The Best Beyoncé-Inspired Western Looks to Buy Now
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As a longtime member of the Beyhive whose guilty pleasure is country music (sue me!), today is a big day. Huge, actually, because today is the day that Beyoncé dropped the second act of Renaissance, a 27-track country album entitled Cowboy Carter. After initially announcing the project during the Super Bowl, the star later explained its origin in a lengthy Instagram post. “This album has been over five years in the making,” she wrote. “It was born out of an experience that I had years ago where I did not feel welcomed … and it was very clear that I wasn’t. But, because of that experience, I did a deeper dive into the history of Country music and studied our rich musical archive.”
In the post, Beyoncé also noted that she does not consider Cowboy Carter — which includes features from Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, and Miley Cyrus — to be a country album; to her, it’s just a Beyoncé album. Still, the cover art and promotional materials scream otherwise. She’s been giving us rodeo-cowgirl couture for weeks, most notably at the Grammy’s in head-to-toe Louis Vuitton by Pharrell, on the cover art for “Texas Hold ’Em” and “16 Carriages,” and in several Instagram photos posted before the album dropped.
Whether or not Cowboy Carter is actually a country album is still up for debate, but its inevitable influence on fashion and the culture at large is not. It’s time to invest in a pair of cowboy boots because the western aesthetic is about to be everywhere (especially since Bella Hadid is also embracing her inner horse girl as of late). To help kick-start your cowgirl era, we rounded up the best western-inspired pieces to add to your wardrobe right now. Read on to shop our favorite denim corsets, fringe skirts, studded jackets, bolo ties, cowboy hats, and more.
The Best Western Tops
Whether you’re looking for a corset, a crop top, or a collared shirt, these denim pieces are western-inspired without being overtly yeehaw — the modern cuts, metal hardware, and top stitching make them feel fresh and fashion forward.
The Best Western Denim
If you want to partake in the western trend but don’t want to wear real chaps (which is totally understandable), try these jeans that create the illusion of chaps with thoughtfully placed panels, embroidery, and cutouts.
The Best Western Skirts and Dresses
Denim, fringe, and suede skirts and dresses are quintessentially cowgirl; these picks are our favorites.
The Best Western Outerwear
Why opt for a standard jean jacket when these elevated versions from Mango and COS exist? For those who prefer leather, this Sandro jacket that features a boxy shape and embroidered motifs embellished with studs is a standout (plus, it’s 55 percent off right now!).
The Best Western Accessories
Prada’s leather bolo tie is probably the best piece on this entire list, but if it’s too literal for your liking, try a black cowboy hat or a cool belt with an oversize buckle instead.
The Best Western Shoes
You absolutely must own a pair of cowboy boots if you want to participate in this trend. Shop Paris Texas if you’re looking for classic silhouettes with unexpected design details or Staud if you prefer a modern take on the traditional cowboy boot. In the mood to splurge? You can’t go wrong with these python-scale-embossed mid-calf boots by Khaite.