There are a few fall trends that look as timeless and classic as western-inspired fashion. When the cool weather hits, it’s only natural to slip into a suede fringe jacket or pull on a sturdy cowboy boot. These western fashion trends have a touch of high-end style, from rodeo-ready denim to paisley-print prairie dresses, denim midi skirts, and more. As if straight out of a Western, this version of rodeowear already has a cult following, including celebrities and street style stars. Always one to pair a feminine dress with a more masculine shoe, Emily Ratajowski was recently spotted stomping the city streets in her own pair of black and white Sonoran cowboy boots, setting fire to the trend.
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Stylish onlookers at Copenhagen Fashion Week SS23 also embraced the trend, mixing colorful cowboy hats and boots, raw denim jeans and Western-inspired shirts with their traditional Nordic attire. On the catwalks, you can always expect Isabel Marant and Etro to play in the western genre with their collections, but Prada, Khaite and Tory Burch have also taken a cue from the trend.
A solid western wardrobe staple is built around eight key pieces that can be worn together for a complete look or mixed with your other fall wardrobe essentials. At the Ratajkowski, wear a cashmere print dress like that of Isabel Marant or Ulla Johnson with a pair of cowboy boots by Johanna Ortiz and Reformation. Over your rodeo-ready raw denim, throw on a fringed jacket from Stella McCartney or Mango. Pair your look with accessories with western accents like a Saint Laurent suede belt or a Gucci cowboy hat. Boo!
Below are the top eight western fashion trends 2022 to make the centerpiece of your fall wardrobe.
The cowboy boot
Without a doubt, the cowboy boot is having a major moment right now with everyone slipping into western style, from celebrities to street style stars. Johanna Ortiz and Sonora’s classic black pairs are similar to your go-to black boots for fall, but with the volume up. Off-white versions from Isabel Marant and Reformation pair perfectly with a floral print or maxi dress this fall. Stella McCartney’s brown cowboy boots are particularly autumnal, while Khaite’s suede boot is a timeless star.
The denim shirt
The denim shirt is a stylish take on the traditional Western shirt. Double down on denim and style with rodeo-ready jeans. Western denim shirts from Saint Laurent and Rag & Bone are cut for a slimmer fit, making them the perfect companion to any bottom you choose. Lightly washed-out versions of Nili Lotan and Wardrobe NYC appeal to a more laid-back aesthetic when dressed up with comfy jeans and sneakers. Utility details like front flap pockets and suspenders make this denim shirt from Victoria Beckham a real bargain. Crafted from ivory denim, Khaite’s Birdie denim overshirt has an oversized fit, making it the perfect layering piece for fall.
Rodeo-ready jeans
Gear up for the rodeo in tough, no-frills denim. Straight cuts from Khaite and Levi’s have the cowboy stamp of approval, while flared jeans from Jeanerica and Mother are more cowgirl-friendly. Rag & Bone and Tu Es Mon Tresor’s dark wash denim has a dressed-up feel whether you’re outside in the autumn sun or spending a weekday at the office. Side note: Yes, you can wear jeans to the office!
The prairie dress
Prairie dresses add a feminine touch to your otherwise masculine western wardrobe. Floral and paisley prints are key to mastering the trend, and those from Alémais, Isabel Marant and Ulla Johnson hit that sweet spot. A stunning white dress is a fall staple, and this prairie dress from LoveShackFancy extends to include woven-in-home crochet detailing. Sea’s puff sleeve linen dress pairs well with a leather boot (make it a cowboy!) and statement earrings for an effortless cocktail party look. We especially love this romantic drop-waist dress from Tory Burch.
The fringed jacket
Nothing captures the Western spirit better than a fringed jacket. A cropped suede version from Mother stays true to the classics, while faux leather jackets from Mango and Stella McCartney are more nuanced. Checked prints go hand in hand for fall, seen here on these fringed overcoats from Isabel Marant Étoile and Polo Ralph Lauren. Crafted from a wool blend, Maje’s fringe jacket will keep you warm against chilly autumn temperatures.
Mid-length denim skirt
To go with your Western shirt you just bought, find the denim midi skirt for the perfect match. If last season was devoted to the miniskirt, this season is about the more mature midi. Reaching just above the knee, denim midi skirts flatter the figure. Take those of Veronica Beard, Khaite and Frame, for example. Sea’s patchwork denim skirt is higher on the waist. Wear it with a classic white tee and trainers. Crafted from medium wash-resistant denim, this denim midi skirt from Stella McCartney features an A-line cut, particularly inspired by cowgirls. For those looking for a touch of originality, discover this dark washed knee length skirt by Prada.
The western belt
Accessorize your rodeo outfit with a festive western belt. While the belt buckle is important, it’s really about the belt buckle here. Etro finishes almost all of her bohemian looks with an equally beautiful belt like this. Johanna Ortiz’s 24-karat gold-plated woven belt is of a similar stature. For a more minimalist look, find sleek silver belts from Khaite, Saint Laurent and Isabel Marant or a gold belt from Rag & Bone.
The cowboy hat
If there’s one last thing to bring your entire western wardrobe together, it’s a chic cowboy hat. While true cowboys and cowgirls will opt for felt versions, like this one from Gucci or Brixton, street style stars seem to gravitate towards straw cowboy hats lately. Whether on the ranch or on the streets of the city, this is one fall accessory you should take your hat off to.
