Giddy up – Western fashion has gone majorly mainstream for Spring/Summer ’24.
Granted, the Western style of dressing is by no means a trend; it’s a utilitarian style that dates back centuries to traditional American cowboy culture, via Native American and Mexican influences. Elements of this timeless aesthetic have long entered modern styles of dressing (double denim, anyone?) – but 2024 has seen a surge of rootin’ tootin’ pieces that truly take the movement to the next level.
Undoubtedly influenced by country music having a mainstream moment – from Beyonce’s record-breaking Cowboy Carter album to Lana Del Rey and Post Malone following suit with a new country sound – Western fashion is officially going worldwide. And the rising trend of ‘concert dressing’ (be it for fans at Taylor Swift’s ‘Eras’ run, Harry Styles’ ‘Love On Tour’ or Beyonce’s equally mesmerizing ‘Renaissance’ world tour) has also brought about the resurgence of glitzy cowboy boots and hats amongst younger shoppers.
From high-end to high street, brands have followed suit with a bevy of country-inspired classics – and unsurprisingly, leather fabrics heavily guest star. Whether you wear it all or pick a nod, here are the key pieces you need on your radar…
The cowboy boots
Fashion’s version of the traditional cowboy boot has been a rumbling trend for the past few years, but this season’s are officially the moment. Isabel Marant, Paris Texas and Ganni are amongst those leading the charge, but COS also offer a chic pair in chrome-free leather. Look to Emily Ratajkowski and Bella Hadid – who wear them with everything from floaty dresses to denim shorts – for styling ideas.
The Western jacket
A little fringing never hurt nobody, right? Particularly useful for shimmying at festivals, the fringe jacket is an icon of Westernwear – and pairs flawlessly with worn-in denim and shirting. Suede is the obvious choice, as demonstrated by Reformation and Ralph Lauren, but look to smaller designers such as DanCassab for leather versions in the colours of the season.
The leather trousers
At Louis Vuitton’s rodeo-inspired menswear show for AW24, the statement trouser reigned supreme – from lasso-adorned patched leathers to ultra-embroidered chaps. In fact, chaps were also seen at Sportmax, Dsquared2 and Vaquero, though the perhaps more wearable way to nod to the look is with a distressed leather trouser – be it Manokhi’s cut-out pair or these toffee-toned pants from NBD.
The studded belt
Western-mania goes hand-in-hand with this year’s biggest belt trends – of which there are many – and big-buckled styles are going nowhere. It’s all about studded leather cinchers from the likes of Khaite, or statement-hardwear styles worn mid-waist or lower – with well-loved denim, of course.
The cowboy hat
Granted, this might not be one for everyday wear for the majority – but cowboy hats aren’t just for festivals and Beyoncé concerts. Leather styles feel a little less cosplay and a little more countryside for those embracing the look here in the UK – this chocolate brown Jaxon & James number is just the ticket.
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