Trend Alert! Western Wear

The cowboy look as been fluctuating in-and-out of the fashion spectrum, but with Spring here and Summer quickly approaching- this look is coming back and is more promising than ever! Everything Western is in- from studded cuffs, to plaid button-ups, to cowboy boots, and they are all being featured in fashion magazines and are being worn by celebs. Make sure you keep everything in moderation (i.e. don't look like you're wearing a costume) and have fun with it! You can get inspiration from everywhere (see below!)

Elements of Western...

Plaid. This can be in any form, really, but I personally prefer plaid items on top pieces rather than bottoms. Here are a selection of plaid tops, tunics, and dresses to help diversify your perspective on plaid. I would try and stick with one plaid piece per outfit. Denim and solid colored bottoms- such as leggings and skinny jeans- are always a classic compliment to plaid.

Extra Tip: I found the best variety of plaid for the best price from Forever 21. Both in-store and online, they have a HUGE selection.
Powered by shopstyle.com
1) Anthropologie, Minka Tunic – $78
2) Wet Seal, Chiffon Plaid Dress – On Sale! $14.99
3) Forever 21, Plaid Woven Shirt – $27.80
4) Forever 21, Emily Knit Tunic – $17.80
5) Forever 21, H81 Embroidered Plaid Top – $18.90
6) Chickdowntown.com, Tibi Maasia Plaid Belted Dress – On Sale! $231
7) Forever 21, Sheer Plaid Blouse – $19.80
8) Old Navy, Women's Plus Belted Plaid Dresses – $32.50

Cowboy Boots. This item is my personal favorite for Western ware. I have a pair that I bought almost 5 years ago for $6.99 at the local GoodWill. I love wearing my boots with sundresses and leggings (see my example below). Here are some others I've found that I believe are affordable and classic. Don't be afraid to be picky- one pair can last you a long time!
Powered by shopstyle.com
1) Endless.com, Coconuts by Matisse Long Horn Western Boot – $46.17
2) Endless.com, DV By Dolce Vita Women's Kolby Flat Mid-Calf Boot – $71
3) Aldo, Pompa – $140 (also available in tan and black)
4) Zppos.com, Ariat, Heritage Western Boot (Red Deertan) – $159.90
5) Steve Madden, Madden Girl Women's Stirup – $49.99
6) Steve Madden, Dingo Women's Dillan Cowboy Boot – $90
7) Zappos.com, Ariat, Daisy (Brown Oiled/Midnight Blue) – $126.75

Studs. Studs are fun because they add nice funky detail to just about any accessory! I like studs on clutches and belts, but here are a variety of ways you an incorporate studs into your attire!
Powered by shopstyle.com
1) Bracelet- Linea Pelle, Rounded Pyramid Stud Skinny Bracelet – $35
2) Hoodie- Delia's, Pyramid Stud Zip Hoodie – $14.99
3) Belt- Charlotte Russe, Studded Belt – $8.99
4) Shoe- Endless.com, Shellys London Women's Tara Pump – $40.50
5) Clutch- Chinese Laundry, Stud Clutch – $19.97
6) Wristlet- Express, Studded Wristlet – $13.50
7) Tank- Forever 21, Metal Studded Knit Top – $19.80
8) Earrings- Urban Outfitters, Studded Leather Earring – $28
9) Gloves- MICHAEL Michael Kors, Espresso Suede 'Astor' Studded Gloves – $54
10) Top- Design History, Black Stretch Jersey Studded Babydoll Top – $39.99

Handkerchief. Today's handkerchief is the square scarf scrunched and folded into a triangle shape that is draped around the neck. For a great instructional video on how to achieve this look, check out WhoWhatWear. Here are my top picks- all under $20! My favorites come from Arden B, but both Forever 21 and Wet Seal have a wide variety to choose from.

Powered by shopstyle.com
1) Forever 21, Striped Panel Fringe Scarf – $8.80
2) Diesel, Black Gold Fullard Black Scarf – $18
3) Forever 21, Simona Triangle Scarf – $8.80
4) Arden B, Metallic Plaid Square Scarf – $14
5) Forever 21, Paisley Dance Silk Scarf – $6.80
6) Forever 21, Digital Houndstooth Silk Scarf – $6.80
7) Arden B, Paisley Border Square Scarf – $19.50
8) Mango, Scarf Hippy C – $19.90

This is an example of what I personally would wear for a Western outfit:
Powered by shopstyle.com

Dress: Matthew Williamson, Rococco embellished silk dress – $3,200
Vest: Dillard's, Bootheel trading co. vest – $48
Necklace: Couture Candy, Danielle Stevens Jewelry Good Fortune – $42
Leggings: Elizabeth and James, Minimalist slim black pants – $245
Flat Boots: Endless.com, Old Gringo Women's L060-59 Villa Cowboy Boot – $379.95
Mule Boots: Steve Madden, Gimbal Cognac Le – $99.95

Here's an example of just having fun with it. You can get inspiration for any trend anywhere! Ah, the beauty of fashion ;D

Three Stooges!
Inspired by the picture:

Black Vest: shopbop.com, Golden Goose Studded Suede Vest – $783
Belt: True Religion, Women's Leather Belt With Studs – $143
Leopard Scarf: Forever 21, Light Leopard Scarf – $6.80
Blouse: Kohl's, Apt. 9® Origami-Pleated Blouse – $18.99
Leather Vest: Dillard's, Bootheel trading co. vest – $48
Stripe Scarf: Gap, Delicate striped scarf – $24.99
Plaid Shirt: shopbop.com, Mike & Chris Robinson Plaid Shirt – $150
Cuff Bracelet: Barneys New York, Philip Crangi Triple Ring Cuff – $2,790