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Cowboy Couture Western type looks have been popping up on fashion runways and celebrities alike this year. But you can access this top trend by utilizing a few of my simple ideas to add a touch of that Wild West look to your own wardrobe. First off, you have to know that there is a fine balance between doing a “costume” and simply adding some cowboy elements to items you might already have. Head to toe anything is never a good look unless you are indeed going to a themed party, or you are actually a cowboy or girl!
Denim
Start with looking at your own denim supply at home. Do you have a denim shirt, skirt, or vest? If you do, that’s awesome, because you can just use your own jeans or jeans shorts. Denim will definitely give you a feeling of the old west, since jeans were originally invented for use by rugged ranch hands and horse wranglers in the 1850s or so. A good rule of thumb with denim, however, is to utilize only one piece at a time in your ensembles. For example, a denim shirt worn with white jeans, shorts, or skirt, will look better than an all blue denim outfit. Remember you only need a few pieces to look hot off the runway! In addition, distressed denim is better for this look so don’t get rid of those old jeans just yet! Cut them off into shorts and pair them with some cool boots!
Shirts
Traditionally a western style shirt has a yoke around the shoulders in matching or contrasting fabric, and pearl snaps down the front and pockets. It is cut a little leaner than a regular shirt or blouse, to provide room for layering things over or under. There can also be elaborate topstitching and embroidery like the light blue plaid short sleeved one that I own. In that case, make sure that every thing else you wear complements, but doesn’t compete with, your fancy shirt! Plaids and other bold fabrics are great, but keep an eye out for white and other neutrals as we head into summer. Don’t forget that with the prices at the Goodwill Retail Store & Donation Center, you can afford to make your cowboy shirt sleeveless by simply cutting near the seams and letting it fray! What could be more western than that?
Accessories
Today’s “Urban Cowboy” wears boots with everything from skirts to shorts. Look for rustic quality and good soft leather. I got a great pair at Goodwill for just $14.99 last year and have worn them numerous times with jeans tucked in or over the top. They always make me feel a little taller, and they already had some wear and tear for authenticity - bonus!!
Leather belts with large signature oval or themed buckles that reflect the old west culture can be worn with jeans or over the top of a blouse, jacket, or denim dress. Soft pliable leather that is a little beat up is perfect for this look.
Bolo ties, which is just a string of leather with a slide that adjusts fit your neck, are also part of this trend. They may be worn in lieu of a necklace or as an added attraction to your ensemble.
Hats that have a western vibe are also the perfect things to accessorize with. Heck, even Her Royal Highness Kate Middleton, has been photographed sporting a rough-hewn hat look. Traditional cowboy hats are a little stiff for my taste, so something worn in and a little frayed could look fantastic. Try to find one that fits you, and your facial shape, as there is no one size fits all with cowboy hats.
Hankies of all colors and western style kerchiefs can also be worn as headgear and neckwear to boot! (A little joke there….)
Yee haw!! With these tips for inspiration, you should circle your wagons around the Goodwill Store & Donation Center near you, and see what marvelous items you can find to bring home to your fabulous fashion corral!
askbjorn@goodwillsew.com
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