Westworld may be on hiatus until the series returns to HBO in (ugh) 2018, but that doesn’t mean we have to wait until then to channel our inner cowgirl.
The spring 2017 runways proved that the cowgirl is about to have a major fashion moment. "Western-inspired" was one of the biggest trends of NYFW, with labels like Coach, Anna Sui, and Rodarte jumping on board. That said, everything from John Wayne-inspired button-downs to saloon girl ruffles will soon be hitting the street style circuits.
However, cowboy-influenced anything has a tendency to look costumey. So why not reinterpret the trend subtly with a modern, urban twist? The runways aren’t necessarily meant to be taken literally, anyway, and it's totally possible to give the Wild Wild West an update, making it suitable for the streets of Manhattan.
Click through the gallery below for our take on the Western aesthetic, no cowboy hats or boots required.
Photographer: Meredith Jenkins
Stylist: Alison Lewis
Hair: Clara Leonard
Makeup: Tiffany Leigh Patton
Model: Mila Ganame at Next
It’s all about the (side) details
Pants with side detailing, such as ruffles, modernize the classic cowboy chaps. While the pants alone may not necessarily read as Western, when paired with a plaid button-down and an oversize denim jacket, they’re instantly transformed into a saloon-ready look.
Mila is wearing a Jennifer Chun jacket, Kelsey Randall top, Nika Tang pants, and French Connection shoes.
Style a western shirt into your look
The Western-inspired button-down shirt is the easiest way to incorporate this trend into any outfit. Pair one of your choice with more modern pieces, such as a color-blocked skirt and buckled sandals, to keep it contemporary.
Mila is wearing a Nika Tang top, I Waited For You skirt, and Via Spiga shoes.
Toughen up your look with oversize leather
Leather jackets have the ability to give any look a "rough around the edges" feel. An oversize leather trench has the same effect on a sweeter, more feminine Western look (a midi skirt, ruffled socks, and buckled boots), but still keeps things ladylike.
Mila is wearing a Nika Tang jacket and top, Jennifer Chun skirt, French Connection shoes, and Topshop socks.
Throw on shearling accents
Shearling accent pieces (of course, we’re full supporters of faux shearling here) can add a bit of the Wild West to any outfit. However, if you're looking to go full-on Dale Evans, try pairing a vest with other Western staples, such as a denim skirt or a cowboy-inspired hat, with more updated silhouettes.
Mila is wearing a House of 950 dress, I Waited For You top, Jennifer Chun dress, and Clyde hat.
Pointy toe shoes are a subtle nod to the cowboy boot
Cowboy boots may not be your thing, and that’s okay. Throw on a pair of pointed toe shoes with your favorite fringed pieces for a look that’s Western without being too in-your-face.
Mila is wearing a Mozh Mozh sweater, J. Papa Dress, Jennifer Chun shirt, and Topshop shoes.
Layer on appropriate jewelry
Pile on Western-inspired jewelry for that final touch. Think: oversize turquoise pieces mixed with tons of chunky gemstones and engraved metal detailing.
Mila is wearing a Mozh Mozh sweater, J. Papa Dress, Jennifer Chun shirt, and stylist's own vintage rings.
