There are a select few fall trends that feel as timeless and classic as Western-inspired fashion. When the crisp weather rolls in, it feels natural to slip into a suede fringe jacket or step into a sturdy cowboy boot. These Western fashion trends have a high-style flare, from rodeo-ready denim to paisley-printed prairie dresses, jean midiskirts, and more. As if straight out of a Western, this twist on rodeowear already has a cult-like following, including celebrities and street style stars. Always one to pair a feminine dress with a more masculine piece of footwear, Emily Ratajowski has recently been spotted stomping around the city streets in her own pair of black-and-white cowboy boots from Sonora, setting the trend afire.
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Stylish showgoers at Copenhagen Fashion Week SS23 took their takes on the trend as well, mixing colorful cowboy hats and boots, raw denim jeans, and Western-inspired shirting with their traditional Nordic attire. On the runways, you can always expect Isabel Marant and Etro to play into the Western genre with their collections, but Prada, Khaite, and Tory Burch have similarly taken a hint of the trend too.
A solid Western wardrobe foundation is built around eight key pieces that can be worn all together for a full look or mixed in with your other go-to fall closet essentials. À la Ratajkowski, style a paisley printed dress like one from Isabel Marant or Ulla Johnson with a pair of cowboy boots from Johanna Ortiz and Reformation. Atop your raw, rodeo-ready denim, throw on a fringe jacket from Stella McCartney or Mango. Tie your look together with accessories with a Western flare like a Saint Laurent suede belt or a Gucci cowboy hat. Giddy up!
Below, the eight best 2022 Western fashion trends 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 the Western style, from celebrities to street style stars. Classic black pairs from Johanna Ortiz and Sonora are similar to your go-to black boots for fall, but with the volume turned way up. Off-white versions from Isabel Marant and Reformation pair sweetly with a printed floral or maxi dress this fall. Brown, knee-high cowboy boots from Stella McCartney feel especially autumnal, while Khaite’s suede boot is a seasonless star.
The Denim Shirt
The denim shirt is a sleek take on traditional Western shirting. Double the denim and style with rodeo-ready jeans. Saint Laurent and Rag & Bone’s Western denim shirts are cut for a leaner fit, which makes them the perfect mate for any bottom of your choice. Light wash versions from Nili Lotan and Wardrobe NYC appeal to a more casual aesthetic when dressed down with comfy jeans and sneakers. Utilitarian details like front flap pockets and shoulder straps make Victoria Beckham’s denim shirt a steal. Made from ivory denim, Khaite’s Birdie denim overshirt has an oversized fit, cementing it as the perfect fall layering piece.
The Rodeo-Ready Jeans
Get rodeo-ready with the help of sturdy, no-frills denim. Straight-leg cuts from Khaite and Levi’s have the cowboy stamp of approval, while flared jeans from Jeanerica and Mother are a better fit for the cowgirl. Dark wash denim from Rag & Bone and Tu Es Mon Tresor have a lived-in feel, whether you’re out in the fall sun or spending a weekday in the office. Side note: Yes, you can wear jeans in the office!
The Prairie Dress
Prairie dresses add a feminine touch to your otherwise masculine Western wardrobe. Floral and paisley prints are essential to mastering the trend, and these from Alémais, Isabel Marant, and Ulla Johnson hit that sweet spot. A great white dress is a forever fall staple, and this prairie dress from LoveShackFancy levels up to include homespun 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-attire look. We especially love this romantic drop-waist dress from Tory Burch.
The Fringe Jacket
Nothing captures the Western spirit quite like a fringe jacket. A suede-cropped version from Mother is true to the classics, while faux leather jackets from Mango and Stella McCartney are more nuanced. Plaid prints go hand-in-hand for fall, seen here on these fringe overcoats from Isabel Marant Étoile and Polo Ralph Lauren. Made from a wool blend, Maje’s fringe jacket will keep you warm against any cool fall temperatures.
The Denim Midi Skirt
To go alongside your newly purchased Western shirting, find the denim midiskirt for the perfect pairing. If last season was all about the miniskirt, then this season is all about the more mature midi. Hitting just above the knee, denim midiskirts are figure flattering. Take these from Veronica Beard, Khaite, and Frame, for example. Sea’s patchwork denim skirt sits higher on the waist. Style it with a classic white tee and sneakers. Cut from sturdy, medium wash denim, Stella McCartney’s denim midi-skirt has an A-line silhouette, which feels especially cowgirl-inspired. For those looking for some edge, find Prada’s dark wash knee-length skirt.
The Western Belt
Accessorize your rodeowear with a festive Western belt. While the belt loop matters, it’s really all about the belt buckle here. Etro finishes almost all of their bohemian-tinged looks with an equally beautiful statement belt like the one here. Similar in stature is Johanna Ortiz’s 24k gold-plated woven belt. For a more minimalist look, find sleek silver belts from Khaite, Saint Laurent, and Isabel Marant or a gold one 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 go for felt versions, like this one from Gucci or Brixton, street style stars as of late seem to gravitate towards cowboy hats made from straw. Whether on the ranch or on the city streets, this is one fall accessory to tip your hat to.
