How To Dress Like A Cowboy: A Basic Guide - Onya Magazine

Wearing western wear is fun and better yet, it’s always in style! Although this style of dress is most common and popular in the south and western United States, it can work anywhere across the country or truly, anywhere in the world.

Whether you are choosing to dress this way on a vacation or trip somewhere, for a special occasion, or even on a regular and consistent basis, you came to the right place to learn the basics. 

If you want to learn how to dress like a cowboy (or cowgirl!), read on. This post will tell you everything that you need to know to get started.

The Basics of Dressing Like a Cowboy

We’ve all seen westerns in the movies or on television, and we’re all familiar with historical figures and fictional characters who dressed in a western style. Therefore, all of us have a general idea of the basics of western wear. 

However, dressing like a cowboy isn’t just a style, but a way of life. When it comes to western wear, there are a few fashion philosophies that always stand true.

First, a cowboy’s clothing is comfortable. Long ago, when cowboys actually herded cattle on horseback, they spent long days in the saddle traversing rough terrain. They wanted to wear clothing that was loose but not too loose, and that offered the comfort and flexibility they needed to do their jobs.

Second, the clothing they chose for the job needed to be durable. Again, cowboys work with horses and cattle in the outdoors in all sorts of weather so they want their clothing to be long-lasting as well as comfortable.

How to Dress Like a Cowboy

Learning how to dress like a cowboy is simple. While keeping the philosophies of fashion above in mind, choose comfortable, durable clothing with a western flair. 

Most cowboys wear blue jeans, but any pants will do. Leather belts with fancy belt buckles offer an opportunity for self-expression at waist height. Shorts, however, are rarely appropriate for wrangling livestock. Women who wish to dress like cowgirls can also wear jeans, but a medium-length, loose skirt can work, too. 

For both men and women, shirts are usually of the button-down variety with collars. You’ll see a wide range of color options available in western wear, but natural colors are popular, as are plaids and ginghams.

Some cowboys like to wear bolo ties, especially to formal events. Some country western outfits are made for wearing in the great outdoors, and some are made for fancier occasions.

When it comes to western wear, though, the most important pieces are at the top and bottom of the body. You simply cannot dress like a cowboy without cowboy boots and a cowboy hat. These items come at a wide variety of price points and you may be surprised to learn how high they can go. In this realm, you get what you pay for, so if you plan on dressing like a cowboy on a regular basis, you will likely want to make a big investment here.

Dress Like a Cowboy and Make a Long-Lasting Impression

Now that you know how to dress like a cowboy, what’s holding you back? Get your boots, hat, blue jeans, and other accessories and get out there and make a fashion statement. Whether you decide to do this just once or on an ongoing basis, you’ll be glad you did. 

If you want to read more great posts about living your best life in a way that makes sense to you, check out the Lifestyle section of our site.