Image: Courtesy
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Farrow
Show your stripes by tucking this oversized Western shirt into utility pants or a pleated midi skirt.
Henry Top, $20.99 at Need Supply Co.
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Westernwear 2017 #21
Head west with a set of embroidered white pants featuring a side diamond pattern. Keep your topper neutral so as not to compete.
Image: Imaxtree
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Bliss and Mischief
You can also flaunt embroidery front and center in a pair of straight-leg jeans.
Song of the West Embroidered Straight-Leg Jeans, $147 at Net-a-Porter
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Westernwear 2017 #23
There wasn’t really much Western about Michael Kors’ Fall 2017 offering, but this black leather fringed skirt definitely had a cowgirl edge. All it needs is a comfy slouchy knit (as seen) and some ankle booties.
Image: Imaxtree
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Understated Leather
That Michael Kors skirt is pretty pricey, so replicate the fringe-tastic vibe with this short-and-sweet version.
Hold Your Horses Skirt, $248 at Free People
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Westernwear 2017 #25
Not only does this boyfriend-cut jacket boast a cow-like pattern, it also has fringed sleeves. Take things into hipster territory with a black dress, check pants and chill kicks.
Image: Imaxtree
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Zara
Flaunt your fringed sleeves by slipping this tee into a pair of white cropped jeans.
T-Shirt With Fringes, $12.99 at Zara
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Westernwear 2017 #27
Nothing says Wild West like wild horses. Layer the equestrian topper over a breezy prairie dress and jeans for an East-meets-West effect.
Image: Imaxtree
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Ganni
Instead of placing this tee on top of a flowing dress, do the opposite and slip on the dress over top and leave it open to show off those stallions.
Linfield Printed T-Shirt, $64 at mytheresa.com
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Shelly's London
You can rely on box-fresh sneaks to finish off your look or keep the Western theme going with spiffy open-back mules.
Dora Slides, $118 at Anthropologie
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Westernwear 2017 #30
A suede shirtdress is a high-fashion way to bring out your inner cowgirl. Just add in combat boots with bright laces to keep things from going too far.
Image: Imaxtree
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Westernwear 2017 #31
You can skip the suede and hit the streets in a Western shirt-style shirtdress with fancy embroidery up top. Add in flat sandals to keep the piece city chic.
Image: Imaxtree
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Mango
Denim is a Western staple and the shirtdress is a summer-into-fall must-have. All that’s required is a set of heeled colorful sandals while the weather’s still hot and old-school cowgirl ankle booties when cooler temps prevail.
Denim Shirt Dress, $69.99 at Mango
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Westernwear 2017 #33
Make your coat the star of the show this fall by selecting one boasting a colorful landscape across its horizon. Cinch it with a looped belt that subtly matches your sweater.
Image: Imaxtree
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Westernwear 2017 #34
If you’re looking for a scene-stealing cover-up that’s easily removable if things get too hot, rely on a boldly patterned wrap coat as part of your fall repertoire. Don’t be afraid to style it with equally eye-catching patched jeans and chunky boots.
Image: Imaxtree
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Etro
This wrap is a bit of an investment, but since you’ll be rocking it over frilly blouses and trousers to work or a graphic tee and jeans over the weekend, it will pay for itself in no time.
Floral-Intarsia Wool-Blend Wrap, $530 at Matches Fashion
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Westernwear 2017 #36
The Dior cruise collection also advocated making eveningwear a bit more outdoorsy by wrapping up dresses with structured coats.
Image: Rich Fury/Getty Images
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Zara
Position this beaded slip (that twisted pattern reminds us of a lasso) over a white tee and jeans as shown for a daytime rendezvous; work in a tonal slip underneath and a camel jacket over top for a night out.
Beaded Dress, $69.90 at Zara
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Westernwear 2017 #38
A patterned suede maxi skirt reads more cowgirl than hippie, especially with a white blouse tucked into it.
Image: Imaxtree
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Free People
Even if you can’t track down a patterned suede skirt, you can up the ante on any bottom with a Western buckle belt. Opt for one in an unexpected shade for a modern edge.
Black Rock Western Belt, $38 at Free People
